Rams News

ST. LOUIS RAMS

July15, 1998

If the St. Louis Rams win in 1998, it'll be with almost the same team that lost 11 games in 1997.

According to their training camp depth chart, the Rams have 10 starters back on offense and eight starters back on defense.

The new starters are Ed Simmons at left guard, Jeff Zgonina at defensive tackle, Jay Williams at right defensive end and Eric Hill at middle linebacker.

That's not much of a turnover, but then the Rams and coach Dick Vermeil were looking for a little stability.

Vermeil enters his second Rams training camp hoping that he can avoid the distractions -- the Lawrence Phillips soap opera, the Orlando Pace holdout and Gerald Perry retiring after unretiring -- that plagued his first Rams training camp.

"It will be a more stable environment for everybody," Vermeil said. "Not just because we don't have problems, but because we have been there and done it together. We have landed there before."

Vermeil has every drill of every practice up to the club's final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs already charted.

And, don't expect the practices to be any easier. Vermeil has scheduled a 2 1/2-hour practice in the morning and a 2 1/2-hour practice in the evening, just like last season.

"Practices are always too long for players," Vermeil said. "Ever since I have coached, practices have been too long for players. For the amount of money they get paid, it is very little per hour. They are going to earn their money in the Ram organization. If they don't want to work, they can get the hell out of here."

Vermeil's top priority for training camp is the offensive line.

"I can only verify that by showing you videotape of our offensive line play," he said. "Even though it's not live, but watching the footwork and teamwork on the offensive line, especially in the running game, that we are better."

Vermeil believes that both cornerback Ryan McNeil and first-round draft pick Grant Wistrom will be signed by the start of training camp.

That leaves only a few days to sign Wistrom and a week to sign McNeil.

McNeil, 27, who led the NFL in interceptions last season, is holding out for a long-term contract. McNeil skipped both of the Rams' off-season minicamps as his agent, Brian Ransom, and Jay Zygmunt, the Rams' executive vice president, continued negotiations on a multi-year contract.

Vermeil said he talked by telephone with McNeil on Monday.

"He called me and we had a good visit," Vermeil said. "I think Jay and his agent will come to an agreement and he will be there in training camp. I believe that because he wants to be there, and the Rams want him there."

McNeil is unhappy over being designated as the Rams' franchise player, meaning he'll earn the average of the top five salaries at his position for the 1998 season. That sounds good except McNeil might be able to earn more on the open market. And McNeil would get a chunk of up-front money in the form of a signing bonus if he signed a long-term contract.

Vermeil said the Rams didn't do anything devious by stamping McNeil with the franchise tag.

"The Rams did not develop the scheme or draw up the policies," Vermeil said. "It is the collective bargaining agreement and all we are doing is exercising the professional football rights of utilizing these tools to control salary caps and players. In fact, we are encouraged to do so by the players association."

McNeil turned down the Rams' offer of $13 million over four years.

Vermeil said that a short-term deal with McNeil is more likely than a long-term deal at this point.

"I believe if we get him signed, it will initially be a one-year deal," Vermeil said.

Vermeil said Wistrom's agent, Tom Condon of International Management Group, and the Rams are close to a deal.

"If he is not there by rookie camp, which is Saturday, then I would like to believe he will be there when the vets report," Vermeil said.

CAMP CALENDAR: Rookies report July 18. Veterans report July 23. First full-squad practice July 24. Three days of joint practice sessions with the Indianapolis Colts July 30 through Aug. 1. Scrimmage with the Colts Aug. 1. Training camp ends Aug. 19.

The day of reckoning is almost here for H-back Craig Heyward.

If Heyward doesn't report for training camp at 260 pounds or less, he could end up in the unemployment line.

"I told him to consider himself retired," Vermeil said of what would happen if Heyward doesn't meet his weight requirement.

Heyward got in Vermeil's doghouse after reporting to training camp at more than 285 pounds last year and carried the ball only 34 times.

Despite all that, Vermeil said he likes Heyward.

"If I didn't like Ironhead, I wouldn't even have him back in training camp," Vermeil said. "The hell with it. I would say I made a mistake and let it go at that. But I like him. I am pulling for him to meet the standards of the program, but we aren't bending. He meets the standards or he doesn't play here. It won't surprise me if he meets the standards because he is a good guy and a good person. He just likes to eat."

The Rams are searching for a contingency plan in the event that Heyward tips the scales too much. Derrick Harris, rookie Raymond Priester and tight ends Aaron Laing and Mitch Jacoby will all be working at H-back.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "For the most part, I think a lot of people recognized that we were a better football team last year, but they didn't see the end result in terms of wins. Hopefully, this year, when it's all said and done, they'll not only recognize the difference in how much more consistently competitive we were, they'll see it in how many more wins we have." -- Rams coach Dick Vermeil, on the upcoming 1998 season.

