Rams Sign 8 of 14 Choices, but Top Picks Green and Cox Reject Contract Offers

The Rams, trying to get their house in order before training camp officially opens next Sunday, announced the signing of 8 of 14 draft selections Monday, including second-round choices Anthony Newman and Fred Strickland.

Newman, a cornerback from the University of Oregon and the 35th player selected in last April’s draft, signed a four-year deal worth $1.1 million. The contract figures on Strickland, a linebacker from Purdue, were not available.

Also agreeing to terms were sixth-round picks Keith Jones (running back) and Jeff Knapton (defensive lineman), eighth-round receiver Darryl Franklin, ninth-round defensive end Pat Foster, 10th-round tackle R.C. Mullin and 12th-round running back Jeff Beathard.

Only six draft picks remain unsigned: first-round picks Gaston Green (running back) and Aaron Cox (receiver), second-round wide receiver Willie Anderson, third-round defensive tackle Mike Piel and fifth-round choices Robert Delpino (running back) and James Washington (safety).

Green, the 14th draft pick in the first round, has rejected a deal believed to be worth $1.745 million over four years, or about the same contract signed by Phoenix Cardinals linebacker Ken Harvey, the 12th pick overall.

Cox, the 20th pick in the first round, has reportedly rejected a 4-year, $1.3-million offer from the Rams but would lace up his shoes today for the $1.75-million deal offered to Green.