By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Friday, Jun. 13 2008
Less than two years ago, rookie Bruce Gradkowski was opening eyes as the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers' starting quarterback. Now, he's fighting for a job as the Rams'
third-stringer.
"It's tough, but that's how it goes," Gradkowski said Thursday after organized
team activities concluded at Rams Park. "I just look at it as, I was very
fortunate to play as a rookie. A lot of young guys don't get thrown into action
that fast."
The Rams claimed Gradkowski, 25, off waivers after he was released May 30 by
Tampa Bay, where he was entangled in a logjam of six quarterbacks. "I kind of
wanted something to happen," he said. "I had two years there, but I knew as an
opportunity, that wasn't the spot for me right now as a young guy. I was happy
to get out of there."
The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder, a Pittsburgh native, started 11 games in 2006 after
first-teamer Chris Simms suffered a spleen injury in Week 3. The Bucs went 3-8
during that span, and Gradkowski's quarterback rating was a meager 65.9.
"Things didn't go as well as I'd planned, but it was a great learning
experience," said Gradkowski, a sixth-round draft pick (No. 194 overall) in
2006. "I think it helped me tremendously, just getting a feel for the game, how
things work in the NFL, the speed of things, getting used to being in the
huddle with the guys. … I know I can play in this league, for sure."
With Jeff Garcia taking over last season, Gradkowski got into just four games.
When he became available, the Rams jumped.
"He's played in this league; you can tell that," coach Scott Linehan said. "He
has a real live arm and has a good, athletic presence to him. He has the
ability to move and buy time and create plays. … He was a very productive
player in college."
In Gradkowski's four years, Toledo never won fewer than eight games in a
season. He is the Rockets' career leader in passing yards (9,225), attempts
(1,123), completions (766) and touchdowns (85).
Because the Rams' offense "is pretty much totally opposite of what I ran in
Tampa," Gradkowski spent his first week with the team watching team drills,
trying to glean as much as possible. He also has been immersed in offensive
coordinator Al Saunders' massive playbook.
"I'm trying to catch up as fast as I can," Gradkowski said. "I'm fortunate to
get here before camp, just so I could grasp some of the things. I have a lot to
learn 'til camp" opens July 24 at Concordia University in Mequon, Wis.
Then, the competition with Brock Berlin for the spot behind starter Marc Bulger
and backup Trent Green will begin in earnest.
A KNACK FOR GOLF
Veteran Dane Looker was the most popular player on the field at the close of
OTAs Thursday. With a deft golf shot, he was responsible for the cancellation
of afternoon meetings.
Linehan organized a contest in which players could take a 125-yard shot across
the practice fields and try to hit the outline of a green. If any was
successful, the meetings were off.
About 10 players tried and failed, some miserably. Then Looker — a scratch
golfer — used a wedge to drop the ball about 5 feet from the pin held by
equipment assistant John Welby, who wisely donned a helmet for the duty.
"I think Dane could probably play professional golf," Linehan said. "Whatever
he picks up, Dane's good at. He just has a knack."
RAM-BLINGS
The first of the Rams' eight draft choices have joined the fold. Tackle John
Greco, a third-round pick out of Toledo, and guard Roy Schuening, a
fifth-rounder from Oregon State, have signed three-year contracts. Financial
terms were not disclosed. … Cornerback Fakhir Brown, running back Steven
Jackson and linebacker Will Witherspoon didn't participate in Thursday's
voluntary practice because of family obligations. Wide receiver Torry Holt also
was absent.
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Friday, Jun. 13 2008
Less than two years ago, rookie Bruce Gradkowski was opening eyes as the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers' starting quarterback. Now, he's fighting for a job as the Rams'
third-stringer.
"It's tough, but that's how it goes," Gradkowski said Thursday after organized
team activities concluded at Rams Park. "I just look at it as, I was very
fortunate to play as a rookie. A lot of young guys don't get thrown into action
that fast."
The Rams claimed Gradkowski, 25, off waivers after he was released May 30 by
Tampa Bay, where he was entangled in a logjam of six quarterbacks. "I kind of
wanted something to happen," he said. "I had two years there, but I knew as an
opportunity, that wasn't the spot for me right now as a young guy. I was happy
to get out of there."
The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder, a Pittsburgh native, started 11 games in 2006 after
first-teamer Chris Simms suffered a spleen injury in Week 3. The Bucs went 3-8
during that span, and Gradkowski's quarterback rating was a meager 65.9.
"Things didn't go as well as I'd planned, but it was a great learning
experience," said Gradkowski, a sixth-round draft pick (No. 194 overall) in
2006. "I think it helped me tremendously, just getting a feel for the game, how
things work in the NFL, the speed of things, getting used to being in the
huddle with the guys. … I know I can play in this league, for sure."
With Jeff Garcia taking over last season, Gradkowski got into just four games.
When he became available, the Rams jumped.
"He's played in this league; you can tell that," coach Scott Linehan said. "He
has a real live arm and has a good, athletic presence to him. He has the
ability to move and buy time and create plays. … He was a very productive
player in college."
In Gradkowski's four years, Toledo never won fewer than eight games in a
season. He is the Rockets' career leader in passing yards (9,225), attempts
(1,123), completions (766) and touchdowns (85).
Because the Rams' offense "is pretty much totally opposite of what I ran in
Tampa," Gradkowski spent his first week with the team watching team drills,
trying to glean as much as possible. He also has been immersed in offensive
coordinator Al Saunders' massive playbook.
"I'm trying to catch up as fast as I can," Gradkowski said. "I'm fortunate to
get here before camp, just so I could grasp some of the things. I have a lot to
learn 'til camp" opens July 24 at Concordia University in Mequon, Wis.
Then, the competition with Brock Berlin for the spot behind starter Marc Bulger
and backup Trent Green will begin in earnest.
A KNACK FOR GOLF
Veteran Dane Looker was the most popular player on the field at the close of
OTAs Thursday. With a deft golf shot, he was responsible for the cancellation
of afternoon meetings.
Linehan organized a contest in which players could take a 125-yard shot across
the practice fields and try to hit the outline of a green. If any was
successful, the meetings were off.
About 10 players tried and failed, some miserably. Then Looker — a scratch
golfer — used a wedge to drop the ball about 5 feet from the pin held by
equipment assistant John Welby, who wisely donned a helmet for the duty.
"I think Dane could probably play professional golf," Linehan said. "Whatever
he picks up, Dane's good at. He just has a knack."
RAM-BLINGS
The first of the Rams' eight draft choices have joined the fold. Tackle John
Greco, a third-round pick out of Toledo, and guard Roy Schuening, a
fifth-rounder from Oregon State, have signed three-year contracts. Financial
terms were not disclosed. … Cornerback Fakhir Brown, running back Steven
Jackson and linebacker Will Witherspoon didn't participate in Thursday's
voluntary practice because of family obligations. Wide receiver Torry Holt also
was absent.