PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AFC : McNair Impressive in First Practice

To Houston Oiler coaches, it looks like dollar signs didn’t keep Steve McNair from doing his homework.

“He’s hungry and he’s been studying,” offensive coordinator Jerry Rhome said. “He’s running very smooth.”

McNair, the No. 3 overall draft pick from Alcorn State, practiced with the rest of the Oilers for the first time Wednesday morning, a day after signing a seven-year contract worth nearly $30 million.

The rookie quarterback was clearly the center of attention. Other Oilers watched closely as he ran plays. Dozens of cameras were focused upon him. And fans lined up to get his autograph;

McNair patiently complied.

“I was just trying to get my timing back down,” McNair said of his work on the practice field. “I’m just trying to go out there and feel comfortable with the things I’m doing and feel comfortable with the players.”

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Greg Hill may be about to take over Marcus Allen’s spot as the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting tailback. Coach Marty Schottenheimer continued to praise the off-season development of the former Texas A&M; runner who was Kansas City’s No. 1 draft pick in 1994. . . . The New York Jets signed James Brown, their starting right tackle, to a new three-year deal and put veteran Tony Casillas on the physically-unable-to-perform list.