Rams Release Irv Eatman in Salary-Cap Maneuver

Two days after drafting Auburn offensive tackle Wayne Gandy with the 15th overall pick, the Rams on Tuesday waived starting left tackle Irv Eatman.

The Rams, struggling to stay under the $34.6 million salary cap, might re-sign Eatman later for less money.

Ram coaches were disappointed with Eatman’s performance last season and had been shopping for a veteran tackle until the draft.

The Rams signed restricted free-agent tackle Kevin Donnalley of Houston to an offer sheet in March, but the Oilers matched it. They also discussed trading a second-round draft pick for Donnalley, but the Oilers nixed the deal because they would have had to continue paying the tackle’s $1 million signing bonus.

But the Rams’ search for a tackle ended Sunday when they traded down to the 15th pick and selected Gandy, 6 feet 4 and 289 pounds, whom they rated among the draft’s top offensive linemen along with Georgia’s Bernard Williams. Ram coaches believe Gandy can contribute right away, and Eatman became expendable.

“We took a step in the right direction with Wayne Gandy,” Ram Coach Chuck Knox said. “We feel he can come in and give us the type of protection we need for (quarterback) Chris Miller.”

The Rams continued pursuing rookie free agents by reaching contract terms with Notre Dame quarterback Kevin McDougal and New Mexico wide receiver Turhon O’Bannon.

McDougal and O’Bannon have yet to sign but are expected to attend the Rams’ mini-camp workouts, which begin Friday. O’Bannon, a 1988 graduate of Reseda High who spent two seasons at Santa Monica College, is the half-brother of UCLA basketball standouts Ed and Charles O’Bannon.

Free agent tight end Marv Cook of New England worked out for the Rams on Tuesday, and former Raider linebacker Joe Kelly is expected to work out this week.