Los Angeles acquired Joe Taffoni and Cleveland’s 1972…
Los Angeles acquired Joe Taffoni and Cleveland’s 1972 third-round pick, which became Lawrence McCutcheon, for Mitch Johnson and a 1972 fifth-rounder that became Greg Kucera. Taffoni was quickly moved again, but McCutcheon became a five-time Pro Bowl running back and one of the defining Rams skill players of the decade. Cleveland’s return never approached that level, creating a clear Rams victory.
Cleveland Browns Received
- player Mitch Johnson
- pick 1972 fifth round pick (#128-Greg Kucera)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Joe Taffoni
- pick 1972 third round pick (#70-Lawrence McCutcheon)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
The Rams and Browns exchanged Joe Taffoni, Mitch Johnson and two 1972 draft choices during the summer of 1971. Cleveland sent Taffoni and its third-round selection to Los Angeles; the Browns received Johnson and a fifth-round choice that had originated with Minnesota. Draft records show those selections becoming Lawrence McCutcheon at No. 70 and Greg Kucera at No. 128.
Why the Draft Pick Mattered More Than Taffoni
Taffoni barely had time to become a Ram. Los Angeles moved him to the Giants shortly afterward, so his direct contribution was minimal. The third-round pick was the enduring prize. McCutcheon became the Rams’ featured runner, earned five Pro Bowl selections and produced 6,000-plus rushing yards for the franchise. That is exceptional realized value from a third-round asset.
What Cleveland Received
Johnson was a veteran tackle whose career was already winding down. He did not become a long-term building block for Cleveland and was moved again the next year. Kucera, the fifth-round selection, also failed to provide anything close to McCutcheon’s impact. Cleveland therefore received quantity without a comparable high-end outcome.
How the Hindsight Standard Applies
This trade is a useful reminder that the player named most prominently in a transaction is not always its most important asset. Taffoni’s stay in Los Angeles was fleeting. The Rams won because they controlled the draft choice that produced a multi-year offensive cornerstone. Cleveland’s two incoming assets did not create similar value.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles wins decisively. McCutcheon alone makes the exchange a major success for the Rams, while Cleveland’s return was short-lived and low-impact. An A for the Rams and C- for the Browns captures both the enormous draft conversion on one side and the absence of a lasting answer on the other.