Miami acquired linebacker Bob Brudzinski and the 1981…
Miami acquired linebacker Bob Brudzinski and the 1981 second-round pick used on fullback Andra Franklin, producing two major contributors. Brudzinski started for years and Franklin rushed for 2,232 yards with a Pro Bowl season. Los Angeles received the picks that included linebacker Jim Collins plus valuable selections later moved in other deals. Collins became a Pro Bowler and long-term Rams starter. Both organizations built substantial value, supporting an Even Trade.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1981 second round pick (#43-Jim Collins)
- pick 1981 third round pick (#69-Russ Grimm)
- pick 1982 second round pick (#44) [later traded with Lewis Gilbert and 1982 third round pick (#77-Robert Abraham) to Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans for Mike Barber (Dwayne), 1982 third round pick (#67-Bill Bechtold) and 1982 eighth round pick (#207-Mile Reilly)]
Miami Dolphins Received
- player Bob Brudzinski
- pick 1981 second round pick (#56-Andra Franklin)
Trade Analysis
Why Miami Wanted Brudzinski
The Dolphins were adding a proven linebacker to a defense that would become one of the league's strongest units. Brudzinski immediately started 16 games in 1981 and remained with Miami through 1989. He gave the Dolphins years of defensive continuity rather than a short veteran rental.
What Miami Added in the Draft
Miami also received the 56th pick and selected fullback Andra Franklin. Franklin rushed for 2,232 yards and 22 touchdowns in four Dolphins seasons. He made the Pro Bowl in 1982 after running for 701 yards and seven touchdowns, giving Miami a second substantial contributor from the same transaction.
How Los Angeles Built Its Return
The Rams' immediate second-round pick, No. 43, became linebacker Jim Collins. Collins played 80 games for Los Angeles, started 67, earned second-team All-Pro recognition in 1984 and made the Pro Bowl in 1985. The Rams also received the No. 69 pick and a 1982 second-rounder, assets that were moved in later transactions rather than simply disappearing.
Why Both Sides Grade Well
Miami received two players who mattered for multiple seasons, including Brudzinski as a long-term defensive starter and Franklin as a productive runner. Los Angeles found a high-level linebacker in Collins and retained additional draft capital that could be redeployed. The deal generated real, sustained football value in both directions.
Final Verdict
Both teams earn an A-. Miami's combination of Brudzinski and Franklin is an excellent return, while Los Angeles landed a Pro Bowl linebacker and additional valuable picks. The downstream paths are complicated, but the direct team-specific production is strong on both sides and does not justify forcing a winner.