IRVINE — The Rams had their fifth day of training camp on Monday, and their first in full pads. Here’s a look at what we’ve learned through the first week of camp as the team prepares for 2023:

NEW BUT FAMILIAR LOOKS FOR DONALD

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald finally found himself with a clean look during 11-on-11s, going up one-on-one against fourth-year tackle Alaric Jackson. But before the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year could pull a move out of his bag of tricks, tight end Tyler Higbee came pulling in to reinforce Jackson on the run block.

It’s been a lot of this for Donald in training camp this year as the Rams coach Sean McVay has slid protection against the 10-year veteran and sent double- and triple-teams his way more than in previous summers.

“I was kind of mad because you want to be able to work different things. But it’s realistic so I appreciate him doing that for me, allowing me to make my job hard at practice and making me study a little longer at night,” Donald said. “So it isn’t going to do nothing but make me better.”

Donald has faced extra blockers throughout his career. But there’s reason to expect more such looks this season. As veterans such as A’Shawn Robinson, Greg Gaines and Michael Brockers have found new teams over the past few seasons, it leaves Donald as an even more glaring matchup for opposing offenses to plan for.

“It’s what we would do if we played him, too,” McVay said. “What happens is if you don’t [replicate that approach at practice], you get very unrealistic looks for some of the things that he’s able to do for his teammates and his side of the ball.”

BATTLE FOR THIRD WIDE RECEIVER

Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson entered camp as the unquestioned top targets for quarterback Matthew Stafford, but there are several options angling to join them in the starting 11.

Fifth-round selection Puka Nacua has been a contender early in the camp. He’s gotten consistent snaps with the first team during 11-on-11s and has made some impressive plays, like a breadbasket catch in the end zone courtesy of a nicely thrown ball by Stetson Bennett IV.

But what’s impressed coaches and teammates most is Nacua’s early grasp of the playbook.

“This is my job now. It’s the best thing in the world, I get to wake up and do nothing but football,” Nacua said. “When I get the opportunity to run with the ones, to understand where Matthew wants me to be and understanding the timing of the play because it’s not like everything’s about being full speed. You gotta be at a certain spot at a certain time.”

Fourth-year receiver Tutu Atwell has also gotten some chances with the first team, including Monday as Jefferson received a rest day.

But one of the standouts of camp has been veteran free-agent signing Demarcus Robinson. Every day he’s seemed to make at least one highlight play, through contact or in the air. After one end-zone catch on Monday, he got a big high-five from McVay.

“It’s not too big for him,” McVay said. “He’s just got a good look in his eye. He’s got a good swagger. You can just see the way that he even just moves around the field, he’s got confidence. He’s one of those guys that wants the ball.”

QUICK HITS

• Bennett received the majority of the first-team work on Monday as Stafford had a scheduled day off. The fourth-round pick has had his moments in camp, particularly while on the run or throwing deep, but he has struggled with maintaining his arm strength when throwing in the pocket.

• The Rams have two ongoing position battles along the offensive line. Jackson is competing with veteran Joe Noteboom at left tackle while Brian Allen and Coleman Shelton have traded first-team reps at center.

• Rookie defensive back Tyon Davis had one of the top plays of the first day in pads, delivering a walloping hit to running back Zach Evans and forcing a fumble.

• Cornerback Derion Kendrick is day-to-day with a sore hamstring, with McVay saying he could come back this week or be held out until next.

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