Rams sign top draft pick on eve of first full workout

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams on Thursday signed offensive tackle Jason Smith, the second overall pick of the draft, a day before the entire team opens.

The 6-foot-5, 306-pound Smith is expected to be an immediate starter for the Rams, 2-14 last season and with only five wins over the last two seasons.

All the team's draft picks are under contract heading into today's first full-squad workout under new coach Steve Spagnuolo.

Smith began his career at Baylor as a tight end and started 31 games, 24 at left tackle and seven at right tackle, after growing out of that position. In 1,147 plays at left tackle over his last two seasons, the Rams said Smith allowed only 4 1/2 sacks.