Rams Mull Trading Draft’s No. 3 Pick

Ram Coach Chuck Knox says the team is narrowing its prospects as it waits to make the No. 3 choice in next Sunday’s draft.

The Rams, who have four of the top 60 picks in the draft, have focused most of their attention on four players--Pittsburgh defensive lineman Sean Gilbert, Texas A&M; middle linebacker Quentin Coryatt, Indiana running back Vaughn Dunbar and Wisconsin cornerback Troy Vincent. Gilbert, Dunbar and Vincent have visited Rams Park during the past week.

The most pressing question for the Rams is whether to hold onto their top pick or to trade down during the first round and pick up an extra pick during the first or second round.

Knox said recently that four teams--with the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins believed to be two of them--have contacted the Rams about acquiring the No. 3 selection.

If the Rams stay at No. 3, there is some debate in the organization about whether to put aside the questions about Gilbert, a 315-pound junior with a reputation for erratic play, and draft for their greatest need--power on the defensive line.

Vincent and Coryatt are rated as sure-fire top-five draft picks, but neither fits as pressing a position need as Gilbert. The Rams probably would not take Dunbar unless they move down in the round.

Knox, asked if he is uncomfortable with drafting an underclassman so high, said talent is the only thing that matters.

“Let me ask you a question: Is (San Diego Charger linebacker) Junior Seau a good football player?,” he said. “Have some juniors come out and played pretty well?”

Miami has the No. 7 and No. 12 selections, and if the Dolphins are willing to part with both for the No. 3 pick, the Rams would have a chance to get two impact players instead of one.

The Rams’ pick also hinges on what the Indianapolis Colts do with the top two choices in the draft. The Rams long ago wrote off any chance at Washington defensive tackle Steve Emtman, because Indianapolis appears committed to him.

But whether the Colts trade the No. 2 pick or use it to draft Michigan receiver Desmond Howard would affect whether the Rams get a shot at Coryatt, who is believed to be their top choice.

The Rams also have the 30th, 57th and 60th picks.