The Rams acquired tight end Mike Barber plus 1982 picks No.…
The Rams acquired tight end Mike Barber plus 1982 picks No. 67 and No. 207 from Houston. The Oilers received Lewis Gilbert and picks No. 44 and No. 77, which became Oliver Luck and Robert Abraham. Barber gave Los Angeles several productive seasons, including 55 catches for 657 yards in 1983. Abraham became a 60-start linebacker for Houston, and Luck added quarterback depth, giving the Oilers the slight overall edge.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Mike Barber (Dwayne)
- pick 1982 third round pick (#67-Bill Bechtold)
- pick 1982 eighth round pick (#207-Mile Reilly)
Tennessee Titans Received
- player Lewis Gilbert
- pick 1982 second round pick (#44-Oliver Luck)
- pick 1982 third round pick (#77-Robert Abraham)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
This 1982 draft-day deal involved more than Mike Barber. Los Angeles received the veteran tight end plus the No. 67 and No. 207 selections. Houston received Lewis Gilbert, the No. 44 second-rounder and the No. 77 third-rounder. The Oilers used those premium choices on quarterback Oliver Luck and linebacker Robert Abraham.
What the Rams Received
Barber remained a productive receiving tight end. He started nine games in 1982, all 16 in 1983 and caught 55 passes for 657 yards and three touchdowns that second season. He stayed with Los Angeles through part of 1985. The additional picks gave the Rams more opportunities, although neither became a major long-term star.
How Houston Built Its Return
Lewis Gilbert did not provide meaningful Oilers production, but the draft choices did. Luck played 20 career games for Houston and made nine starts, supplying quarterback depth. Abraham became the centerpiece: he played 73 games for the Oilers and started 60, including 13 or more starts in four consecutive seasons from 1983 through 1986.
Why Houston Gets the Edge
Barber made the Rams' side worthwhile, so this is not lopsided. Houston's advantage comes from Abraham's long starting tenure plus Luck's reserve quarterback value. That combined production slightly exceeds the Rams' best direct return.
Final Verdict
Houston earns a B+ and Los Angeles a B. Barber gave the Rams several useful seasons, but Abraham's 60 starts created the most durable value in the deal. Luck added enough secondary value to push the overall comparison toward the Oilers.