Ramblin’ Fan’s Fan Guide To Rams Training Camp

Training camp is under way at Rams Park, all the players, rookies and veterans reported yesterday. A few weeks ago right here on Ramblin’ Fan, we broke down every position on the Rams roster to prepare you for camp. Here is an updated, smaller version on the training camp schedule and what to watch for throughout the next month.

Full Schedule

Training Camp will feature 17 practices that will be open to the public, as well as a scrimmage that will be held at the Edward Jones Dome. There will also be autograph sessions after each practice and the open scrimmage. It i also expected that former Rams great wide receiver Isaac Bruce will be at camp August 1-6.

Camp Battles To Keep An Eye On

1. Wide Receiver:

The third and fourth wide receiver spot will be an interesting camp battle to watch. Chris Givens and Tavon Austin are basically locks, however who plays across from Givens as well as being the fourth guy is up in the air. Will Brian Quick step up, or will Austin Pettis or Stedman Bailey rise to the occasion? This will definitely be a camp battle to keep an eye on.

2. Running Back

This is a position that is wide open for the taking for the first time in what seems like forever. Richardson, Pead, and Stacy highlight the candidates for the position. It has been said by the coaches that they always saw Pead being Steven Jackson’s successor, but Richardson showed a lot of potential last season, Zac Stacy will also be a legitimate contender.

3. Safety

This is another position that is up in the air. The Rams drafted T.J. McDonald, and Darian Stewart is one of the veterans of the group. Matt Giordano, Matt Daniels, as well as Rodney McLeod will compete for the position.

Players To Watch

1. Sam Bradford

Bradford finally has some weapons, there are no more excuses. Can Sam Bradford step up and utilaize all of his new “toys” and lead the Rams to the playoffs?

2. Austin Pettis

Pettis, according to coaches has the best mini camp among all of the skill position players. Will Pettis be able to keep it up and steal the number two receiver spot away from Brian Quick?

3. Jared Cook

Cook also impressed throughout mini camps. The guy is a monster and is bound to make plays all throughout camp, he will be a fun player to watch not only throughout camp, but throughout the 2013 season.

4. Zac Stacy

The Rams drafted Stacy in the fifth round and it is thought that he has a legitimate shot at winning the starting role. He could be the next late-round rookie that surprises.

5. Tavon Austin and Brian Quick

Both of these players are unproven play makers waiting to make their impact in the league. Austin needs to prove he was worthy of the top ten pick, and Quick needs to prove to coaches and fans that it is not time to give up on him just yet

6. The safety position

Who will step up and be the support the Rams need on the back end of the defense. These are all young players and it will really just be a fun position competition to watch.

7. Alec Ogletree

Ogletree is sort of the forgotten first round pick. Everybody is talking about Austin. Ogletree needs to go out and prove that the Rams were in the right for taking a gamble on him despite his off the field issues.

Conclusion

The Rams have 89 players on the roster right now, but by the time week one rolls around they will have just 53. The Rams are exactly two weeks away from their first preseason game in Cleveland against the Browns. A lot will happen between now and then and the coaches will know more about what this team will be like. A few dates to circle on the calendar are August 27 when teams must cut down to 75 players and then August 31 when teams must be down to roster maximum of 53 players. Enjoy training camp Rams fans because this one will be wild ride with lots of drama and surprising.