The Rams have decided to keep safety Toby Wright on their active roster for training camp. Vermeil estimates that Wright, who is trying to rebound from reconstructive knee surgery, is about 85 percent healthy.

The Rams still might be interested in free-agent running back Greg Hill, but only at a reduced price.

DRAFT PICKS

Rd. 1/6, DE Grant Wistrom, Nebraska -- The Rams are worried that Wistrom is too light to handle the mammoth left tackles in the NFL, even though he's raised his weight from 255 pounds to 270. Wistrom is listed as the second-string defensive end behind Jay Williams, but he'll get a chance to showcase his skills in passing situations.

Rd. 2/27, RB Robert Holcombe, Illinois - Holcombe's ability to dodge defenders in close quarters could earn him a starting job before the end of the season.

Rd. 3/65, LB Leonard Little, Tennessee -- The Rams see the speedy Little as pass-rushing specialist.

Rd. 4/96, WR Az-Zahir Hakim, San Diego State -- Has great after-the-catch elusiveness. Also could help out as a kickoff returner.

Rd. 4/98, TE Roland Williams, Syracuse -- An extremely smart player who will have to prove he has the hands to play in the NFL.

Rd. 5/129, TB/H-back Raymond Priester, Clemson -- Priester was too busy carrying the ball to block in college, but he'll have to block to see any playing time as H-back in the Rams' offense.

Rd. 6/159, OG Glenn Rountree, Clemson -- Rountree paved the way for Priester in college. Probably won't see much playing time this season.

Rd. 7/236, DE-OLB Jason Chorak, Washington -- Chorak was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 1996, but was hurt last season. The Rams hope a healthy Chorak can be used as an outside rusher on passing downs.

VETERAN ADDITIONS:

DT Ray Agnew (UFA-N.Y. Giants) -- He is being paid $2 million over four years to fortify the Rams' rushing defense.

QB Steve Bono (T-Green Bay) -- Gives the Rams a backup with starting experience if Tony Banks should falter or get hurt.

CB Willie Clark (UFA-Philadelphia) -- An insurance policy in case Ryan McNeil holds out all season and Dexter McCleon isn't ready to be a starter.

C John Flannery (UFA-Dallas) -- Was a starter as a guard in Dallas.

LB Eric Hill (UFA-Arizona) -- A real run stuffer, but he's 31 and coming off a broken ankle.

OG Ed Simmons (UFA-Washington) -- A 12-year vet who could be a mentor for Pace if he can make the team.

P Rick Tuten (UFA-Seattle) -- Doesn't have the strongest leg around, but has been through the NFL wars before.

WR Ricky Proehl (UFA-Chicago) -- A smart, possession-type receiver who will complement speedsters Isaac Bruce and Eddie Kennison.

VETERAN LOSSES:

WR Keith Crawford (UFA-Atlanta) -- Will be missed on special teams, where he was captain and best player.

LG John Jerak (Cut) -- A tough guy who started 16 games with one healthy elbow.

DT Bill Johnson (UFA-Philadelphia) -- Led the Rams' defensive tackles in sacks with four last season.

MLB Robert Jones (Cut) -- Was the team's leading tackler last season, but many of those were soft tackles five or six yards downfield.

QB Mark Rypien (UFA-Atlanta) -- Knew Jerry Rhome's offensive system almost better than Rhome. Might not play this season because of family illness.

UNIT BY UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACKS: Starter -- Tony Banks. Backups -- Steve Bono, Will Furrer, Kurt Warner

For Banks, this will be his make-or-break season as his contract expires at the end of 1998. Banks showed flashes of brilliance in 1997, especially late in the season, when he helped engineer three fourth-quarter touchdown drives to lead the Rams to a come-from-behind victory over New Orleans. Vermeil believes Banks is starting to understand the leadership role that goes along with being the team's signal-caller. But Banks still has a lot to prove. His record as a starter is 10-19. If Banks struggles, Bono or Furrer will be there to take his place. Furrer was promised a fair shot at the job of No. 2 quarterback, and his familiarity with Jerry Rhome's offense, gives him an edge over Bono. Warner had eye-popping stats in NFL Europe, but this former Arena Football star is still developing as an NFL player.

RUNNING BACKS: Starter -- Jerald Moore. Backups -- Amp Lee, Robert Holcombe, David Thompson, June Henley.

Vermeil informed Moore, who rushed for 380 yards and three touchdowns in five games after Lawrence Phillips was released, that the starting job was his to lose during the club's second minicamp. Holcombe won't be sitting the bench because the Rams plan to use more two-back formations. Thompson's quickness dazzled the Rams' coaching staff during the minicamps, but that's not under full-contact conditions. Lee is the most dangerous weapon in the backfield, even though he plays less than half the time. But in passing situations, he gives opposing coverages fits with his quick cutting ability.

