Isaiah Pead is pleased with his transition to the NFL. The St. Louis Rams newest running back, a 2nd-round pick from Cincinnati, has only tasted the pros in a few short sips of rookie minicamp and OTAs, so the roughest part of the jump from college to the pros is still to come. Nevertheless, Pead remains confident in his chosen profession.

Still green, Pead discussed the changes and challenges associated with being an NFL running back on Friday at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles. Yes, it's the same event that just so happens to overlap with a portion of the Rams' first full-squad OTAs that so miffed head coach Jeff Fisher.

"The more difficult part will be pass protection, pro pass protection as opposed to what we did at Cincinnati," Pead said. "That's mainly just knowing who my protection is on every play call. Nothing too difficult, it's just not one of the more simple parts."

Pass protection is important, but that's not all the Rams will be paying him for, once he finally gets a contract. Pead talked a little about his role with the Rams behind Steven Jackson.

"Taking some carries and some loads off of Steven and also special teams," Pead said. "Just come in and play as I've played, that's why they drafted me. Whenever I get in, I'm going to make the best of my opportunities."

The former Bearcat isn't the only one new to the NFL. With no family in the area, Pead and his fellow rookies are leaning on each other to get through it.

"Me and Chris Givens, Brian Quick, Janoris Jenkins ... we kinda hang out with a couple other guys who signed as free agents," Pead said. "There's no clique, but those are the guys I saw when I was out there for a couple days. In the locker room, we all kinda crack jokes and hang out."