Rams notes: Second-year corner McGee is stepping up his game/PD

Rams notes: Second-year corner McGee is stepping up his game
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-second-year-corner-mcgee-is-stepping-up-his/article_785d7ebb-fc04-5710-94b0-70989b40e122.html

As a rookie last season, cornerback Brandon McGee played in 15 games. In the Rams’ secondary, he ranks fourth in NFL seniority behind third-year players Rodney McLeod (32 games), Janoris Jenkins (31 games) and Trumaine Johnson (28 games).

There are 16 corners and safeties on the Rams’ 90-man training camp roster. Of those, nine have yet to take a snap in an NFL game.

“It’s definitely unique, being part of such a young group,” said McGee, a 23-year-old from the University of Miami. “It keeps it fresh, it keeps it alive, and it keeps it fun. We’re competing day in and day out, and I think that’s something that will make all of us better in the long run. No one here is afraid of competition or shies away from it. We embrace it.”

A fifth-round draft pick in 2013, McGee was in on just 78 plays from scrimmage — roughly the equivalent of one game — and contributed seven tackles and three assists last season. But he became a core player on special teams, tying for third on the squad with six tackles.

“I would’ve liked to contribute more defensively, but when I got a chance, I felt like I played decent,” he said. “And I felt like I did pretty well in my special teams role. Special teams is such a big part of the game, especially at this level because one hit or one block can change a game.

“We take a lot of pride in what we did last year, and every one of us is looking for even more success on special teams this year.”

The 5-foot-11, 193-pound McGee has been getting some work with the starters, and he feels the team overall is getting better with each practice.

“As a rookie, there’s just a different learning curve,” he said. “Most of the time, you feel like you’re learning on the fly. But now, with a that first season under my belt, I’m definitely more comfortable. I have a better understanding of the defense and of the offensive routes; I know how to take care of my body better and to prepare for the day-to-day grind here.”

And like his teammates, McGee is excited about playing for new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

“Coach Williams, he brings a lot of tenacity and feistiness with his play-calling,” McGee said. “He’s a guy who’s going to challenge you to get better and to compete on every play.”

COACHING HELP

The Rams coaching staff this summer includes four former NFL players involved in the Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship program. They are: former Titans running back John Simon (a coach at Southern Mississippi); former Titans defensive lineman Tony Brown (an assistant at Tennessee-Chattanooga); former Colts, Falcons and Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson (an assistant at Florida, his alma mater); and former Bills, Redskins, Jags and Saints safety Pierson Prioleau (who coaches at Radford High in Virginia).

“It’s a good group of guys,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said.

The program’s objective is to use NFL club’s training camps, offseason workout programs and minicamps to give talented minority coaches opportunities to observe, participate, gain experience, and ultimately gain full-time NFL coaching positions. The program is named after the late 49ers coaching legend who came up with the idea and then helped the NFL implement it the late 1980s.

Two current Rams coaches, assistant linebackers coach Joe Bowden and assistant defensive line coach Clyde Simmons, are among the many program graduates who went on to secure full-time positions. There are three active NFL head coaches — Tampa Bay’s Lovie Smith, Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin and Cincinnati’s Marvin Lewis — who are products of the program.

RAM-BLINGS

The Rams return to the practice field Friday at 3:30 p.m. The session at Rams Park is free and open to the public. On Saturday, the team will shift to the Edward Jones Dome for its FanFest event, with a practice at 12:30 p.m.

• Several NFL officials were on hand for Thursday’s workout and are scheduled to meet with the team and the media in separate sessions to review rule changes and to give a presentation on sportsmanship and workplace conduct.

• Former Rams assistant coach Blake Williams — son of defensive coordinator Gregg — attended Thursday’s workout along with the rest of the William Jewell College coaching staff. The younger Williams is the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

High school staffs on the sideline at Rams Park included Lindbergh, Mehlville, Borgia, Gateway Tech, Cleveland and Pana, Ill.