Gradkowski battles for QB spot Less than two years ago, rookie Bruce Gradkowski was opening eyes as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' starting quarterback. Now, he's fighting for a job as the Rams' third-stringer. "It's tough, but that's how it goes," Gradkowski said Thursday after organized team activities concluded at Rams Park. "I just look at it as, I was very fortunate to play as a rookie. A lot of young guys don't get thrown into action that fast." The Rams claimed Gradkowski, 25, off waivers after he was released May 30 by Tampa Bay, where he was entangled in a logjam of six quarterbacks. "I kind of wanted something to happen," he said. "I had two years there, but I knew as an opportunity, that wasn't the spot for me right now as a young guy. I was happy to get out of there." The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder, a Pittsburgh native, started 11 games in 2006 after first-teamer Chris Simms suffered a spleen injury in Week 3. The Bucs went 3-8 during that span, and Gradkowski's quarterback rating was a meager 65.9. "Things didn't go as well as I'd planned, but it was a great learning experience," said Gradkowski, a sixth-round draft pick (No. 194 overall) in 2006. "I think it helped me tremendously, just getting a feel for the game, how things work in the NFL, the speed of things, getting used to being in the huddle with the guys. … I know I can play in this league, for sure." With Jeff Garcia taking over last season, Gradkowski got into just four games. When he became available, the Rams jumped. "He's played in this league; you can tell that," coach Scott Linehan said. "He has a real live arm and has a good, athletic presence to him. He has the ability to move and buy time and create plays. … He was a very productive player in college." In Gradkowski's four years, Toledo never won fewer than eight games in a season. He is the Rockets' career leader in passing yards (9,225), attempts (1,123), completions (766) and touchdowns (85). Because the Rams' offense "is pretty much totally opposite of what I ran in Tampa," Gradkowski spent his first week with the team watching team drills, trying to glean as much as possible. He also has been immersed in offensive coordinator Al Saunders' massive playbook. "I'm trying to catch up as fast as I can," Gradkowski said. "I'm fortunate to get here before camp, just so I could grasp some of the things. I have a lot to learn 'til camp" opens July 24 at Concordia University in Mequon, Wis. Then, the competition with Brock Berlin for the spot behind starter Marc Bulger and backup Trent Green will begin in earnest. Bill Coats, The St.Louis Post-Dispatch 14 June 2008