PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Sorry, No Deal Yet for Israel

Though the two sides continue talking, any potential deal between the Rams and second-round pick Steve Israel is up in the air.

Although several Ram sources believed an agreement was reached Wednesday evening, Israel’s attorney, Gary Uberstine, said Thursday no deal was struck.

Uberstine said he sent another proposal to the Rams Thursday, and as of 5 p.m. had received no reply.

Israel, a cornerback, is the team’s last unsigned draft choice.

After the first two-a-day practice of the Knox Era, Part II, Coach Chuck Knox said he was pleased with the overall effort.

“I thought we had a good first day, mistakes were kept to a minimum, they worked hard, the weights were good when we had weigh-in this morning,” Knox said. “All around, it was a good first day.”

Sean Gilbert, the team’s No. 1 pick, seemed to particularly impress Knox in the one-on-one pass-rushing drills. Gilbert said he reported to camp at 310 pounds, five fewer than his college playing weight.

“It’s been a long wait,” Gilbert said. “I think it has paid off, I’ve worked hard, and I’m just trying to get better with each day.”

There were two minor injuries reported by Knox: Linebacker Frank Stams strained his hamstring and defensive end Bill Hawkins strained his calf. Knox said he didn’t believe either was serious.