The Rams acquired Grant Williams and received three seasons…
The Rams acquired Grant Williams and received three seasons of useful offensive-line service. Williams appeared in 37 games with 14 starts for St. Louis from 2002 through 2004, giving the club dependable depth and occasional starting work. That direct on-field contribution was meaningful for the cost and ultimately exceeded the practical value New England realized after moving the acquired seventh-round selection again.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Grant Williams
New England Patriots Received
- pick 2003 7th round pick (225th overall subsequently traded, Todd Williams )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On 2002-08-20, Los Angeles Rams received Grant Williams, while New England Patriots received 2003 7th round pick (225th overall subsequently traded, Todd Williams). The evaluation follows the football value actually created by the consideration each club controlled. When an acquired pick was later moved again, that later transaction is treated as provenance rather than automatically credited as player value from this original exchange.
Los Angeles Rams Return
The Rams acquired Grant Williams and received three seasons of useful offensive-line service. Williams appeared in 37 games with 14 starts for St. Louis from 2002 through 2004, giving the club dependable depth and occasional starting work. That direct on-field contribution was meaningful for the cost and ultimately exceeded the practical value New England realized after moving the acquired seventh-round selection again.
New England Patriots Return
New England received the 2003 seventh-round pick at No. 225 but moved that selection again as part of another draft transaction. The asset retained some market value, yet the Patriots did not receive a direct player contribution from this original deal comparable to Grant Williams' three seasons with the Rams. The return was not worthless, but it was less substantial in realized football terms.
Value in Hindsight
The Rams acquired Grant Williams, who played 37 games with 14 starts for St. Louis from 2002 through 2004. New England received the 2003 seventh-round pick at No. 225 but moved that selection again as part of another draft trade. The Patriots retained transactional value, but the Rams received the more substantial direct football return. The comparison therefore emphasizes direct club service, starting responsibility, production, and the practical value of retained draft capital without inflating downstream transactions that required separate consideration.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles Rams receives a B and New England Patriots receives a C+. The verdict is Los Angeles Rams Win. The grade spread reflects both the scale of the original transaction and the difference in realized football value, while avoiding exaggerated penalties for modest late-round deals.