In Aftermath of Draft, Rams Plan Meetings With Free Agents

The Rams completed their NFL draft Monday by selecting six players and then trading their final, sixth-round pick to Dallas for the Cowboys’ 1995 fourth-round pick. But the Rams’ off-season work is far from finished.

“We’re bringing in some veteran free agents,” Ram Coach Chuck Knox said.

After failing to trade for wide receiver Alvin Harper, the Rams are continuing to pursue free-agent wide receivers Haywood Jeffires of Houston and Greg McMurtry of New England. They contacted Jeffires’ agent, Fred Joseph, Sunday about a new deal for the receiver, who two weeks ago rejected a three-year deal worth $3.9 million.

Free agents scheduled to visit Rams Park in the next few days are New England tight end Marv Cook and linebacker Joe Kelly, released by the Raiders last week.

The Rams are convinced their draft filled holes on the offensive line and secondary, added depth at running back and wide receiver and added speed to their special teams.

A look at the Rams’ 10 selections:

FIRST ROUND

Wayne Gandy, offensive tackle, Auburn, 15th selection overall--The Rams rated Gandy (6-feet-4 and 289 pounds) as one of their top offensive linemen along with Georgia’s Bernard Williams. The coaches hope Gandy can step in right away at left tackle and protect oft-injured quarterback Chris Miller’s blindside. A good pass blocker, Gandy’s run-blocking is questionable even though Auburn running back James Bostic, the Rams’ third-round selection, ran for 1,205 yards last season. “Wayne had tremendous productivity,” said John Becker, Ram director of player personnel. “When I graded him, I don’t remember him giving up a sack.” Gandy’s durability has been an asset--he has started the last 31 games--but there have been questions about the health of his lower back. Ram team doctors have examined Gandy and say there isn’t a problem.

SECOND ROUND

Isaac Bruce, wide receiver, Memphis State, 33rd overall--The Rams bypassed Alabama’s David Palmer because of his size (5 feet 7) and went with a bigger receiver in Bruce (6-0, 188 pounds). Bruce played two seasons at Santa Monica College before transferring to Memphis State, where he had an outstanding senior season, catching 74 passes for 1,054 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s considered a quick, agile receiver, although he is on the skinny and frail side. “Isaac is as quick as a cat,” Ram receivers coach Steve Moore said. “I timed him at 4.47 in the 40-yard dash a month ago. He has grown a half-inch since the end of the season and has gained eight pounds.”

Toby Wright, safety, Nebraska, 49th overall--The Rams were surprised to find Wright (5-11, 203 pounds) available at this pick, and they expect him to step in right away at strong safety, where they lost free-agent Michael Stewart to the Dolphins and Pat Terrell is an unrestricted free agent. Ram coaches also say Wright, considered one of the hardest hitters in the draft, can be effective in their nickel package on passing downs and on special teams. “Toby’s temperament is along the lines of a Ronnie Lott,” said Rod Perry, Ram defensive backs coach. “He’s very, very physical and brings us toughness.” Wright was an all-Big Eight selection last season, finishing with 79 tackles (43 solo). He has two brothers, Terry and Torrey, playing in the Canadian Football League.

Brad Ottis, defensive end, Wayne State (Neb.), 56th overall pick--You won’t find Wayne, Neb., on some state maps. But the Rams think they found a quality defensive end playing at the Division II school in northeastern Nebraska. “All of our people were high on him,” defensive coordinator George Dyer said. “Some people question him because he came out of a small conference, but I don’t think that’s a factor with Brad.” The Rams needed depth at end with the departure of free-agent Tony Woods to the Washington Redskins, and look for Ottis (6-3, 271 pounds) to back up Fred Stokes and Robert Young while learning the ropes.

THIRD ROUND

Keith Lyle, safety, Virginia, 71st overall--Knox said Lyle (6-2, 204) can play free safety or strong safety. He started two years at Virginia, finishing with five interceptions and 63 tackles (43 solo) last season. Lyle was ranked third among safeties by Mel Kiper Jr., three spots ahead of Nebraska’s Wright.

James Bostic, running back, Auburn, 83rd overall--The Rams are concerned about depth at running back because backup tailback-fullback David Lang underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week and is expected to miss this week’s minicamp. That concern prompted them to take Bostic, Gandy’s Auburn teammate. Bostic (5-11, 222) can play fullback or tailback and will probably be Jerome Bettis’ backup. Bostic is considered a good blocker and should help on special teams.

Ernest Jones, outside linebacker, Oregon, 100th overall--The Rams needed depth at outside linebacker and got it in Jones (6-2, 239), who was considered one of the top pass rushers in the West. Jones was an all-Pac 10 selection last season with 67 tackles (50 solo) and 13 sacks. Knox also figures Jones as a key player on the Rams’ coverage teams.

FOURTH ROUND

Chris Brantley, wide receiver, Rutgers, 108th overall--Brantley (5-11, 180) adds depth at receiver and could challenge as the team’s punt returner. He set a school record with four touchdown catches in a 50-49 victory over Virginia Tech in 1992. “He has great hands and good speed, but not great track speed,” Knox said.

SIXTH ROUND

Rickey Brady, tight end, Oklahoma, 167th overall--Brady (6-4, 246) will fill the role of blocking tight end vacated by free-agent Pat Carter, who signed with Houston. Brady will backup second-year player Troy Drayton and could be a key as the lead blocker on the Rams’ sweep plays with Bettis.

Ronald Edwards, offensive tackle, North Carolina A&T;, 189th overall--Edwards (6-5, 311) is a project along the lines of guard Keith Loneker, whom the Rams signed as a free agent last season. Edwards is a raw talent from a Division I-AA school. He lacks speed and needs to improve his upper-body strength.