Rams report: May 19, 2007
The Sports Xchange
The biggest area of intrigue for the Rams as training camp looms is the interior of the defensive line. The Rams received sub-par play from nose tackle Jimmy Kennedy last season, while three-technique tackle La'Roi Glover was forced to be on the field for too many snaps.
"We'd like to see him have less snaps, but not less production," coach
Scott Linehan said.
The selection of Adam Carriker in the first round will increase the competition, along with the additions of Clifton Ryan in the fifth round and Keith Jackson in the seventh.
As the team concluded its second week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Carriker was seeing time at both tackle spots, while second-year defensive tackle
Claude Wroten also worked some at defensive end.
The club is still searching for a fourth end in the rotation that currently includes
Leonard Little, James Hall and Victor Adeyanju. Wroten was forced to spend time at end last season because of injuries.
Linehan has been pleased with off-season of work from Wroten, who was a third-round pick last year.
"He and Glover are basically going to be playing the three-technique spot, and we want no fall-off when Claude goes in," Linehan said. "He had an excellent off-season, as far as his training and preparation. He understands a lot more what we're trying to get done. And he's had an excellent six (OTA) practices."
Kennedy played nose tackle last season for the first time following the departure of Ryan Pickett in free agency. Kennedy had his moments, but was inconsistent with his technique, leading to breakdowns in run defense.
Said Linehan, "He's still penciled in as the starting nose tackle, but it's going to be interesting to see what happens between now and the Carolina game (season opener). He has to perform at a high level to be in the ball game."
Linehan was effusive in his praise of Carriker, who played mostly defensive end in college.
"He's made a lot of great impressions on myself, the coaching staff and the rest of the team," Linehan said. "He has a natural feel for playing inside."
Noting that Carriker will surely be on the field in some capacity by the start of the season, Linehan added, "Right now, he's handling both tackle positions with relative ease."
As for that fourth end and where Wroten fits, Linehan said, "We're finding out what we have. It's a good situation and an opportunity for Claude."
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