Los Angeles received the rights to Nick Bolkovac and a 1953…
Los Angeles received the rights to Nick Bolkovac and a 1953 sixth-round pick that became Paul Miller. Those assets gave the Rams future options, but the documented football return is less substantial than Washington's immediate benefit from Joe Moss. The Rams' side therefore grades as a modest return rather than a clear long-term success.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- other rights to Nick Bolkovac
- pick 1953 sixth round pick (#64- Paul Miller )
Washington Commanders Received
- player Joe Moss
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On July 11, 1952, Los Angeles sent Joe Moss to Washington for the rights to Nick Bolkovac and a 1953 sixth-round pick later used on Paul Miller. The structure was a straightforward choice between immediate veteran service and future roster options. Washington chose the known player, while the Rams accepted rights and draft capital that could develop later.
Los Angeles Rams Return
The Rams received two forms of future value: Bolkovac's rights and a sixth-round selection. That gave Los Angeles more than a single speculative asset, but the documented payoff from those pieces is limited compared with Moss' immediate Washington role. A C grade recognizes that the Rams obtained legitimate consideration without showing a comparable stretch of clear on-field production from the return.
Washington Commanders Return
Washington received the most tangible outcome in the deal. Moss started all 12 games for the club in 1952, meaning the acquisition immediately filled a real lineup role for an entire season. That kind of direct service is especially persuasive in a minor historical trade because it does not depend on projecting what rights or a later pick might eventually become.
Value in Hindsight
Los Angeles had a reasonable asset-building idea, and the sixth-round pick at least preserved future choice. Washington, however, turned its side of the exchange into guaranteed starting snaps immediately. With no similarly strong documented result from the Rams' return, the balance tips toward the club that received the proven player and used him extensively right away.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles receives a C and Washington receives a B-. The Commanders win because Moss delivered a full season of starting value in 1952, while the Rams' rights-and-pick package produced a less clearly documented football return.