Washington acquired Pro Bowl tackle Walter Rock from San…
Washington acquired Pro Bowl tackle Walter Rock from San Francisco for its 1970 first-round pick. The 49ers used No. 17 on Bruce Taylor, who won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made a Pro Bowl and spent eight seasons in San Francisco. Rock also became a multi-year Washington starter and reached Super Bowl VII, leaving both clubs with substantial value from opposite sides of the exchange.
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 1970 first round pick (#17-Bruce Taylor)
Washington Commanders Received
- player Walter Rock
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Walter Rock wanted to play closer to his Washington-area business interests and ultimately left San Francisco in September 1968. The 49ers received Washington's 1970 first-round pick, No. 17 overall, and used it on Boston University cornerback Bruce Taylor. Contemporary 49ers material identifies Taylor directly as the product of the Rock trade.
Why San Francisco Was Rewarded
Taylor became an immediate success. He won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1970, earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1972 and spent his entire eight-year career with the 49ers. He intercepted 18 passes and gave San Francisco a young defensive back at a premium position for the full life of his career. Converting an unhappy veteran into that kind of first-round result was excellent work.
How Washington Also Got Its Money's Worth
Rock was not a declining throw-in. He had already been a Pro Bowler and became a durable starter in Washington. He remained with the club through 1973 and was part of the veteran core that reached Super Bowl VII. Washington paid a first-round pick, but it received a proven tackle who filled an immediate need and contributed throughout a contending period.
Final Verdict
Neither side should be penalized simply because the other also succeeded; both clubs converted the exchange into meaningful multi-year value. This is best graded as even. San Francisco deserves credit for turning the pick into Taylor, while Washington received years of high-level offensive-line play from Rock. Both teams achieved the purpose of the transaction. Matching B+ grades better reflect the two successful outcomes than the older lopsided verdict.