Washington acquired guard Cornelius Johnson and a 1975…
Washington acquired guard Cornelius Johnson and a 1975 seventeenth-round selection from Baltimore for running back George Nock and 1974 seventeenth-round No. 436 Buzzy Lewis. Nock never became a Colts contributor, while the late-round assets and Johnson produced little durable separation. The modest, low-leverage returns support an even grade once the distinct Ed Mooney transaction is kept separate.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player George Nock
- pick 1974 17th round pick (#436-Buzzy Lewis)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Cornelius Johnson / Corny Johnson
- pick 1975 17th round pick (selection not identified)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Washington and Baltimore made this transaction on January 30, 1974. Washington received Cornelius Johnson and a 1975 seventeenth-round selection whose final identity is not established. Baltimore received George Nock and 1974 seventeenth-round No. 436 Buzzy Lewis. This exchange stands on its own and does not include the separate Ed Mooney-for-Bob Bobrowski transaction made between the clubs that day. Washington Return Johnson gave Washington an experienced offensive lineman, while the future seventeenth-round choice added a small amount of draft value. The pick was so late that its upside was naturally limited, and the surviving evidence does not establish a major player outcome from it. Washington therefore received plausible roster utility, but not the type of return that creates a strong hindsight advantage. Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts Return Baltimore acquired Nock and used No. 436 on Buzzy Lewis. Nock had previously been part of Washington's 1972 NFC championship roster, but knee trouble interrupted his career and he did not become a meaningful Colts contributor after the move. Lewis was a late-round selection rather than a premium asset. Baltimore's package consequently offered possibilities without producing a durable edge. Value in Hindsight Neither side turned the exchange into significant long-term value. Washington obtained a veteran lineman plus a very late future choice, while Baltimore received an injured veteran back and another seventeenth-round selection. The absence of a major contributor on either side matters more than the nominal number of assets. Keeping the two January 30 deals separate also prevents the Ed Mooney return from distorting this comparison. Final Verdict Washington and Baltimore each receive a C. The transaction produced modest roster and draft value, but no strong evidence of lasting separation. Nock's lack of Colts impact limits Baltimore, while Johnson and the unidentified seventeenth-round selection do not create a compelling Washington win. On the direct assets alone, an Even Trade is the most defensible conclusion.