Los Angeles acquired the negotiating rights to Mike Dennis…
Los Angeles acquired the negotiating rights to Mike Dennis from Atlanta in 1966 for a sixth-round choice. The Rams' own 1969 media guide confirms that price, and Falcons draft records identify the transferred selection as 1967 No. 148, Gene Snipes. Dennis later produced 136 rushing yards and 53 receiving yards for the 1968 Rams. Snipes did not become an Atlanta regular-season contributor, leaving Los Angeles with the stronger realized return and the existing B/C+ verdict.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1967 sixth round pick (#148-Gene Snipes)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Mike Dennis
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Los Angeles obtained the negotiating rights to running back Mike Dennis from Atlanta in 1966. The Rams' 1969 media guide states directly that the club traded a sixth-round choice to Atlanta for those rights. Atlanta's own draft history then identifies Gene Snipes as a 1967 sixth-round selection received from Los Angeles, and the league draft ledger places Snipes at No. 148. That resolves the previously qualified pick identity.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles did not receive instant value. Dennis suffered a knee injury, missed 1966, was released in 1967 and later rejoined the Rams. In 1968 he finally contributed as a reserve, playing 14 games with 29 carries for 136 yards, a 4.7-yard average, plus eight receptions for 53 yards. He appeared once more for Los Angeles in 1969. The production was modest, but it was concrete NFL value from a player whose rights cost a sixth-round choice. The Rams retain a B within the scale of this minor deal.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta received the choice that became No. 148 Gene Snipes. Falcons draft records specifically mark Snipes as coming from Los Angeles. Snipes did not develop into a regular-season statistical contributor for Atlanta, so the selection produced less realized football value than Dennis eventually provided the Rams. Atlanta's C+ reflects a legitimate sixth-round asset whose on-field return was limited.
Value in Hindsight
The evidence establishes the pick identity without qualification. The Rams document surrendering a sixth-round choice, the Falcons document Snipes as coming from Los Angeles, and the 1967 draft ledger places him at the corresponding No. 148 slot. The chain is sufficiently established to name the selection without treating Snipes as a player directly traded in the exchange.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles Rams Win. Los Angeles remains B and Atlanta remains C+. Dennis' eventual reserve production exceeded the football value Atlanta realized from No. 148.