Rams working top rookies into the mix

   It came down to the wire as it often does with high draft picks in the NFL, but when the Rams took the field for their first full-squad practice July 31, both first-round pick Jason Smith and second-round pick James Laurinaitis were on the field.

   And, both lined up with the second unit as they did through most of the OTAs, although both did take some limited reps with the first team during the first three days of practice.

   Laurinaitis signed July 29 and was able to participate in one day of work with a small group (34 players) of rookies, quarterbacks and selected veterans. Smith missed that day, but signed in time for the first team meeting and the opening practice.

   "It's nice to have all that out of the way," Laurinaitis said after signing. "That's an area I don't like, kind of like thinking about all that money stuff. For me, it's all about playing football ever since I was little. So the fact that we get paid for this now is just a bonus. But I'll never be one of those guys that gets caught up in those numbers and such."

   Smith has the same attitude, and it was big part of why the Rams drafted both. Aside from being potentially excellent players, they each have a passion for the game coaches love.

   When Smith was asked if he urged his agents to get a deal done, he said, “Well obviously as offensive linemen, you want to be a part of the team. I have never done a deal before so I don’t know. But what I know is that to play football you got to be here, you can’t be at the house wanting to be a part of a team. You got to be here being a part of the team. That’s what’s were doing here at the Rams, building a team that we can go out and play in the NFL.”

   Agent Ben Dogra lives in St. Louis, and as part of CAA with Tom Condon represents both Smith and Laurinaitis.

   Of Smith, Dogra said, "Jason Smith's a football player. He really wanted to be here on time. The Rams are trying to build something with these new group of guys, and he wants to be a part of that."

   Laurinaitis, who is expected to win a job at middle linebacker, was just anxious to get the pads on.

   "A lot of guys look good in shorts, you know what I mean?" Laurinaitis said. "And when you're a linebacker, wearing shorts all the time is kind of hard for you. Your whole position is kind of based on physicality and going out there and showing them what you can do. We'll get plenty of that these next few weeks."

   Smith is at right tackle, as opposed to left tackle, where he played in college.

   He’s fine with that. “Whether it’s right tackle, left tackle, serving water, making sure the Gatorade is cold, or handing out towels; whatever it is, I’m ready.”