Rams News

Rams tell young players it's time for breakthrough

07/18/98

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

A quick glance at the depth chart, and one would think the Rams finished 11-5 last year rather than 5-11.
Entering training camp, the only new starter on offense is left guard Ed Simmons.
On defense, the only new starters are Jay Williams at right end, Jeff Zgonina at left tackle, and Eric Hill at middle linebacker. Special teams feature a new punter in Rick Tuten.
But the Rams aren't standing pat. They're simply telling many of their younger players, most of whom have taken their lumps over the last few years: It's time.
Time to get over the hump.
``I think a lot of people recognize that we were a better football team last year,'' coach Dick Vermeil said. ``But they didn't see the end result in terms of wins and losses. I feel much more confident today that we can get it done here in St. Louis. First off, it's a great city. Secondly, we have a great facility. And third, I think we're building a real solid organization.
``I don't say this to be sarcastic or facetious, but very seldom does a winning (franchise) move anywhere. Teams that move in this league are normally teams that are struggling. And the Rams were, and have been, a struggling organization.''
But Vermeil sees better depth and better competition, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. They have more backup players, particularly on defense, who can run. And that should help the special teams, because that's where most backup players do most of their playing.
``Making the final cuts will be much (tougher) than it was last year,'' Vermeil said. ``I would venture to say that we will release some players who will make somebody else's roster. I don't think we did much of that last year.''
Some final thoughts on the pre-training camp depth chart:
No. 1 draft pick Grant Wistrom figures to eventually supplant Williams, because you don't draft a guy No. 6 overall to sit on the bench. Similarly, Ray Agnew figures to eventually start ahead of Zgonina. Why else sign him to an $8.1 million contract?

Injury update
The Rams have reversed field and decided not to place strong safety Toby Wright on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) at the start of training camp. Wright is working his way back from offseason reconstructive knee surgery.
``We're going to let him go to work and do what he can do,'' Vermeil said. ``I think he's about 85 percent there. Nobody has invested more time than he has invested in trying to get ready to play.''
Vermeil expects offensive guard Ryan Tucker, who missed the June minicamp with a hamstring injury, to be ready to go full bore in training camp.
Speaking of hamstrings, Vermeil said the staff will more closely monitor the running of the wide receiver corps this training camp to guard against hamstring injuries. Occasionally, the receivers may conduct a drill at a walk-through pace rather than at full speed.
Isaac Bruce missed almost all of last year's camp with a hamstring tear, which caused him to miss four full games, and all but a few plays of a fifth. ``Isaac claims he's in better condition than he's ever been in his career,'' Vermeil said. ``He participated more here on-site (at Rams Park), than he had in the past during the offseason.''
Despite the potential for some minor tinkering, don't expect Vermeil to go soft on practice time during camp.
``Practices are always too long for players,'' Vermeil said. ``Ever since I have coached, practices have been too long for players. . . . They are not going to get any sympathy.''

What if
Third-year player Derrick Harris becomes the starting fullback if Craig ``Ironhead'' Heyward shows up so overweight that he is cut by Vermeil. Vermeil said Tuesday that Heyward should consider himself retired if he doesn't make his prescribed weight of 260 pounds when veterans report this Thursday.
Harris started six games as a rookie in 1996, carrying only three times and catching four passes. He didn't play a down in 1997, suiting up only once all season. But Rams coaches feel he can handle the position.
Next in line would be rookie Raymond Priester, who was a feature back at Clemson with no fullback experience. In addition, tight ends Mitch Jacoby and Aaron Laing have been doing some work at the H-back/fullback position.
``They both can play H-back,'' Vermeil said. ``They're just not ballcarriers. But we don't run that guy that much anyway.''
Laing blocked very well in the backfield at times in 1996 when pressed into service at H-back because of injuries.

What if, II
If Ryan McNeil is a no-show because of his contract standoff, second-year player Dexter McCleon will enter training camp as the team's starting right cornerback. McCleon wasn't all that impressive last season as a rookie, logging about 21 percent of the team's defensive plays but eventually losing much of his nickel-back responsibilities to Taje Allen. But the coaches have been talking up McCleon this offseason.
Allen and free-agent pickup Willie Clark of Philadelphia also would contend for the job.

Rams potpourri
After evaluation and discussion on just-released Pittsburgh linebacker Greg Lloyd, the Rams have decided they aren't interested because of injury concerns. . . . The team remains interested in Chicago free agent Ron Cox. Cox visited Rams Park during the offseason, and would give them a linebacker who could take on the tight end.

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