SAN DIEGO (Aug. 1, 2006) -- The Chargers cut wide receiver Rashaun Woods, giving general manager A.J. Smith nothing to show for his initial first-round pick.
Woods was acquired from the 49ers in the offseason for disappointing cornerback Sammy Davis.
During the 2003 draft, his first as GM, Smith passed on future Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu and traded down with Philadelphia, getting Davis with the 30th overall pick and safety Terrence Kiel in the second round.
Davis was dreadful and was shipped to the 49ers for the equally woeful Woods. At least Davis remains in the NFL, and Kiel is battling for a starting position with the Chargers.
"I felt like it was good for us, and I'm sure they thought it was good for them," 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. "But ours is still holding up."
Smith wasn't available for comment.
Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said it was obvious Woods, who was nursing a sore hamstring, wouldn't make the cut.
"Some of the young guys have really made progress and I've always had a policy if you have a veteran player and you know he is not going to make your football team, in all fairness to that individual you need to make the decision sooner than later," Schottenheimer said.
"So we looked at the numbers and the roster and all, and we just felt like it wasn't going to work out."
The Chargers claimed wide receiver Gerran Walker off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts.
Also, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman sat out a portion of practice with a strained hamstring and inside linebacker Donnie Edwards missed another session with a balky back.
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