The Los Angeles Rams traded linebacker Bill Jobko to…
The Los Angeles Rams traded linebacker Bill Jobko to Minnesota in 1963 for a draft choice. Historical team material supports the exchange, while the exact pick is not identified. Jobko gave Minnesota three full seasons from 1963 through 1965 before joining expansion Atlanta in 1966, providing a concrete multi-year return that outweighs an untraceable draft asset on the Rams' side.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick draft choice (exact year, round and selection not identified)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Bill Jobko
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The Los Angeles Rams sent veteran linebacker Bill Jobko to Minnesota in 1963 for a draft choice. Falcons historical material later described the move, and Jobko's career history clearly places him with the Rams through 1962 and the Vikings from 1963 through 1965. The exact draft year, round and downstream player are not established, so the Rams' return remains a draft choice without added specificity.
Minnesota Vikings Return
Minnesota obtained a proven NFL linebacker rather than a short-term camp body. Jobko had already spent five seasons with the Rams and then gave the Vikings three seasons of service. He played for Minnesota in 1963, 1964 and 1965 before joining the expansion Falcons in 1966. That sustained roster presence gives Minnesota a tangible return that can be evaluated without guessing about hidden draft details.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles gained future draft capital for a veteran it was prepared to move. That was a reasonable exchange, especially as the Rams reshaped their roster. The problem for hindsight grading is that the exact selection and its eventual outcome are not identified. The Rams deserve credit for obtaining compensation, but there is no supportable downstream success to balance directly against Jobko's three Minnesota seasons.
Value in Hindsight
Three seasons of actual NFL service provide the clearest value in this trade. Jobko was not a franchise-changing star, so Minnesota's grade should remain measured, but acquiring a dependable veteran for an unidentified draft choice worked. The Rams' side may have produced value too, yet that cannot be assumed when the selection is not traceable from the surviving evidence.
Final Verdict
Minnesota earns a B for three seasons of documented linebacker service from Jobko. Los Angeles receives a C for securing a real draft asset whose exact identity and outcome are not established. The difference is not enormous, but Minnesota has the stronger verified return, making this a Minnesota Vikings Win.