Following a Friday afternoon practice that saw Rams defensive end Robert Quinn
experience his most extensive work as a pro, the team’s first-round draft pick walked off the field carrying two helmets and wearing about five pairs of shoulder pads, each stacked chin high around his neck.
“First hard day of practice today and they I guess wanted to make me work hard for it or show that I’m still a pup,” Quinn said. “I’ve got to do the little rookie initiation things.”
Quinn handled the razzing well, just like he handled practice. Although Quinn is only working in certain situations while his sore knee continues to get back to full strength, Coach Steve Spagnuolo liked what he saw from his top pick on Friday.
“He’s coming along,” Spagnuolo said. “He is picking up things pretty well. This is not easy for a young guy at that position to pick up, especially with some of the zone blitzes we do. But I tell you what, I’m fairly impressed with that part of him.”
As a rookie trying to find his way, Quinn sees every moment of practice as a learning experience. He’s quickly seen how much faster the game is played at the NFL level and he’s constantly in the thick playbook he’s vigorously working to digest.
That said, it’s the intensity of each play and each practice that has impacted Quinn the most in his first week as an NFL player.
“It’s a game, but it’s a job also,” Quinn said. “Everybody’s giving 110 percent every down so you’ve really got to be on your P’s and Q’s and give your all every single play, even in practice. What you put on film is kind of your resume.”
Between drills Friday, Quinn was regularly seen tugging on the ear of one of his veteran teammates as he searches for the little things that will help him adjust to his new job.
“Just little technique stuff,” Quinn said. “They’re trying to help make me better as a player because I’ve got to try to help them out and help the team win. So whatever they can do to make me better as a player, to help the team, they’re out there to help.”
Quinn’s Friday workload involved minimal contact, and Spagnuolo didn’t commit to when his rookie will be ready for more physical drills. Spagnuolo wants to be cautious with Quinn so that he’s available for some of the important learning experiences that are just around the corner.
“We’ll take it step by step,” Spagnuolo said. “We have this week to get to the scrimmage and then somewhere in here we’ll give them some time off and then we have the Colts game. The preseason games, I know players may not like them, but they’re good for us, especially guys like that getting in a game type atmosphere, see what they got.”
Quinn said he felt “terrific” following Friday’s work. He promised to be patient with his health as he humbly approaches his new job.
“I’m just trying to be the best teammate possible,” Quinn said, “and learn from the vets and play my role as the pup.”
INJURY UPDATE
Cornerback Jerome Murphy left Friday’s practice with an ankle injury. Spagnuolo said that tight end Michael Hoomanawanui and linebacker David Vobora left practice after suffering what the team thought was concussions, but the team will further evaluate the two players.
ROSTER MOVES
The team officially added running back Cadillac Williams to the roster Friday, and Williams went through his first practice as a Ram. Spagnuolo is excited to have the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year aboard.
“He has been a productive back in this league,” Spagnuolo said. “He is experienced. He is a guy that we think can catch the ball pretty good. He worked out really good the other day when we had him in here. And I’ve heard nothing but great character on him, so that’s always important for us.”
The Rams also added Roy Watts, a free agent rookie from Houston, and the team waived linebacker David Nixon and defensive tackle Teryl White.
TIME CHANGE
Saturday’s drills have been pushed back to 2:30 p.m. The practice was initially scheduled for 1:50. The practice, held at the Russell Training Center in Earth City, is open to the public and is free admission.
On Sunday, the Rams will hold their annual scrimmage at Lindenwood University. The scrimmage starts at 11 a.m. and is also open to fans. Admission is free on Sunday as well.
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