Buffalo moved up from No. 44 to No. 37 in the 2017 second…
Buffalo moved up from No. 44 to No. 37 in the 2017 second round and selected receiver Zay Jones, also receiving pick No. 149. The Rams turned the return into tight end Gerald Everett at No. 44 and safety John Johnson III at No. 91. Jones had a productive 2018 season in Buffalo, but Los Angeles received two multi-year contributors from the trade and ultimately created the stronger direct return.
Buffalo Bills Received
- pick 2017 2nd round pick (37th overall, Zay Jones)
- pick 2017 5th round pick (149th overall, subsequently traded)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 2017 2nd round pick (44th overall, Gerald Everett)
- pick 2017 3rd round pick (91st overall, John Johnson III)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Buffalo acquired picks No. 37 and No. 149 from the Rams during the 2017 draft. The Bills selected wide receiver Zay Jones at No. 37 and later moved the fifth-round selection in another trade. Los Angeles received No. 44 and No. 91, using them on tight end Gerald Everett and safety John Johnson III. The Rams traded down seven spots in Round 2 and picked up an additional third-round choice.
Why Los Angeles Won
The Rams turned both incoming selections into players who filled meaningful roles. Everett spent four seasons in Los Angeles as an athletic receiving tight end and contributed to multiple playoff teams. Johnson became an even more valuable return, developing into a starting safety and a major member of the secondary. Buffalo did get a legitimate season from Jones in 2018, when he caught 56 passes for 652 yards and seven touchdowns, but his Bills tenure ended during the 2019 season when he was traded to Oakland.
How Buffalo Kept It Competitive
Jones was not a complete miss, and pick No. 149 retained value because Buffalo used it as part of a later move rather than wasting the selection. That makes this more competitive than a simple two-starters-versus-one-bust comparison. Still, the direct player return from the Rams' acquired choices lasted longer and filled two positions. Los Angeles gained both depth and starting-caliber production from the move down.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles earns a B+ and Buffalo a B-. The Bills identified a receiver who had one strong scoring season for them and preserved value with the extra pick. The Rams, however, produced two multi-year contributors from the picks they received, with Johnson becoming the most impactful direct asset in the exchange. Los Angeles Rams Win.