Rams Training Camp News & Notes, July 21

The St. Louis Rams officially kicked off training camp with a full-squad practice on Friday afternoon. While there wasn’t an overwhelming amount of info to take away due to the fact that it was the first day and the players weren’t even in pads, there were a few notable events.

• Fullback Kadeem Jones, linebacker Johnny Millard, and defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks (who are all undrafted rookie free agents) as well as defensive end Sammy Brown did not participate in practice. Defensive lineman William Hayes and offensive linemen Scott Wells and Jake Long did not take part in team drills but participated in some individual drills.
• There’s been an expectation of improvement for second-year center Barrett Jones after having an offseason to learn the offense and recover from an injury that limited him last season. However, Jones still looked to be lacking in physicality compared to the Rams’ other offensive linemen on Friday.
• Rookie wide receiver Jordan Harris, who is a pretty solid physical presence at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, was noticeable on special teams.
• Number 2 overall pick Greg Robinson spent the entire day working at left tackle. Davin Joseph worked at the right guard spot with the first team unit, while Rodger Saffold lined up on the right side.
• Due to the all the injuries on the defensive line, rookie Michael Sam got a lot of work as the second team left end opposite Eugene Sims. He didn’t exactly impress, particularly when he was pancaked by backup offensive lineman Travis Bond during team drills. Matt Conrath, who is usually a defensive tackle, also got work at left end.
• Bond, by the way, is an extremely imposing physical presence. He showed some good skills during Friday’s practice.
• Aaron Donald, the Rams’ other first-rounder, only got brief reps with the second-team unit Friday, but he flashed impressive pass rushing skills when he got in.
• Two wideouts who are somewhat on the bubble this preseason, Austin Pettis and Brian Quick, had big catches during team drills.
• Second-year wideouts Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey lined up with the first team for the first snap of team drills.