PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Rookie Receiver Impressive

After the Rams’ two scrimmages with San Diego, rookie Todd Kinchen has emerged as a big-play maker at wide receiver, one of the most hotly contested positions in training camp.

Kinchen caught two passes for 38 yards against the Chargers at UC Irvine last month, then caught three passes for 62 yards, including a 26-yard scoring play from T.J. Rubley, in the 14-14 scrimmage Saturday at UC San Diego.

Kinchen, a third-round choice out of Louisiana State, has been especially impressive in avoiding tacklers after the catch, turning 10-yard passes into big gainers.

“That’s what he’s been doing,” Ram Coach Chuck Knox said. “He’s been doing that in practice--got good hands.”

Behind starters Flipper Anderson and Henry Ellard, the Rams are looking at a number of players for the two or three backup spots.

Kinchen, veteran Aaron Cox and swingman Vernon Turner all have drawn praise from Knox, and Plan B signee Jeff Chadwick is a proven third-down receiver.

The Rams’ first exhibition is Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks at the Kingdome.