Cleveland acquired the rights to No. 1 overall pick Ernie…
Cleveland acquired the rights to No. 1 overall pick Ernie Davis from Washington for star back Bobby Mitchell and the rights to Leroy Jackson. Davis was diagnosed with leukemia and tragically never played an NFL regular-season game. Mitchell became a Hall of Fame receiver in Washington, immediately leading the league in receiving yards in 1962 and remaining one of the franchise's defining stars of the decade.
Cleveland Browns Received
- other rights to Ernie Davis
Washington Commanders Received
- player Bobby Mitchell
- other rights to Leroy Jackson
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Did
Cleveland acquired the rights to Syracuse star Ernie Davis, the first overall selection in the 1962 draft, from Washington. In return, Washington received Bobby Mitchell and the rights to Leroy Jackson. The Browns envisioned pairing Davis, the first Black Heisman Trophy winner, with Jim Brown in a potentially historic backfield. Tragically, Davis was diagnosed with leukemia and died in 1963 without appearing in an NFL regular-season game.
Why Washington Received a Hall of Famer
Mitchell was already an accomplished player in Cleveland, but his Washington career elevated him further. In 1962 he caught 72 passes for 1,384 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the league in receiving yards. He made three Pro Bowls with Washington and became a Pro Football Hall of Famer. His arrival also carried enormous historical significance as Washington integrated its roster, though this grade focuses on the football value produced after the transaction.
How Cleveland's Outcome Became Tragic
The Browns' F grade reflects realized on-field return, not the reason Davis could not play and not the quality of the player Cleveland sought. Davis was an extraordinary prospect whose illness was unforeseeable. Cleveland acquired his rights in good faith, but the franchise received no regular-season production from the centerpiece of the deal while surrendering a star who had many elite seasons ahead of him.
Final Verdict
Washington wins with an A+ because Mitchell became a Hall of Fame receiver and immediate offensive centerpiece. Cleveland receives an F strictly for the football value ultimately realized from the trade, which was none from Davis through circumstances entirely beyond his control. It is one of the saddest outcome gaps in league history, and any evaluation should separate that tragic reality from the wisdom of Cleveland's original decision.