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Monday, July 14, 1997

Cowboys sign eight draft picks

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys signed eight of their nine draft choices on Monday, with first-round pick tight end David LaFleur the only one yet to agree to terms.

Those signed included defensive tackle Antonio Anderson of Syracuse, wide receiver Macey Brooks of James Madison, linebacker Dexter Coakley of Appalachian State, guard Steve Scifres of Wyoming, safety Omar Stoutmire of Fresno State, fullback Nicky Sualua of Ohio State, and cornerbacks Lee Vaughn of Wyoming and Kenny Wheaton of Oregon.

Dallas also signed offensive lineman Harry Stamps, a free agent from Oklahoma.

Tight end Kendall Watkins, who missed last year with a knee injury, has been waived.

Watkins was the second-round pick out of Mississippi State in 1995. He was hurt last July in Mexico in an exhibition game against the Kansas City Chiefs. His release leaves Eric Bjornson as the only tight end on the team with NFL experience.

The Cowboys were talking to Scott Galbraith, who played with Washington last year. Galbraith has played for the Cowboys and knows the system.

Watkins, a 6-1, 295-pound blocking tight end, was out of condition and the Cowboys also save $178,00 on his salary plus an $180,000 bonus they would have to pay Friday when training camp starts in Austin.

LaFleur of LSU was the 22nd selection overall.

"I'm disappointed nothing has been done yet," LaFleur said. "And I really be disappointed if I'm not there for training camp on Friday."

Tight end Jay Novacek, who didn't play last year because of back trouble, was expected to announce his retirement later in the week.