TIGHT END/H-BACKS: Starters -- Ernie Conwell and Craig Heyward. Backups -- Aaron Laing, Mitch Jacoby, Tyji Armstrong, Roland Williams, Derrick Harris, Raymond Priester.

Conwell is a devastating runner after the catch, but his problem has been catching the ball. The Rams' braintrust think Conwell has improved his receiving skills so much that they've designed a whole pass package for him. Heyward could be the best blocker in the NFL if he keeps his weight under control.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters -- Isaac Bruce, Eddie Kennison. Backups -- Ricky Proehl, J.T. Thomas, Az-Zahir Hakim, Donald Sellers, Malcolm Floyd, Tony Horne.

In 1997, Bruce probably would have exceeded his NFL-leading 1,338 yards of 1996 if he hadn't missed four games due to injuries. Bruce is healthy and stronger after participating more in the club's off-season conditioning program, and he'll remain the focal point of the Rams' passing attack. Kennison, who dropped from nine receiving TDs in 1996 to none in 1997, will battle Proehl, a crafty possession receiver, for the starting job opposite Bruce. The Rams were pleasantly surprised with Hakim's skills during the minicamps.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Starters -- LT Orlando Pace, LG Ed Simmons, C Mike Gruttadauria, RG Zach Wiegert, RT Wayne Gandy. Backups -- LT-RT Fred Miller, G Ryan Tucker, C John Flannery, RG Eathan Brooks.

Pace is no longer a 335-pound man-child. He's a 315-pound man after hitting the weights. Simmons will add some valuable experience to the offensive line if he makes the team. If he is beaten out by Tucker for the starting job, he'll be released. "I'm not running a retirement home," Vermeil said when Simmons was signed. Gruttadauria, a true blue-collar kind of player, will be pushed hard by Flannery. Wiegert, whose toughness was questioned by Vermeil last season, will get one more chance to prove himself. Gandy was the Rams' most consistent offensive lineman last season, but Miller could unseat him as a starter if he doesn't produce.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Starters -- LE Kevin Carter, LDT Jeff Zgonina, RDT D'Marco Farr, RDE Jay Williams. Backups -- LDE Bryan Robinson, LDT Ray Agnew, RDT Joe Phillips, RDE Grant Wistrom.

Carter came on strong at the end of the season. He finished with 7.5 sacks. This could be the year he moves up to Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end. Zgonina and Farr are listed as the starters, but the Rams plan to use a four-player rotation with Agnew and Phillips at defensive tackle. Farr, who is undersized at 280 pounds, could be limited to pass-rushing situations. Williams will start until Wistrom gets his feet wet. The two players could even be platooned, with Williams playing on running downs and Wistrom playing on passing downs.

LINEBACKERS: Starters -- RLB Roman Phifer, MLB Eric Hill, LLB Mike Jones. Backups -- OLB Muadianvita Kazadi, OLB Charlie Clemons, OLB Leonard Little, OLB Jason Chorak, MLB Lorenzo Styles, MLB Daryl Bush.

This group needs to be more consistent. The Rams have consistently given up too many big plays over the middle, especially to opposing tight ends. Jones was the Rams' steadiest linebacker last season. He also was their best coverage guy. Hill should shore up the Rams' run defense. Phifer, who is the final year of his four-year contract, still has above-average speed. He wasn't allowed to roam as much last season and his tackle total suffered as a result.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters -- LCB Todd Lyght, RCB Ryan McNeil, SS Toby Wright, FS Keith Lyle. Backups -- LCB Taje Allen, RCB Dexter McCleon, RCB Willie Clark, SS Billy Jenkins, Jr., FS Gerald McBurrows, FS Mike Scurlock.

If McNeil continues to hold out, McCleon will be the starter at right corner. Lyght got burned more often last year, but he also saw more passes thrown his way and got less free safety support than McNeil. Wright, the club's top head hunter, is trying to come back from reconstructive knee surgery. If Wright can't go, Jenkins proved he can play strong safety with 17 tackles against the Chicago Bears last season. Vermeil thought Lyle was the team's real MVP last season.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Starters -- P Rick Tuten, K Jeff Wilkins, Holder Keith Lyle, Long snapper Jeff Robinson, KR David Thompson, PR Eddie Kennison. Backups -- Kick snapper John Flannery, Punt snapper Ernie Conwell, KR J.T. Thomas, PR Az-Zahir Hakim.

Tuten replaces another aging vet, Mike Horan, as the club's punter. Wilkins had a six-game slump where he missed nine of 16 field-goal tries, but Vermeil is confident he can find his automatic groove. Thompson set a Rams rookie record for kickoff returns last season. He averaged 22.7 yards per return. Kennison will continue to return punts, even though his average per return was cut in half -- 14.6 yards to 7.3 yards -- last season.

July15, 1998

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