Los Angeles acquired defensive back and returner Ron Smith…
Los Angeles acquired defensive back and returner Ron Smith from Atlanta in January 1968. George Allen later explained that the Rams used the second-round pick obtained from Green Bay in the Ben Wilson trade to get Smith. Atlanta's draft history identifies that pick as No. 53, John Wright. Smith started 25 games over two Rams seasons and scored on a 94-yard kickoff return; Wright played five scoreless games for Atlanta. The Rams retain the B/C+ win.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 1968 second round pick (#53-John Wright)
Los Angeles Rams Received
- player Ron Smith
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The Rams acquired Ron Smith from Atlanta in early 1968, and the consideration can now be identified precisely. After Smith's 94-yard kickoff-return touchdown against St. Louis that September, Rams coach George Allen explained the chain to the Associated Press: Los Angeles had received a second-round choice from Green Bay for Ben Wilson and then sent that choice to Atlanta for Smith. Falcons draft history identifies John Wright, No. 53 overall in 1968, as coming from Green Bay through Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles received much more than a short-term return specialist. Smith started all 14 games in 1968 and 11 more in 1969. Across those two Rams seasons he intercepted six passes. He also returned 26 kickoffs for 718 yards in 1968, including the 94-yard touchdown that prompted Allen to recount the trade. In 1969 he added an interception-return touchdown. For the scale of the deal, two seasons of starting secondary play plus meaningful return value support the Rams' B grade.
Atlanta Falcons Return
Atlanta used the second-round pick on Wright. He appeared in five games for the Falcons in 1968 but recorded no receptions before continuing his career with Detroit in 1969. The Falcons therefore received a valuable draft slot, but the player selected there produced little direct value for Atlanta. C+ recognizes the quality of the asset without crediting the club for Wright's later Detroit production.
Value in Hindsight
The evidence identifies the consideration more precisely than a generic high draft choice. It was the Green Bay second-rounder routed through Los Angeles, and Atlanta used it at No. 53. Against that specific return, Smith's two productive Rams seasons create clear separation in realized value.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles Rams Win. The Rams remain B and Atlanta remains C+. Smith delivered starting defense, interceptions and return-game impact; Atlanta's No. 53 choice did not generate comparable value for the Falcons.