Los Angeles acquired running back Dwayne Crutchfield from…
Los Angeles acquired running back Dwayne Crutchfield from Houston on April 9, 1984 for the Rams' sixth-round pick, which became No. 161 and wide receiver Eric Mullins. Crutchfield gave the Rams 337 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in 15 games. Mullins played 13 games for Houston and caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Los Angeles produced the stronger realized return, preserving a B/C+ Rams win.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Dwayne Crutchfield
Tennessee Titans Received
- pick 1984 sixth round pick (#161-Eric Mullins)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On April 9, 1984, the Los Angeles Rams acquired running back Dwayne Crutchfield from the Houston Oilers. Contemporary UPI reporting later that spring said Los Angeles had traded its sixth-round pick to Houston for Crutchfield. The 1984 draft ledger identifies the pick: Houston used the Rams' sixth-round slot, No. 161, on wide receiver Eric Mullins.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles received a useful reserve runner for the 1984 season. Crutchfield appeared in 15 games, carried 73 times for 337 yards and a touchdown, and added two receptions for 11 yards and another score. He was not a long-term starter, but 348 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns represented tangible immediate production for a sixth-round price. That supports the Rams' B grade in the context of a modest transaction.
Houston Oilers Return
Houston turned the pick into Mullins. He appeared in 13 games as a rookie and recorded six receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. His contribution was real but brief; 1984 was his only NFL season. The Oilers therefore realized some value from the selection, just substantially less than the Rams received from Crutchfield that year. C+ remains a fair grade for a late-round pick that reached the field and scored but did not become a durable contributor.
Value in Hindsight
The key point is the documented certainty of the pick trail, not a dramatic grade gap. This was the Rams' sixth-round pick and it became No. 161 Eric Mullins, not merely a “probable” connection. With that chain established, the comparison is straightforward: one season of useful backfield production against one season of limited receiving production.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles Rams Win, B to C+. Crutchfield supplied the larger one-season contribution for Los Angeles, while Houston used the acquired sixth-round pick, No. 161, on Eric Mullins. The documented pick identity and receiving-team production support the Rams' modest grade edge.