Rams News Recap: April 20

[RamBill]

Rams’ Journey for 2015 Begins with Start of Offseason Program –PD
For tight end Jared Cook, Monday at Rams Park was like the first day of school.

Rams Gather for Start of Strength, Conditioning Work –AP
The start of offseason workouts gives St. Louis Rams players their first real opportunity to collectively get over the Sam Bradford trade. And to get to know Nick Foles.

St. Louis Rams’ Restricted Free Agents Sign One-Year Deals –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams took care of some small but important pieces of business Monday afternoon as three restricted and one exclusive-rights free agent signed their one-year tender offers to remain with the team in 2015.

Path to the Draft War Room: St. Louis Rams –Video

James Laurinaitis: “The journey begins today” –Video

Cook: “I’m definitely excited about the changes” –Video

Rams, Cowboys Discuss Training Together in California –Wagoner
West coast fans of the St. Louis Rams might be getting an earlier opportunity to see their team than even they expected.

Rams May Spend Part of Training Camp in California –PD
The Rams, who may be moving permanently to Los Angeles in 2016, may be spending several days of training camp this August in southern California.

Rams Draft Preview: Quarterback –Wagoner
The NFL draft is set to begin April 30 and the St. Louis Rams hold six picks in this year’s selection process. For the next week and a half, we’ll take a look at a different position every day with what the Rams have in place at a position, what they need, when they might address it and some possible fits.

What to Watch as Rams Open Offseason Program –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams will officially begin their offseason program today, the first day they were able to according to NFL rules.

Greg Cosell on Defining A Franchise QB –Video

ESPN Media NFL Draft Conference Call with Todd McShay –Audio

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: Best receiver fits
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17794/morning-ram-blings-best-receiver-fits

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Whether the St. Louis Rams choose to pursue a wide receiver in this year's NFL draft remains to be seen.

While Rams coach Jeff Fisher has indicated he's happy with the group the team has in place at wideout, the possibility remains that the Rams could find themselves in position to draft a potential star receiver with the 10th overall pick.

Which is why the Rams popped up twice when ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay offered his list of the best fits Insider for the draft's top wideouts.

McShay listed receivers in categories of "perimeter deep threats," "perimeter possession receivers" and "slot receivers." McShay lists the Rams as a team in need of perimeter deep threats and perimeter possession receivers. Players like Alabama's Amari Cooper and West Virginia's Kevin White fall in the first category while the second offers names like Arizona State's Jaelen Strong and USC's Nelson Agholar.

It seems unlikely the Rams will use a top 10 pick on a receiver unless a big surprise happens and Cooper or White falls to their spot. Even then, it wouldn't be a sure thing. But it's clear at least one analyst views finding help for position as a priority for the team.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Monday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we looked at center Stefen Wisniewski's signing with Jacksonville and what it means for the Rams. ... The Rams opened the offseason training program Monday and we took a look at three things to watch as they did. ... We started our draft preview series with a look at quarterbacks. ... The Rams and Cowboys have discussed training together in California this summer. ... Finally, the Rams re-signed their three restricted free agents and an exclusive-rights free agent.

Elsewhere:�

On ESPN Insider, Bill Polian offers his list of "pivot points"�Insider in the first round of the draft.

Former Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson, who spent plenty of time as a thorn in the Rams' side, officially retired as a Cardinal on Monday.

At 101sports.com, Randy Karraker writes that the Rams' direction in the upcoming draft is pretty clear.

At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas previews this year's crop of wide receivers in the draft.

Interesting look at how the Rams scouted Tre Mason and Lamarcus Joyner on the team's official website.