Oakland acquired cornerback Monte Jackson and received a…
Oakland acquired cornerback Monte Jackson and received a proven starter who remained useful through the Raiders’ Super Bowl XV season. That was meaningful short-term value, but the price was three draft choices, and Los Angeles ultimately found far more durable value in the package, especially with the selection that became standout cornerback LeRoy Irvin.
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Monte Jackson
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1979 first round pick (#19-George Andrews)
- pick 1980 third round pick (#70-LeRoy Irvin)
- pick 1981 second round pick (#56; later dealt to Miami, which used it on Andra Franklin)
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Oakland bought immediate secondary help by acquiring Monte Jackson from the Rams on August 21, 1978. Los Angeles received a 1979 first-round choice, a 1980 third-round choice and a 1981 second-round choice. The first became linebacker George Andrews, while the third-rounder became cornerback LeRoy Irvin. The 1981 second-round selection was later sent to Miami, which used it on running back Andra Franklin, so Franklin should not be treated as a Rams draftee from this deal.
Why the Rams Get the Edge
Jackson was not an empty return for Oakland. He had already established himself as a quality cornerback and continued to start for the Raiders, including during the franchise’s Super Bowl XV championship season. That makes Oakland’s side respectable. Los Angeles, however, converted the deal into multiple years of inexpensive roster control and struck especially well with Irvin. Irvin became a long-term Rams starter and one of the league’s better defensive backs, earning major postseason honors and giving the club a centerpiece whose value outlasted Jackson’s Oakland tenure.
How the Return Held Up
The draft package also had useful breadth. Andrews became a regular contributor, and even though Los Angeles did not ultimately exercise the 1981 second-round pick, the choice retained trade value before being moved. This is the kind of veteran-for-picks exchange in which the buyer can still be pleased while the seller wins decisively in hindsight. Oakland got a player who helped a contender; the Rams obtained the larger pool of long-term value.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles earns an A+ because Irvin alone became an exceptional payoff and the surrounding picks added meaningful value. Oakland stays at B because Jackson was a legitimate starter and championship contributor, not a failed acquisition. The Rams nevertheless won the trade on longevity, peak performance and total return.