By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorAs the St. Louis Rams opened up training camp last Friday, eyes yet again turned to the monstrous defensive line, one which includes four former first round NFL draft picks.With a combined 145 sacks over the past three seasons, which falls just two behind the Buffalo Bills for best in the league, it can be expected that another strong showing is in store for the dynamic defensive front.“From top to bottom we are pretty special,” fifth-year defensive end Robert Quinn said. “There are great defensive lines out there, like Buffalo, Philadelphia and Denver, but I think we can be the best in the league. As long as we live up to our own expectations and what we are capable of doing, we can be the best.”In Quinn’s first four seasons he has amassed 45 sacks, proving the value the Rams saw when he was drafted 14th overall in the 2011 draft out of North Carolina. However, he is just one of many capable of beating the opposing lineman to the quarterback.After a left-ankle injury in week one last season limited three-time Pro Bowl alternate Chris Long from creating a strong impact in the pass rush, the former No. 2 overall pick out of Virginia is close to 100 percent.While Long and Quinn are expected to create a feared presence on the outside edge, another two former first round selections are to their left and right.Michael Brockers and Aaron Donald, picked 14th and 13th overall in the 2012 and 2014 draft, combined for 11 sacks and 70 tackles in 28 starts. Donald created quite a stir with nine quarterback takedowns in his first year out of Pittsburgh.Add offseason free agent pick-up in defensive tackle Nick Fairley to the mix, who has 13.5 career sacks, and the line boasts significant depth.“Our goal is to lead the league in sacks,” said Fairley, who signed a one-year, $5 million contract this summer. “It feels great to be a part of such a stacked line.”With Gregg Williams back for his second-year as defensive coordinator, a sense of content is felt by the defensive lineman up front.“It’s easier for us to recognize and feel comfortable with the defense,” Quinn said. “Our coaching staff is stable and as long as the players constantly get better, I think this season can be something special. However, we are only two days into camp, so there’s a long ways to go.”With 12 practices in training camp on schedule, which includes a scrimmage at Lindenwood University Aug. 7, the Rams talented big men want to take advantage of their time back on the field. While they have constantly been one of the most successful position groups around the league the past few years, room for improvement is always in store.“You’re constantly trying to add something to your tool belt,” Quinn said. “You want to keep offensive linemen on their heels and add something to your game to make yourself better. You can’t get too comfortable with what you are able to do now. I’m not a big power rush guy, but maybe that’s something I want to bring to the table this year.”Even with the continued success on the defensive line, some of the Rams’ top players are hungry for more.“It’s great that I made the Pro Bowl and had 10.5 sacks last year, but you’re never really satisfied,” Quinn said. “I set my bar extremely high and last year was a good season, but I want a great season. I’ve got to dow whatever it takes to maybe be great and get that special number of 20 sacks.”With great attention focused on the Rams’ front four, all those watching understand why they return to the 2015-16 season as a feared group.“The sky is the limit,” Quinn said.

                                            Quick Returns

The start of training camp was significantly special and important to Brian Quick.

Amidst a potential 1,000-yard season, Quick suffered a devastating shoulder injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in week eight. An injury, which even caused concern for Jeff Fisher to regard it as one that at first was believed to possibly be career-ending.

After rehabbing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the offseason, the 6-3, 218-pound receiver was happy to return to the practice field even if wearing a yellow, no-contact sleeve on his helmet.

“The first day back to training camp is like being a rookie all over again, but it was still different to come back yesterday for the first time with my teammates. I was just excited and the coaches could tell. I had to calm myself down. To get back out here wasn’t easy, but I did it so I could be back out here with my teammates and coaches.”

Despite the shortened season, the former Appalachian State standout still had his best season overall with the Rams last year.

In an Oct. 5 contest against the Eagles he set a career-high with five catches for 87 yards and two scores. In eight games, Quick had 25 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns.

He returns to a wide receiver unit that has strong depth in Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin and Chris Givens.

“I just want to keep progressing,” Quick said. “Last year I started to learn how being in the NFL is. It’s tough. All these coaches and teammates support and believe in me. I’m just blessed to be back out here with them.”

Eugene Sims works on a pass rushing drill during training camp last weekend. The Rams are third in the NFL over the last three seasons with 145 sacks. This year the line expects itself to lead the league in sacks and strive for greatness.

Patrick MacCoon photo.