Rams Hold First Practice of Training Camp

[Bralidore(RAMMODE)]

Rams Hold First Practice of Training Camp

by Howard Balzer

The Rams held their first practice of training camp Saturday, a "walkthrough" that lasted about 75 minutes. Players wore no helmets, but were running at a brisk pace, unlike a normal walkthrough. Many players, about 37 in number, wore Rams caps during the workout.


Notable by his absence was guard Jacob Bell, who sources report was asked to restructure his contract Friday after the Rams signed guard Harvey Dahl as a free agent. Bell, who is represented by Drew Rosenhaus, refused, and could be released. Bell is scheduled to be paid $6 million this year and counts $7.2 million against the salary cap.


Safety James Butler, who is scheduled to be paid $3.5 million this year, attended practice, but did not participate. It is believed Butler agreed to restructure his deal, which would then be considered a new contract and make him ineligible to practice until the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified.


The ratification is one step closer to happening after NFLPA was recertified Friday. Talks are beginning Saturday on the final issues in the CBA that can only be negotiated by a union.


The Rams' roster lists 88 players, including all eight draft picks as well as six players that have signed their tenders as restricted or exclusive rights free agents. Those players -- linebackers Chris Chamberlain and David Vobora, tackle Renardo Foster and guard John Greco (all restricted free agents), and wide receiver Danny Amendola and defensive end C.J. Ah You (both exclusive rights free agents) - all watched practice but were not allowed to participate. They can practice when the new CBA is ratified.


All draft picks, except for first-round pick Robert Quinn, who remains unsigned, practiced. In addition, several of the free agents the Rams signed late Friday also watched practice: Dahl, safety Quintin Mikell and cornerback Al Harris watched the workout, while wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker and Zac Diles hadn't arrived yet.


Ramblings
*Defensive tackle Darell Scott, who made progress at the end of his rookie season in 2009 but disappointed last season while being inactive for seven games, worked with the first unit. He has an opportunity to contribute if he can be consistent and take advantage of his ability.
*Strong-side linebacker Na'il Diggs did some work with the first unit. Diggs missed the final four games of the 2010 season because of a torn pectoral muscle.
*Tight end Fendi Onobun, who tweeted about his offseason work Friday, definitely looked stringer and not as lean as he was as a rookie when he was listed at 249 pounds. Onobun tweeted, "Finished the conditioning test, glad to get back to work! Weighed in @261! Liking the new bulk! It's work time."
*Numerous receivers worked with the first unit. Coming back from a knee injury, Donnie Avery ran well and Danario Alexander was running smoothly as he tries to distance himself from the five surgeries he's had on his left knee.

[Nick]

I'd just point out that Scott getting first team reps is likely because previous starting DT Gary Gibson has not been resigned, and thus there is a hole there. It'd be great to see Scott step up and claim that job for himself, though.

[MauiRam]

Danario Alexander was running smoothly as he tries to distance himself from the five surgeries he's had on his left knee.

I wonder if Denario is able to run routes without that awkward looking knee brace now. If the knee is strong enough for him to make it through camp and the exibition season without mishap, he could morph into a bonafide steal. Coming back from five surgeries on one knee is really iffy though. It's surely the reason he wasn't highly sought after by the rest of the league. He definitely flashed his talent on a couple of occasions last year though, if not consistently. This year he'll have more confidence having at least gotten his feet wet a few times in real NFL games. The guy isn't lacking in the "want to" department - I'll give him that. Wonder what McDaniels will conjure up for him if Denario can stay healthy enough to contribute. Same for Avery as well .. Won't be long before we'll be hearing about camp "highlights" .. Yay !!!!!

[Richbert88]

Cin-a-bun is 261, up from 249. This is interesting.

[sosa39rams]

Cin-a-bun is 261, up from 249. This is interesting.

I don't see a lot of room for him here. Unless there is an injury or the Rams decide to leave blocking specialist Billy Bajema.

And the WR's notes comfort me. Its good to see Avery and Alexander out there...Now we just gotta get Clayton out there too and were set.