Defensive line rookies lick chops
June 15th, 2007 | by Kevin Morris |
By Bill Coats
Given their bulk, it’s doubtful whether rookie defensive linemen Clifton Ryan
(6 feet 3 and 310 pounds) and Keith Jackson (6-0 and 315) have missed many
meals. Still, their appetites remain strong, and that’s what Rams coach Scott
Linehan likes most about them.
“They’re very hungry,” Linehan said. “I think they see a great opportunity, and
hopefully they’ll seize that.”
The opportunity was created a week ago, when the Rams traded nose tackle Jimmy
Kennedy to Denver for a sixth-round draft pick next year. Suddenly, a job was
open behind projected starter Adam Carriker, the Rams’ first-round draftee this
year.
“It’s exciting, but you’ve got to keep it all in context,” said Ryan, a
fifth-round pick (No. 154 overall) from Michigan State. “This is a business,
and I’ve got to earn my keep. They’re giving me this opportunity, but at the
same time I can’t get complacent and think I’ve made it.”
Ryan was part of the No. 2 unit this week in minicamp at Rams Park. Jackson, a
seventh-round selection (No. 248 overall) from Arkansas, worked mainly with the
third team.
“We’ve just got to go out there and give the coaches what they want, and show
our teammates that we can play ball and we can handle the pressure,” Jackson
said.
The team is expected to seek another veteran defensive lineman through free
agency or trade. For now, however, the newcomers are competing head to head.
“They’re doing very well,” Linehan said. “They’re young, and they make
mistakes. But I don’t see the same mistake being made twice, which is what
you’re looking for.”
Bulger ready
What did Linehan think of quarterback Marc Bulger’s performance during the
three-day minicamp?
“Terrible,” Linehan blurted.
After a slight pause, he added, “No, he looks great. Marc’s playing at a high
level; he’s an extremely gifted thrower. All that first year, new coaches,
whatever … that’s all gone, and now he’s just kind of tuning his game up.”
Ram-blings
Defensive end Eric Moore and tackle Ken Shackleford were excused from
Thursday’s practice because of deaths in their families. … In preparation for
his move inside from defensive end, Carriker has bulked up to 313 pounds. He
played at about 295 last year at Nebraska. . . . Wide receiver Drew Bennett
caught three scoring passes in red-zone work Thursday.
