Rams News

BEARS, ST. LOUIS TALK SWAP
Rams want No. 5 pick to take Enis

By John Mullin
Tribune Staff Writer
April 7, 1998

The Bears are talking with the St. Louis Rams about a possible swap of first-round draft choices that would give both teams what they want most in the April 18-19 draft--if they can just agree on price.

The Rams, holding the No. 6 pick in the first round, would like to beat a handful of teams to Penn State running back Curtis Enis. They are negotiating with the Bears, who hold the No. 5 pick and are entertaining offers from farther down in the draft.

But in the wake of a trade last month, in which the San Diego Chargers gave the Arizona Cardinals players plus two high draft picks to swap the second and third overall picks, the Bears are asking for a lot, according to Rams coach Dick Vermeil.

Vermeil said the Rams have talked to the Bears and Cardinals. Both teams, he said, are asking for more than the third-, fourth- and seventh-round picks the Rams gave the New York Jets last year for the right to move from No. 6 to No. 1 in the first round to draft Ohio State offensive tackle Orlando Pace.

"It may be more negotiable than the No. 6 to No. 1 move last year," Vermeil said, "but realistically I couldn't justify a trade because of what it would cost."

Bears officials could not be reached Monday night for comment.

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