Smith could get start in second preseason game

ST. LOUIS -- Rookie offensive lineman Jason Smith cooled his heels until late in the second quarter of the St. Louis Rams' preseason opener. That could change Friday against the Falcons.

The second overall pick of the NFL draft out of Baylor may get to start because fellow offensive tackle Alex Barron has missed two recent practices with knee soreness. It's also evidence that he's making progress.

Smith refuses to lobby for a promotion with new coach Steve Spagnuolo or gripe about waiting on the sideline for so long, aside from a few special teams snaps. He's willing to prove he's worth the five-year, $62 million contract he signed the day before training camp opened, and still refers to veteran teammates as Mr. Jackson, Mr. Bulger and so on.

There was 4:29 left in the second quarter when the second team offensive line hit the field in last week's 23-20 victory over the Jets. Smith lined up at right tackle for the first time.

"That's when coach Spags felt I needed to go in the game, so that's when I rightfully went in," Smith said. "And when he pulled me out, I rightfully came out.

"The thing about football is you can't control anything that happens. All you can control is your effort and attitude."

That goes for the season opener, too. He's likely to open the year as the starter for a franchise building from the ground up after totaling five victories the last two seasons, but is making no assumptions.

"As long as I'm with the St. Louis Rams, I can be serving water the whole game," Smith said. "As long as I'm doing my part, that's all I care about."

Preparing to play

If he plays well in the second preseason game, Smith said working against Leonard Little and James Hall in practice will be a major reason. He's also had to adjust to a three-point stance after playing in a spread offense at Baylor. He said dealing with speed has been tougher.

"I feel I'm pretty much ready for what the NFL has to offer because those two guys are very, very crafty," Smith said. "Mr. Little and Mr. Hall, they kind of crack jokes about what they're going to do to you next, and then they do it."

The 310-pound Smith also credits Adam Goldberg, who started at right tackle in the preseason opener, for helping ready him for the pros. Goldberg likely would move to left tackle, Barron's spot, if Barron isn't ready to go Friday.

Goldberg played at four spots on the offensive line last season, filling in for various injured players. He said it's part of his job to tutor Smith to take over at right tackle.

"I'll tell you what, he doesn't need too many tips," Goldberg said. "He's the kind of guy you like to help out because he doesn't take anything for granted, takes notes and asks good questions. He's the type of young player that you want to help and want to see succeed."

‘Going to work hard'

Running back Steven Jackson echoed those sentiments, observing that Smith is "full of humility."

"He's not afraid to be picked on," Jackson said. "He knows his stuff, he's going to work hard, and you like to see that. He's always upbeat."

Most of the time, at least.

Smith dropped the yes sir, no sir routine at the end of an interview when asked about keeping his weight up during two-a-day practices that ended Tuesday. His answer: "Lions eat meat. Whatever runs by."

Spagnuolo said starters could play the first half against the Falcons when they play here Friday. That potentially means a lot more action for Jackson, who had two carries for 15 yards in the opener.

"Whatever the coaches have for me, if it's running or seeing what I can do in the passing game, I'm willing to just try and get some game tempo," Jackson said.