ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams traded away five of their first six picks in the NFL draft, but those deals brought them an All-Pro cornerback and the rights to sign world-class sprinter Ron Brown.
By giving up their first- and fifth-round picks in Tuesday's draft, the Rams came up with a three-time All-Pro cornerback Gary Green, who had been unhappy with the Kansas City Chiefs.
What they got in return for the two draft picks is a proven defensive talent who is expected to immediately step into a struggling Rams' secondary.
Green said he was given up so easily by the Chiefs 'because I was one of the most vocal players on the team and got into several confrontations with the coaches here. (Coach) John Mackovic wants blind followers. Anyone who represents leadership, they get rid of.'
As good a football deal as the Rams apparently made, they also didn't do too poorly in the financial department by acquiring Green. He is already signed through the 1987 season, plus a 1988 option clause. He will be paid $300,000 this season and in 1985, $350,000 in 1986 and $400,000 in 1987.
'In comparison to paying a first-round player, it's possible that those here who pay the money thought about that,' said coach John Robinson.
The Rams did get one player in the draft's early rounds, grabbing defensive end Hal Stephens of East Carolina in the fifth round.
The Rams' second-round pick was traded to the Cleveland Browns earlier in the week for the exclusive negotiating rights to Brown, who is also a former Arizona State wide receiver.
Their third-round pick went to the Detroit Lions last season for tight end David Hill and their fourth-round pick was part of last year's deal with Houston for the rights to sensational running back Eric Dickerson, the NFL rushing leader in 1983.
The Rams traded their sixth-round pick two weeks ago to Houston for running back Dwayne Crutchfield, who played half of last season with the New York Jets before being put on waivers and finishing the season with the Oilers.
The deal for Brown, who turned down a $900,000 contract by the Cleveland Browns last year to maintain his amateur status in hopes of winning an Olympic medal this summer, had been put on the shelf late Monday night.
The deal was apparently voided by the NFL Management Council's executive committee. But several hours later, after heated reaction from Cleveland owner Art Modell, the NFL said the deal had been approved.
To keep his amateur status, Brown cannot sign a contract until after his final track and field competition. Reports, however, indicate he has already agreed to a deal with the Rams believed to be worth $1.5 million over several years.
In later rounds, Los Angeles picked a pair of defensive backs - George Radachowsky of Boston College and Rod Fisher of Oklahoma State - and Illinois linebackers Ed Brady and Mo Bias.
Los Angeles also drafted running backs Michael Harper of Southern California and Dwayne Love of Houston, Penn State punter George Reynolds and center Joe Dooler from Ohio State.
