Rams and rookie quarterback strike 3-year deal

[RamWraith]

By Bill Coats
Of the Post-Dispatch

The Rams continue to round up this year's draft picks, reaching agreement on a three-year contract with their sixth-round selection, quarterback Jeff Smoker of Michigan State.

Terms were not disclosed.

Six of the team's seven draft choices are in the fold. Only third-rounder Anthony Hargrove, a defensive end from Georgia Tech, was without a deal Monday. The players are to report today to Western Illinois University in Macomb for training camp.

Smoker, 23, is a native of Manheim, Pa., who appears to be the leading candidate for the No. 3 quarterback spot behind Marc Bulger and Chris Chandler.

Smoker completed 60 percent of his passes and threw for 8,932 yards and 61 touchdowns in four seasons for the Spartans, with 39 interceptions.