Posted 6/10/2007 2:54 PM ET
In 2001 and 2003, the Rams used three first-round picks on defensive tackles Damione Lewis (12th overall, 2001), Ryan Pickett (29th overall, 2001) and Jimmy Kennedy (12th overall, 2003).
Six years later, they are all gone, after Kennedy was traded Friday (June 8) to Denver for a sixth-round pick in the 2008 draft. Lewis and Pickett departed after the 2005 season as unrestricted free agents.
The Rams used three picks in this year's draft on defensive tackles, including first-round selection Adam Carriker, who has had a lot of reps at nose tackle in the Organized Team Activities that have taken place since he was drafted six weeks ago.
Fifth-round pick Clifton Ryan, despite injuring his calf in the rookie minicamp, has also impressed the coaches thus far.
The departure of Kennedy again calls to mind the debate in the Rams' war room after Seattle selected cornerback Marcus Trufant one pick before the Rams during the 2003 draft.
The discussion was whether the Rams should take Kennedy or safety Troy Polamalu, who was selected by the Steelers four picks later. The choice for the Rams was Kennedy because there were those in the organization that believed taking a safety at No. 12 was too high.
Kennedy was moved to nose tackle last season after Pickett signed with Green Bay, but wasn't good enough with his hands to be consistent in the position. Injuries to his foot in 2004 and his hand in 2006 also affected his performance.
Said coach Scott Linehan "We want to thank Jimmy for the contributions he made during his time here. After evaluating the young players we've brought in the last month and talking to our defensive coaching staff we felt the time was right to make this move."
Linehan said of Carriker, "(He) is playing nose and can play 3-technique. He's going to find his way into our opening-day starting lineup. He's very strong and has probably the best hands of any D-lineman in the draft, which helps him play the run and shed blocks. He understands he has to occupy people, take on two blockers and has the ability to run down the line and make the tackle."
NOTES, QUOTES
—The Rams concluded their OTA days Thursday (June 7), and will hold their mandatory minicamp June 12-14.
Asked about what he hopes to accomplish in minicamp, coach Scott Linehan said, "Our goal after Thursday (June 14) is to be ready mentally and assignment-wise to go play a game. Then, in training camp, you hope to develop your team attitude and toughness."
—The release of cornerback Jerametrius Butler was good news for rookie running back Brian Leonard, the Rams' second-round pick.
Leonard had originally been assigned uniform No. 36, but with Butler gone, Leonard was able to get his No. 23 jersey, the number Leonard wore at Rutgers.
—Coach Scott Linehan said the team will be careful with wide receiver
Torry Holt during training camp this year. Holt is entering his ninth season and turned 31 on June 5. He had arthroscopic knee surgery early in the off-season and skipped the Pro Bowl.
Said Linehan, "He made a big commitment. He missed the Pro Bowl because he wanted to accelerate his rehab. He's at a point in his career where we've got to manage it and make sure he's able to finish a long, grueling season."
—Left tackle
Orlando Pace, coming back from a torn triceps suffered during the 2006 season, took some limited reps with the first unit in the team part of practice.
Pace and defensive end James Hall, who was sidelined by a shoulder injury while with the Lions last season, have both been cleared for contact work.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Three years ago, we made a real attempt to try to get Jerametrius. Everything we saw at that point, we really liked. He made some great plays on the ball." — Redskins coach Joe Gibbs on the addition of former Rams CB Jerametrius Butler.
GO RAMS 
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