Canadian Tackle Has Rams, Raiders Very Intrigued

Michael Schad could become the National Football League’s highest draft choice ever from a Canadian college today, and he could go to the Rams or Raiders.

Schad, a 6-foot 5-inch, 290-pound offensive tackle from Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, has visited both clubs and, according to one report, got the “royal treatment” at Rams Park last week--meaning, a tour with owner Georgia Frontiere in her golf cart.

Ram Coach John Robinson, who has studied Schad on film, is said to have assured the 21-year-old Canadian that the Rams will draft him high, if he’s available. Robinson had no comment Monday.

Schad was featured Monday in the New York Times as a potentially high “mystery” pick, and in an updated mock draft for USA Today, draft expert Mel Kiper predicted that the Raiders will select him in the first round.

The Raiders draft one turn after the Rams. Schad was virtually unknown until the East-West Shrine all-star game at Palo Alto in January, in which he put on a strong performance.

Later, he is said to have impressed scouts at the NFL’s combine camp at New Orleans. He was timed at 4.69 seconds for 40 yards. The offensive linemen averaged 5.2.

In the recent Canadian Football League draft, Ottawa made Schad the fourth player selected overall, although he has indicated he wants to play in the NFL.