Los Angeles sent Cleveland its 1984 second-round pick for the…
Los Angeles sent Cleveland its 1984 second-round pick for the exclusive negotiating rights to sprinter and wide receiver Ron Brown, whom the Browns had drafted in 1983. Cleveland used No. 48 on defensive back Chris Rockins. Rockins became a useful four-year contributor, but Brown developed into an All-Pro returner and multi-year Rams weapon, giving Los Angeles the stronger long-term payoff.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 1984 second round pick (#48-Chris Rockins)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- other rights to Ron Brown (James)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
On April 27, 1984, Los Angeles acquired the exclusive negotiating rights to wide receiver and Olympic sprinter Ron Brown from Cleveland. Contemporary reporting described the compensation as the Rams' second-round choice in the upcoming draft. Cleveland's official draft history identifies that pick as No. 48 and says it was acquired from Los Angeles for Brown's negotiating rights. The Browns then selected Oklahoma State defensive back Chris Rockins.
What Los Angeles Received
Brown gave the Rams a rare speed element on offense and special teams. NFL records credit him with 100 career games, 32 starts, 98 receptions for 1,791 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. His biggest impact came as a returner. In 1985 he returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, earned first-team All-Pro honors and made the Pro Bowl. He later added another kickoff-return touchdown and remained a Rams contributor across multiple seasons.
What Cleveland Received
Rockins was far from a wasted second-round pick. He played 60 regular-season games for Cleveland, intercepted six passes and contributed during a strong period for the Browns. His four-year run gave Cleveland credible defensive value from the selection and keeps the deal from being one-sided.
How the Value Aged
The difference is peak impact. Rockins became a useful defensive back, but Brown provided a game-changing return threat, starting-caliber receiving seasons and an All-Pro peak. Los Angeles turned negotiating rights into a player who created touchdowns in multiple phases and stayed relevant for years.
Final Verdict
The Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams Win. Los Angeles receives an A- for securing Brown's high-end and multi-season value, while Cleveland earns a B- because Rockins still became a productive NFL player. Both sides got real value, but Brown's peak clearly separates the outcomes.