Rams News Recap: June 17

[RamBill]

Punter Cowan Turns 2013 Workout into Opportunity –PD
In an effort to prepare then-rookie Tavon Austin for receiving punts from Arizona Cardinals left-footed punter Dave Zastudil last season, the Rams brought in lefty Bobby Cowan for a workout.

Rams Learning the Williams Way on Defense –PD
First impressions of Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams? These words come to mind: Serious. Full-speed ahead. High-energy. Non-stop. Full-throttle. Passionate. Vocal. Loves his job.

Rams OTA Day Eight Recap –St.LouisRams.com
In his first meeting with St. Louis media during organized team activities, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams shone a bit of light on his vision for the Rams’ defense.

B & G’s Rams OTA Observations: June 17

Improved Ogletree + Williams’ Scheme = Tougher Rams D –FSMW
Alec Ogletree was having fun Tuesday, despite the sauna-like conditions for the Rams’ organized team activity at Rams Park.

Rams Will Have 14 Practices Open to Public in Training Camp –PD
The Rams will have 14 practices open to the public for 2014 training camp, including an open scrimmage at the Edward Jones Dome on Aug. 2.

Observations from Rams’ eighth OTA –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams are coming down the home stretch of their offseason program with just a pair of organized team activities after Tuesday’s practice.

Gregg Williams Putting Stamp on Rams’ Defense –AP
Gregg Williams kept saying how much fun he was having, how happy he was to be coaching in his home state, how great players have responded to his high-decibel leadership.

Rams DC Gregg Williams Making Himself Heard –Wagoner
Finding new St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams on the practice field is only as difficult as the ability to hear. Even if you don’t spot him right away, you can follow the voice.

Rams DC Gregg Williams OTA Press Conference –Video

Tony Softli Talks Gregg Williams and OTA’s –Radio Interview

Coach O’s Rams OTA Report: June 16

What Rams Need from Receivers in 2014 –Wagoner
Where names like Jerry Rice, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt once dotted the landscape of the NFC West, the role of the wide receiver in the rough-and-tumble division has changed dramatically

Wired Up: Rams RB Zac Stacy at OTAs –Videos

Tim McDonald Talks About Son: Rams Safety TJ McDonald –Radio Interview

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: Fantasy forecast
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/9424/morning-ram-blings-fantasy-forecast

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Fantasy football drafts are still a ways away, but it's never too early to begin preparations for them.

On Tuesday at ESPN Insider, senior fantasy writer Eric Karabell took a spin around the NFC West division with his summer snapshot of each team Insider. In it, Karabell provided a look at some things to watch on the St. Louis Rams as they approach the preseason, and some things to monitor before you make any picks from the team in your fantasy draft.

Among the topics Karabell dives into in greater detail are the recovery of quarterback Sam Bradford and left tackle Jake Long from knee surgeries, Bradford's need to step up in 2014 and how the running back situation might get complicated if Tre Mason pushes Zac Stacy for carries.

It's no surprise that the Rams aren't exactly teeming with top-tier fantasy football options or potential picks. On paper, Karabell has Stacy as the most prominent but even that could be subject to change.

The Rams do have some potential fantasy contributors, but chances are it's going to be hard to peg who would be worthwhile and who wouldn't before games actually begin.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Tuesday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we began the day with a look at John Clayton's projection of the Rams having one of the most improved sub package defenses in the league. ... Next, we examined what strides the Rams need to make in the passing game to reach their offensive potential in 2014. ... From there, we offered our usual observations from organized team activities. ... We closed the day with a closer look at defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' adjustment to St. Louis.

Elsewhere:

It shouldn't be a surprise, but the Texans are calling former Ram Ryan Fitzpatrick their starting quarterback.

Texans reporter Tania Ganguli writes that Fitzpatrick has something to prove in his new job.

An interesting offseason in San Francisco continues to get more interesting with the holdouts of Vernon Davis and Alex Boone.

At stltoday.com, Joe Lyons explores the chances of local product T.J. Moe making the Rams at wide receiver.

Jim Thomas participated in his weekly chat.