Matthew Stafford: Rookies bring an 'injection of excitement' to Rams OTAs

[theramswire.usatoday.com] Matthew Stafford: Rookies bring an 'injection of excitement' to Rams OTAs

Cameron DaSilva
May 24, 2022 1:11 pm PT

Matthew Stafford has been in the NFL for 13 years, so he’s grown used to seeing fresh faces take the field for the first time in OTAs each year. The Los Angeles Rams welcomed more than 20 rookies to the roster this offseason through the draft and undrafted free agency, with each player fighting to make the regular-season roster in September.

It’s still very early in the process for the Rams’ rookies but Stafford has already seen the energy they’ve brought to the field after just one day of OTAs. He told reporters Monday that rookies always provide a spark with their excitement as practices get underway.

“I think the biggest thing is every time you get the rookies in here, there’s just an injection of excitement,” Stafford said. “These guys are getting to be on the field for their first time with all of us out there, and watching those guys run around and enjoy it. Understand there’s a long way to go for them, but at the same time, getting to watch those guys compete, which is a lot of fun for me.”

Logan Bruss was the Rams’ top draft pick this year, being selected 104th overall in the third round. He’ll be competing for starting reps at right guard, though it might take him some time to carve out a role as a rookie.

Decobie Durant, Kyren Williams and Derion Kendrick are among the other Rams rookies competing this summer, attempting to fill voids left by Darious Williams and Sony Michel.