ST. LOUIS — No one wanted to be on the practice field Friday more than rookie defensive lineman Adam Carriker. The Rams’ first-round draft pick from Nebraska has an old-school mentality and a passion for the game of football.

Even before Carriker signed his five-year contract Friday — missing just the morning practice to start training camp — the Rams couldn’t keep him away from their complex.

"I think he took about three days to go on a honeymoon," coach Scott Linehan said. "Other that that, he’s been in our building."

Working out.

"When we took our break (after the June minicamp), he was in here," Linehan said. "He was here the day before we reported (for training camp)."

Carriker said he and his wife Angela bought a house near Rams Park after he was drafted 13th overall. So why not use the team’s weight and exercise facilities to work out?

While Rams president of football operations-general manager Jay Zygmunt negotiated the Marc Bulger contract extension Thursday night, Rams director of football operations Samir Suleiman negotiated the Carriker deal. The Rams didn’t reach an agreement with Carriker until nearly 2 a.m. Friday morning.

Suleiman stayed at Rams Park overnight getting the final details and paperwork squared away. Carriker was informed of the deal Friday morning, while sitting at that new home in St. Louis. The contract is worth $12.8 million, with incentives that can raise its value over $14 million. More than $9 million of the contract is guaranteed.

When Carriker arrived at Rams Park, the club was halfway through the morning practice.

"They’re explaining (the contract) to me, and I’m looking out at the practice field," Carriker said. "Because I could see it from where I was sitting."

Itching to get out on the field, Carriker tried to watch what the defensive linemen were doing in practice while his contract terms were being explained to him.

"I need to get on the field," Carriker said. "I need to learn the plays. I need to get practice time in. I need to get acclimated to the NFL."

Carriker, who will start at defensive tackle, made his practice debut Friday night.