RAMS DRAFT : Decision ‘Unanimous’ to Pass on Quarterback

The Rams completed their NFL draft Monday, but the topic of conversation remained their trades in Sunday’s first round, when they passed on Fresno State quarterback Trent Dilfer with the fifth pick and failed to trade for Dallas wide receiver Alvin Harper.

Ram Coach Chuck Knox strongly denied Monday that the coaches and front office couldn’t decide what route to take Sunday with the fifth pick--select Dilfer, trade for Harper or trade down for Indianapolis’ seventh pick and later San Francisco’s 15th pick, which they eventually used to select Auburn offensive tackle Wayne Gandy.

“There was absolutely no disagreement at any time about the course of action we were going to pursue,” Knox said. “There was none, absolutely none. . . . As far as the decision that was made, it was a unanimous decision.”

Knox had said Wednesday that the Rams would draft Dilfer or Tennessee quarterback Heath Shuler if one or both were available at No. 5. But Sunday, Knox said the Rams “had a change of heart” and traded down to pick up an extra third-round pick from Indianapolis and a second-round pick from San Francisco.

When did the change of heart take place?

“It took place in the period where we were involved in the Harper deal and thought we had it done at No. 5,” Knox said. “Then we were going to get it done at No. 7. It was in that period that we made the decision. We decided we wanted to back up and get some draft choices.”

The Rams used San Francisco’s second-round selection (56th overall) to take defensive end Brad Ottis of Wayne State College, a Division II school in northeast Nebraska. They used Indianapolis’ third-round pick Monday to take running back James Bostic, Gandy’s Auburn teammate.

The Rams have also reopened negotiations with Houston free agent receiver Haywood Jeffires, who had rejected a three-year, $3.9-million offer from the Rams two weeks ago. New England tight end Marv Cook and linebacker Joe Kelly, cut last week by the Raiders, are scheduled to visit Rams Park this week.

A look at the second day of the Rams’ draft:

THIRD ROUND

Keith Lyle, safety, Virginia, 6-2, 204--Knox said Lyle can play free safety or strong safety. He started two years at Virginia, finishing with five interceptions and 63 tackles (43 solo) last season.

James Bostic, running back, Auburn, 5-11, 222--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 sit out this week’s mini-camp. That concern prompted them to take Bostic, who will be reunited with Gandy. Bostic can play fullback or tailback and will probably be Jerome Bettis’ backup.

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

FOURTH ROUND

Chris Brantley, wide receiver, Rutgers, 5-11, 180--Brantley 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, 6-4, 246--Brady will fill the role of blocking tight end vacated by free agent Pat Carter, who signed with Houston. Brady will back up second-year player Troy Drayton and could be a key as the lead blocker on sweeps.

Ronald Edwards, offensive tackle, North Carolina A&T;, 6-5, 311--Edwards 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.