IRVINE, Calif. -- Special teams isn't the glory way to make an NFL team. It's not the road taken by high draft picks or big-time free agents.
It's something of a backdoor, a way to earn an NFL roster spot far from the spotlight, when only coaches a few players are really watching.
The Los Angeles Rams had their first practice in pads Monday, but it was for special teams only. A time for those desperate to make a roster to demonstrate toughness, speed and plain effort.
"That's how players make the team, especially young guys," cornerback Trumaine Johnson said.