(Sports Network) -
REPORT DATES: July 24th (rookies), July 27th (veterans)
SITE: ContinuityX Center, Earth City, MO
CAMP OBJECTIVES: The long-suffering Rams are about to embark upon yet another
massive rebuilding effort, with former Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher tabbed
to lead this latest project, and establishing roles and getting a bevy of
incoming talent to blend together will be the focus of the new regime. Many of
St. Louis' 10 choices in this most recent draft have a path to immediate
playing time if they're up to the task, with hulking first-round tackle
Michael Brockers and controversial second-round cornerback Janoris Jenkins
penciled in as immediate starters on a defense that's undergoing a major
makeover. The Rams could have a pair of first-year players contributing at the
outside receiver flanks as well, with both good-sized second-rounder Brian
Quick and speedy fourth-round selection Chris Givens set to get crash courses
in coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's offense, though veteran Steve Smith may
have a say in the matter if the ex-Eagle can demonstrate he's completely over
a knee problem that greatly curtailed his 2011 production. Getting 2010 NFL
Offensive Rookie of the Year Sam Bradford healthy and back to form after an
injury-plagued and ineffective sophomore campaign is also a high priority for
the new staff, and that cause would be aided if tackles Roger Saffold and
Jason Smith can stay on the field after each missed substantial time a season
ago. There are also decisions to be made at left guard and outside linebacker,
where free-agent additions Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Rocky McIntosh and Mario Haggan are
vying for two open spots.
PRESEASON SCHEDULE (All Times Eastern):
Aug. 12 - at Indianapolis, 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 18 - vs. Kansas City, 8 p.m.
Aug. 25 - at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Aug. 30 - vs. Baltimore, 8 p.m.
The Sports Network