Training camp opens this week and the good news is that number one pick DE Chris Long signed his contract and will be in camp. WR Donnie Avery and CB Justin King are the last two unsigned draft picks and hopefully they will be signed in time to open camp. The bad but not surprising news is that Pro-Bowl OT Orlando Pace will start training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. He will continue to rehab and the Rams expect to have him ready for the opener. Not much has happened since last month’s report, but things will start picking up once camp opens. Here is a look at the Rams depth chart heading into training camp.

QB: QB Marc Bulger is the unquestioned starter and QB Trent Green is the backup. QB Bruce Gradkowski and QB Brock Berlin will compete for the #3 spot with the edge going to Gradkowski.

RB: RB Steven Jackson should benefit greatly from the hiring of Al Saunders as the Offensive Coordinator. It looks like RB Antonio Pittman is the number two back with RB Brian Leonard as the hybrid Halfback-Fullback. Recently signed FB Dan Kreider will compete with FB Rich Owens for a roster spot, as I do not think the Rams will keep two Fullbacks in addition to Leonard. I think St. Louis made a huge mistake releasing Madison Hedgecock last year and the Ram’s loss was the New York Giant’s gain as well as Hedgecock’s who won a Super Bowl ring and got a contract extension.

WR: WR Torry Holt and WR Drew Bennett are the starters and if he signs in time to open camp, WR Donnie Avery should be the #3 receiver. The Rams are impressed with both Avery and WR Keenan Burton so the rookies have a chance to contribute right away. Reports from St. Louis say WR Dante Hall looks as quick as ever and apparently has recovered nicely from last year’s ankle injury. WR Dane Looker, WR Marques Hagans, WR Derek Stanley, and WR Reche Caldwell will compete for roster spots.

TE: TE Randy McMichael, TE Anthony Becht, and TE Joe Klopfenstein are the top three Tight Ends in that order and should open the season that way. McMichael has sleeper potential after a disappointing 2007 season.

K: PK Josh Brown is the only name you need to remember here. PK Justin Medlock most likely will not be on the opening day roster.

DEF: DE Chris Long and DE Leonard Little are the starters at end with DL Adam Carriker and either DT La’Roi Glover or DT Clifton Ryan starting in the middle of the line. Little is recovering nicely from his toe surgery and could get back to his double-digit sack totals with Long on the other side. The starting linebackers will be LB Will Witherspoon, LB Pisa Tinoisamoa, and either LB Quinton Culberson or LB Chris Draft. As mentioned last month CB Tye Hill, CB Ron Bartell or CB Fakhir Brown, FS Oshiomogho Atogwe and SS Corey Chavous should start in the secondary.

Hopefully the last two draft picks will be signed before camp opens and the Rams can have a healthy and productive training camp. Good luck in your Drafts and come back next month for more updates. Congratulations to my Pops for doing great in his first No Limit Hold-em Tournament. Happy Anniversary to Scratch and Bay and my parents! Aloha!