The Rams moved down two spots in the 1997 second round,…
The Rams moved down two spots in the 1997 second round, sending No. 38 to Chicago for No. 40 and a sixth-round pick. St. Louis selected cornerback Dexter McCleon at No. 40, and he became a long-term starter who played 148 NFL games and won a Super Bowl with the Rams. Chicago selected John Allred, whose career was far more limited.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 1997 2nd round pick (38th overall, John Allred)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1997 2nd round pick (40th overall, Dexter McCleon)
- pick 1997 6th round pick (173rd overall; subsequently traded to Miami)
Trade Analysis
Why Chicago Moved Up Two Spots
During the second round of the 1997 draft, Chicago sent the 40th pick and a sixth-round choice, No. 173, to the Rams for No. 38. The Bears selected tight end John Allred. St. Louis stayed almost exactly where it had been, gained an extra pick and used No. 40 on cornerback Dexter McCleon. The small movement in draft position makes the eventual difference in player outcomes especially striking.
What McCleon Became for the Rams
McCleon developed into a long-term NFL defensive back. He played 148 career games, intercepted 31 passes and won a Super Bowl with the Rams. He became a regular starter during the franchise’s championship period and later continued his career in Kansas City and Houston. St. Louis therefore gave up only two draft slots yet still landed the clearly superior player at a valuable defensive position.
What Chicago Received From Allred
Allred played 53 NFL games and finished with 30 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns. He did provide several seasons of depth, but he never developed into a major offensive weapon or high-level starter. The Bears also surrendered the sixth-rounder used in the trade. St. Louis later moved that No. 173 selection to Miami as part of another draft-day deal, so the Rams should not be credited with Mike Crawford simply because he was eventually selected at that slot.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams Win. The Rams earn an A- for moving down two spots, adding another asset and still selecting Dexter McCleon, a long-term starter and championship contributor. Chicago receives a D+ because the move up produced a modest-career tight end while costing extra draft capital. This is a strong example of a small trade-down creating a large difference in realized football value.