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07.29.2009
Laurinaitis signs; Rams still working on J.Smith
By Jim Thomas
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

One down, one to go on St. Louis Rams draft picks. The Post-Dispatch confirmed today that linebacker James Laurinaitis, the second-round draft pick from Ohio State, has signed a four-year contract with the Rams. Contract details weren?t immediately available.

Meanwhile, negotiations continued on first-rounder Jason Smith, the offensive tackle from Baylor. Both Smith and Laurinaitis are represented by the St. Louis-based CAA Football group which includes well-known player agents Jim Steiner, Tom Condon and Ben Dogra.

In a text message Wednesday afternoon, Dogra said CAA remains hopeful that Smith will be signed before the first training camp practices for rookies (and selected veterans) takes place Thursday morning at Rams Park. But Dogra cautioned that it?s too early to tell whether a deal can be struck in time to avoid having Smith miss any workouts.

Laurinaitis, meanwhile, shouldn?t miss a minute of training camp. He?s expected to be the Rams? starting middle linebacker this season.

?I?m very excited,? Laurinaitis said this afternoon. ?I can?t wait to get into the meetings again and get that playbook back.?

Laurinaitis signs; Rams still working on J.Smith | Around the Horns | STLtoday