Pittsburgh acquired tackle Charlie Bradshaw from Los Angeles…
Pittsburgh acquired tackle Charlie Bradshaw from Los Angeles on September 12, 1961, for the Steelers’ 1962 third-round pick, No. 33 overall. Bradshaw became a six-year Pittsburgh fixture, appearing in 82 games with 80 starts and earning Pro Bowl recognition in 1963 and 1964. The Rams used the pick on tackle John Cornett, who did not produce comparable NFL value. Pittsburgh turned a third-rounder into a long-term starting tackle.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1962 third round pick (#33-John Cornett)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Charles Bradshaw / Charlie Bradshaw
Trade Analysis
Why the Trade Happened
Charlie Bradshaw had already spent three seasons with the Rams when Los Angeles moved him to Pittsburgh on September 12, 1961. The return was a future third-round choice, a reasonable asset for a veteran tackle in an era when clubs frequently used draft capital to rebalance depth. Draft-transaction records tie that pick directly to No. 33 in the 1962 draft, where Los Angeles selected Rice tackle John Cornett.
What Pittsburgh Received
The Steelers landed much more than short-term depth. Bradshaw stepped in at right tackle in 1961 and appeared in 12 games that season. Over six Pittsburgh seasons he played 82 games and started 80, according to Pro Football Reference. His best stretch included Pro Bowl selections in 1963 and 1964, and his Pittsburgh tenure produced far more stability than a typical third-round acquisition. He remained with the Steelers through 1966 before finishing his career in Detroit.
What Los Angeles Received
The Rams used the acquired third-round pick on Cornett. Multiple draft records confirm No. 33 came from Pittsburgh in the Bradshaw trade. Cornett did not generate a meaningful NFL career comparable to the player Los Angeles surrendered. Whatever developmental upside the pick carried on draft day, the realized result was a stark contrast with Bradshaw’s six seasons of starting-caliber work in Pittsburgh.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh Steelers Win. Giving up a third-round selection for a tackle who became an 80-start Steeler and two-time Pro Bowler is excellent realized value. Los Angeles received legitimate draft capital, so the process itself was defensible, but the selected player did not offset Bradshaw’s production. Pittsburgh earns an A- for acquiring a long-term starter at a modest price; the Rams receive a D because the return failed to develop into comparable on-field value.