Baltimore acquired defensive lineman Ray Krouse from Detroit…
Baltimore acquired defensive lineman Ray Krouse from Detroit on July 17, 1958 for a 1959 third-round pick, No. 36 overall Ron Luciano. Krouse immediately joined a Colts defense that won back-to-back NFL championships in 1958 and 1959 and remained with Baltimore through 1959. Luciano never produced comparable NFL value for Detroit, flipping the original assessment decisively toward the Colts.
Detroit Lions Received
- pick 1959 third round pick (#36-Ron Luciano)
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Ray Krouse
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Did
Detroit sent defensive lineman Ray Krouse to Baltimore on July 17, 1958 for the Colts' third-round selection in the 1959 draft. Detroit used the No. 36 pick on Ron Luciano. The Colts' historical transaction list confirms the third-round consideration, while contemporary and player histories place Krouse's move in July rather than the March date previously attached to the row.
Why the Value Tilted
Krouse arrived at exactly the right time for Baltimore. He became part of the defense that won the 1958 NFL Championship in the famous overtime game against the Giants, then remained with the Colts for their repeat championship in 1959. He was not the singular star of those teams, but a veteran defensive lineman contributing to consecutive title clubs is substantial value from a third-round acquisition.
How the Outcome Aged
Detroit's return never matched it. Luciano was selected with the acquired third-rounder but did not establish an NFL playing career. He later became well known as a Major League Baseball umpire, an interesting career path that does not create football value for the Lions. Detroit therefore converted a championship-caliber veteran into a selection that produced no comparable on-field return.
Final Verdict
Baltimore earns an A and the win because Krouse provided immediate defensive help on two consecutive championship teams at the cost of a third-round pick. Detroit receives a D because Luciano did not deliver meaningful NFL production. The earlier Detroit-win assessment had the direction backward; once the date and downstream outcome are aligned, the Colts clearly received the more valuable football return.