Green Bay acquired rookie center Mike Wellman from the Rams…
Green Bay acquired rookie center Mike Wellman from the Rams for a 1981 fifth-round pick. Wellman stayed two seasons but never started, appearing in 20 games before leaving the Packers. Los Angeles gave up a recent third-rounder, yet recovered a tradable future fifth. With Green Bay receiving only reserve-level service, the Rams hold the modest hindsight edge.
Green Bay Packers Received
- player Mike Wellman
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1981 fifth round pick (#117-Byron Braggs)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On August 14, 1979, Green Bay sent a 1981 fifth-round draft choice to Los Angeles for rookie center Mike Wellman. Packers historical records and Wellman's transaction ledger agree on the date and consideration. Wellman had been the Rams' third-round selection, 81st overall, only months earlier.
Green Bay Packers Return
Green Bay needed center depth and got immediate roster availability. Wellman made the 1979 club and appeared in all 16 games, but he did not start. He returned in 1980, appeared in four more games and then went to injured reserve. Across his Packers tenure he totaled 20 regular-season appearances and zero starts. That is real depth value, but it never developed into a durable starting role.
Los Angeles Rams Return
The Rams received a 1981 fifth-round pick. The selection ultimately traces to No. 117 in the 1981 draft, even though the choice later moved again before draft day. The important trade-level fact is that Los Angeles converted a rookie who did not become a Green Bay starter into future draft capital rather than simply losing the roster asset.
Value in Hindsight
Wellman supplied two seasons of reserve work, so Green Bay did not get nothing. Still, the absence of a start and the short tenure limit the football return. A future fifth carried useful optionality and could be moved in later transactions. Because neither side landed a major player directly from this exchange, the separation should remain modest rather than exaggerated.
Final Verdict
The Rams win narrowly. Los Angeles earns a B- for recovering meaningful future draft capital from a player who became a reserve in Green Bay. The Packers earn a C because Wellman made the roster and appeared in 20 games but never became a starter.