Sam Bradford and St. Louis Rams to Open Camp Friday, First Practice Saturday

According to Matt Pomeroy of NFL Network, the St. Louis Rams will open training camp on Friday in Earth City, MO, at the Rams training and practice headquarters: the Russell Training Center. 

The NFL Network and ESPN are also reporting that free agency will begin Tuesday at 9 AM central time. 

Specifically, players will report for pre-practice activities and physicals on Friday with the first practice being held on Saturday, according to Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  However, the report clearly states that these details have not yet been made official.

All rookies will have to be signed, (as was the case in normal years), before participating in training camps. 

The St. Louis Rams selected eight players in the seven-round 2011 NFL Draft. 

Clearly, this will be the most hectic, frenzied week in the history of NFL offseasons.  Some have said it will be the busiest and most concentrated offseason period in the entire history of American sports.

With that said, it is crucial that Kevin Demoff, Billy Devaney and the Rams act swiftly and wisely in the coming days. 

Demoff, the Rams COO/Executive VP of Football Operations, was recently recognized by Don Banks of Sports Illustrated as one of the top 10 future NFL power brokers.  Demoff's work for the St. Louis Rams organization has been exemplary.  With Demoff, the Rams are in good hands in regard to handling rookie contracts and working efficiently within the cap.

Approaching free agency, the Rams will have to lock up their own free agents.  Those most likely to be retained may include names like Mark Clayton and Daniel Fells. 

The Rams will also move quickly to solidify other roster spots. 

Positions likely to be targeted include backup running back, outside linebacker, safety, defensive tackle and guard.  It will be interesting to see if the Rams target a free agent wide receiver or if they do indeed re-sign Clayton.  Although unlikely, it is possible that they do both.  Plaxico Burress is one wideout who has consistently been mentioned as a possibility for the Rams. 

Other free agents who have been connected with the Rams have included Darren Sproles and Steve Slaton, among others. 

Reggie Bush is an interesting name who will likely be released if unwilling to restructure his deal.  

Bush could potentially contribute significantly to the return game (while keeping Danny Amendola fresh for receiving) and the offense. He would provide as a terrific target for Sam Bradford out of the backfield.  He would offer a new dimension to the Rams offense as a change-of-pace back and an intriguing passing option from either the slot or out of the backfield for swing passes, dump-offs and screens, among other things. 

Decisions made over the next week and the level of success the Rams (and all 32 NFL teams) have in free agency will significantly shape the fate of the 2011 season.

Shane Gray is a passionate St. Louis Rams fan and covers the Rams year round. To check out the rest of his work, click: http://bleacherreport.com/users/582932-shane-gray