By Brett Grassmuck

Staff Writer

As Chris Long began to walk off the field after his first NFL practice, he was greeted by head coach Scott Linehan, who extended his hand to the rookie.

Long accepted the handshake from his head coach, but not until he readjusted how he was carrying both his and veteran La’Roi Glover’s equipment to free one of his hands.

Welcome to the National Football League.

Not even a month ago, Long was featured on sports networks and websites across the world as he was announced as the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. But the rookie knows he has a lot to learn and his NFL education began with the opening of Rams mini-camp Friday.

“I had a lot of fun working with those guys on the defensive line and trying to pick up as much as I can so I don’t slow things down,” Long said after his first practice. “But we’re all working on our new stuff as rookies so I had a good time.”

Long picked up some technique tips by chatting with fellow defensive end Leonard Little, who is entering his 11^th season on the Rams defensive line. Both Little and defensive tackle Glover, worked with the rookie throughout the afternoon.

“Leonard’s just helpful,” Long said. “What a guy to have working with you on the defensive line. He’s been in this game and he knows what he’s doing so anything he says to me, which is mainly just critiquing technique and game experience and stuff like that, is really helpful.”

Linehan wasn’t exactly sure what his defensive ends were discussing during the opening mini-camp practice. But no matter what advice Long received, Linehan knows he was ready and willing to hear it.

“Maybe (Little) is telling him jokes,” Linehan said smiling. “I think (Little) is really just trying to help him. The great thing about Chris is that he is all ears. He knows he has a lot to learn, and he is going to the right guys.”

Long understands the expectations that come with being selected No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft, but that hasn’t changed his preparation. He knows it will take time to learn defensive coordinator Jim Haslett’s defense, and he’s taking the playbook one page at a time.

“I don’t want to get ahead of myself,” Long said. “It’s day one. I’m probably on page one of 100 in the (play) book. I’m not going to get too high on how quick I picked it up, but I think I’ve moved along pretty nicely.”

Long may still be learning, but he did do enough in individual and team drills during his first NFL practice to get noticed by the head coach.

“I think Chris had a great first day out,” Linehan said. “He was doing everything he is supposed to do. I know one time he got a nice rush on the passer which is good to see. What is funny about Chris is that he just goes. You don’t hear him talk a lot, which I like. He just goes 100 miles an hour, which is nice.”

Long received plenty of help from his teammates, but did he get any tips from father Howie, an NFL Hall of Famer, before heading toSt. Louis ?

“Oh yeah,” Long said. “He’s a dad, plenty of advice.”

Long seemed to be seeking help anywhere he could get it, even his No. 72 jersey.

“Osi (Umenyiora, New York Giants defensive end) wears 72, so maybe I’ll get a little faster,” Long said of his new number. He wore number 91 in college, which belongs to Little.

Long has two more mini-camp practices and several weeks of organized team activities before he heads into training camp, but he knows he’ll be learning from the best every day.