ST. LOUIS -- After the draft, the newest St. Louis Rams were issued abbreviated playbooks. The franchise is about to get its first chance to assess the kids' retention skills.
Quarterback Sam Bradford takes the field for the first time since becoming the No. 1 overall pick along with other rookies and hopefuls at a three-day minicamp starting Friday. Bradford was in St. Louis for a news conference the day after the draft and left with homework after meeting with offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and quarterbacks coach Dick Curl.
Offensive lineman Rodger Saffold and cornerback Jerome Murphy, the Rams' second- and third-round picks, also left with starter playbook kits after being introduced in St. Louis, and the team overnighted material to the rest of their 11 selections.
The team also scheduled telephone meetings earlier this week with the draftees to help get everyone up to speed.
"Not a lot of information, but just something to get them started," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "Just a little bit."
St. Louis, 1-15 last year, will hold two workouts Friday and Saturday with a single practice on Sunday.
The first look could provide early insight on how quickly Bradford can make the conversion from the college game. The Rams have been noncommittal on their plans for easing the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma into the lineup and could open the season with veteran backup A.J. Feeley as the starter.
So far, Bradford hasn't pushed for a timetable and has expressed his eagerness to learn. Spagnuolo told Bradford that he'll have gone through 24 practices before training camp begins in late July.
"That's almost double a full spring at Oklahoma, so I think I can learn a lot," Bradford said. "I look forward to it. I look forward to getting around some of the veterans, picking their brains and just getting to work."
Saffold was a tackle at Indiana, allowing one sack his senior season. The Rams like his versatility.
"I know the big thing is just trying to go ahead and just do whatever they tell me to do," Saffold said. "I know it's a really tough process trying to figure out where everybody needs to go to put the team in the best position."
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
