It’s time to strap them up. NFL Minicamps are starting this weekend and that means the first look at new players. Majority of the minicamps held this weekend will be for rookies and some first year players. The draft is over and rookies will finally get their first taste of what the NFL is all about. They’ve seen film and heard stories about the increased speed of the game, but nothing compares to seeing it first hand.
The Rams will hold minicamp over the weekend. Most of the time is spent going over the fundamentals that the casual fan might take for granted. Rams Coach Scott Linehan will dedicate this weekend to teaching play-calling, huddle procedure, and names of defensive fronts and coverages. His ultimate goal is to rid the rookies of “mental paralysis.”
All of the players drafted by the Rams this year will be there except linebacker Jon Alston. The third round pick out of Stanford will not be able to attend because Stanford is on a quarter system and the senior class must graduate before Alston can participate. That is a NFL rule.
There won’t be any legitimate competitions for starting spots since the veterans won’t be there, but some rookies will be looked upon to make an immediate impact. First round pick, cornerback Tye Hill, was regarded by some experts as the top “cover corner” in the draft. He will get his first chance to show Rams coaches that he is just that. The trade of tight end Brandon Manumaleuna opened up a wide window of opportunity for draft picks Joe Klopfenstein from Colorado and Dominique Byrd from USC. One of those two guys is likely to be the starter this year.
The Rams play their first preseason game at home, August 10, against the Colts.
