Cleveland Browns received 1968 third round pick (#64-Harry…
Cleveland Browns received 1968 third round pick (#64-Harry Olszewski) and 1968 tenth round pick (#255-James Greer) from Pittsburgh Steelers for John Brown (Calvin). Cleveland used the two 1968 selections on Harry Olszewski and James Greer, neither of whom supplied comparable NFL value. Across the complete player and draft outcomes, the exchange supports the Pittsburgh Steelers Win verdict while still crediting the other club for the useful value it realized.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1968 third round pick (#64-Harry Olszewski)
- pick 1968 tenth round pick (#255-James Greer)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player John Brown (Calvin)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On 1967-08-03, Cleveland Browns received 1968 third round pick (#64-Harry Olszewski) and 1968 tenth round pick (#255-James Greer), while Pittsburgh Steelers received John Brown (Calvin). Cleveland's draft history explicitly links both 1968 selections to the John Brown trade. The exchange is best judged by what those assets actually became for the acquiring clubs, rather than by the apparent size of each package on the day of the deal.
What Cleveland Browns Got
Cleveland received the 64th and 255th selections in the 1968 draft, using them on Harry Olszewski and James Greer. Neither selection generated comparable NFL production for the Browns. That outcome gives the Cleveland Browns side a clear basis for its D grade. The value here is tied to real roster contribution, draft conversion, durability and the length of time the acquired assets helped the club. Short stays and assets that never reached the field count far less than multi-season production.
What Pittsburgh Steelers Got
John Brown immediately became useful offensive-line value for Pittsburgh. He started extensively over five seasons with the Steelers and gave the club far more NFL service than the draft return ultimately produced for Cleveland. That result supports a B+ grade for Pittsburgh Steelers. The comparison also accounts for timing: immediate production can matter even when it does not last, while draft capital becomes especially valuable when it turns into a long-term starter or when the player sent away performs at a high level for years.
Final Verdict
The final judgment is Pittsburgh Steelers Win. The decisive factor is the gap in realized football value between the two returns, not simply the number of names or picks exchanged. Cleveland Browns earns a D, while Pittsburgh Steelers earns a B+. The result reflects the full historical arc of the players and selections involved and leaves room for useful short-term contributions on the losing side without treating them as equal to the stronger long-term return.