PRO FOOTBALL Rookie holdouts anger many NFL head coaches

Only 11 of the first round picks from this year's draft have signed contracts.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Few things infuriate NFL coaches more than rookies holding out in training camp.
Because of the league's slotted rookie salary structure, draft choices have virtually no leverage to force better deals.
"This isn't algebra I or algebra II or calculus," Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "This is basic math."
Although missing camp doesn't always doom a player to mediocrity in his rookie season, Shanahan and others see nothing positive about it.
"It always hurts a guy if he holds out," he said Wednesday, even though Broncos first-round pick D.J. Williams made it to camp.
Williams, the 17th overall pick out of Miami, was not at the morning practice because he had to fly in from Florida. The linebacker signed a six-year deal when he arrived and was on the field for the afternoon workout.
Now, Shanahan is concerned about second-round choice Tatum Bell. The agent for the running back from Oklahoma State and the Broncos are trying to work out a deal.
"It's disappointing because for the last 10 years we haven't had people hold out," Shanahan said. "I'm really disappointed he's not in."
Holdouts can be costly
More than rookie seasons are at risk in some cases. In 1999, Akili Smith was chosen third overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, held out until the second week of the regular season, fell far behind and never caught up.
Even when he tried to salvage his career, the former Oregon quarterback couldn't do it. He signed last summer with Green Bay and was cut two months later.
"I think he would have played much better had he been here and known his assignments and known his reads a little bit better," Packers offensive coordinator Tom Rossley said at the time.
NFL coaches use that same reasoning with first-year players.
Two other first-round draft choices joined their teams Wednesday.
Defensive tackle Tommie Harris, the 14th overall selection, signed with Chicago. Running back Kevin Jones, chosen 30th, came to terms with Detroit.
Still, the Lions are trying to sign wide receiver Roy Williams, whom they took with seventh overall selection.
The signings Wednesday brought to 11 the number of first-round choices in the fold. The second overall pick, offensive tackle Robert Gallery, was reportedly close to a deal with the Oakland Raiders.
One first-rounder who did come to terms on time, safety Sean Taylor, sprained his right knee in his first practice with Washington.
Taylor was hurt making a play near in what the Redskins called a "voluntary" passing camp. An MRI on Taylor was negative and team trainers said he could be on the field for the official opening of camp Saturday.
Also, Chicago Bears Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher could miss a week or more after injuring his right hamstring.
"He's got a pretty good pull," general manager Jerry Angelo said. "We'll know more tomorrow."
Urlacher was scheduled to have an MRI today.
Veteran also a holdout
Meanwhile, Charles Woodson, Oakland's Pro Bowl cornerback, will stay out of camp in protest over being designated the team's "franchise player."
Woodson is one of many veterans controlled by the "franchise" tag, which keeps free agents with their own teams. Unable to work out a long-term deal with the Raiders, he will play on a one-year contract for $8.8 million -- the average salary of the league's top five cornerbacks.
All-Pro tackle Orlando Pace of St. Louis is another franchise player holding out.