THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Hindsight is always 20/20 … but perhaps not so much with the 2009 NFL draft class. If you could go back in time and reselect the Rams No. 2 overall pick, who would you have selected based on the first-half performance of the rookies this season?

JIM THOMAS
I was intrigued by the prospect of LB Aaron Curry, but have no problem with OT Jason Smith. But James Laurinaitis has worked out fine at LB as a second-round pick. And I wonder if Sanchez truly is a franchise-type quarterback.

BERNIE MIKLASZ
Well, I’ll be consistent and stay with what I said at the time: QB Mark Sanchez. I didn’t have a problem with the choice of OT Jason Smith. I believe Smith will be a terrific offensive tackle in the NFL and anchor the offensive line for a long time. But Billy Devaney and Steve Spagnuolo can’t fully implement their program until they install a quarterback who will be their long-term starter. Sanchez was the ideal fit for a West Coast offense. He’s certainly had some struggles during his rookie season, but that doesn’t mean much if you pay attention to history. Many Hall of Fame quarterbacks came out of the gate slowly as young NFL starters. The Rams could have used this season as a way to slowly ease a rookie QB into the offense to get him some work and experience. Instead, if they draft a QB in 2010, which is something we can expect, 2010 will be a developmental season for the rookie QB. In other words, the Rams will have wasted a year in beginning the inevitable process. And for those pining for Keith Null: internally he is not viewed as a long-term answer at QB for the Rams. Sorry.

JEFF GORDON
If the Rams had taken LB Aaron Curry, they probably wouldn’t have taken James Laurinaitis. But Curry’s early returns for Seattle were awesome. He looks like a home-run hitter on the defensive side, a game-changer. The Rams could have landed a tackle in the second round and possibly come out ahead. Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford have promise at QB, but both would be losing game after game here — and perhaps developing bad habits.

KATHLEEN NELSON
“Based on first-half performance?” Percy Harvin looks like a good pick. He’s made an immediate impact in the offense and on special teams with the Vikings; two kickoff returns for TDs, 369 receiving yards, 3 TD catches. Maybe it helps to have Brett Favre throwing to you, though. I’m not dissing Jason Smith, though. I think he could grow into an anchor on the offensive line. He just hasn’t been as fast out of the blocks or as visible as Harvin.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Do you believe the Rams’ troubles are due simply to a talent deficiency, or would you have expected more progress from this group as they near the halfway point of coach Steve Spagnuolo’s first season?

BERNIE MIKLASZ
Both. This is the worst roster in the NFL. But even where there is talent, the Rams don’t utilize it properly. One example: giving Steven Jackson only five touches in the second half of the Jacksonville game. (And ignoring Jackson at times in other games.) Another example: not playing No. 2 overall draft pick Jason Smith at left offensive tackle, where he belongs, from the time he checked into camp. And what’s up with this three-man rotation at OT? A third example: as a rookie DE, Chris Long was better in the pass rush than he’s been in this, his second season. Why has he regressed? Isn’t the pass rush supposed to be a Spagnuolo specialty?

JEFF GORDON
The Rams ARE horrible, make no mistake about it. But there are a lot of bad teams in the NFL this season and the others have found a way to win a game. If these coaches can’t find a way to win a game here or there while rebuilding, why would the next owner want any part of them? Everybody working at Rams Park today must realize that would-be owners are paying attention.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Few problems in life have simple solutions. The Rams’ talent at wide receiver has been depleted and not replenished over the last three years. Marc Bulger has yet to achieve the level of proficiency that led to two Pro Bowl appearances. Injuries also have set back the team’s progress. The players are learning a new system, and the coaching staff has endured growing pains. Five lopsided losses must be discouraging to fans, though.

BILL COATS
Obviously, the Rams’ talent pool is very shallow. Still, I did think that by this point, they’d have a couple of wins. I actually thought 7-9 was possible before the season began. That’s probably not going to happen.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
Count me in the group that believes that it’s as simple as not having enough good players. The things Spags is trying to implement have worked extremely well in Philadelphia and New York so there’s no reason they wouldn’t work here if they can get the right players. 99 percent of the time it’s talent that wins in pro sports. Bill Belichick was known as “Beli-choke” when he was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns and he got run out of town. Since he took over in New England and had a team with some talent he’s now an NFL “genius” with his own family of coaching assistants who are now running their own teams at the college and pro level. I don’t know if Steve Spagnuolo will be a difference maker as head coach or not, but that’s because there’s no way to determine that until the talent on the squad is upgraded significantly.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Many believe the third preseason game to be the most important of these exhibition matches as most starters don’t play much in the fourth and final game. The Rams obviously have a number of areas they are still trying to shore up. With that in mind, who is one player you will be watching very closely tomorrow night and why is that player’s performance vital to the success of this year’s Rams?

BERNIE MIKLASZ
I want to see how the defensive tackles play. I can’t single out one guy; all of them are on the spot as far as I’m concerned. This team will be virtual waxpaper against the run unless, and until, it can find DTs who are big enough, wide enough, strong enough, and tough enough to win the interior battles. The Rams have some solid (or better) linebackers. But the Rams LBs will get mauled, just like last year, if the defensive line (and especially the tackles) can’t stop the stampede of blockers. Atlanta absolutely bullied these people in the second preseason game; let’s see if they can put up some resistance in Cincinnati.

BILL COATS
I’ll be keeping an eye on Tye Hill. He’s trying to come back from two injury-shortened seasons and also hoping to prove that the Rams didn’t make a mistake when they drafted him in the first round in 2006. If Hill falters, the Rams will have to make a major secondary adjustment, and that certainly won’t help a rebuilding defense.

JEFF GORDON
I am watching two players: Jason Smith and Chris Long. As second overall picks, they must become difference makers for this team. So far that hasn’t happened. It’s early for Smith, but his inability to run block with any consistency last week was disappointing. We all understand it will take time to develop pass blocking skills at this level, but he ought to run block right out of the box. As for Long, he needs to become a Pro Bowl defensive end ASAP. So far he has just been solid.

BRYAN BURWELL
I will be eyeballing rookie MLB James Laurinaitis and comparing and contrasting him with Cincy rookie MLB Rey Maualuga. Which one looks like the sort of disciplined playmaker that could be a defensive star for the next six years?

KATHLEEN NELSON
Samkon Gado, and by extension the rest of the backs competing to back up Steven Jackson. Gado looked great at Lindenwood and in the first game, and the coaching staff used him as fullback to increase his versatility and usefulness to the team. He was unremarkable last week, though. Either he or one of the other hopefuls has a chance to take ownership of the role.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
Tye Hill. I loved him as a playmaker coming out of college but he hasn’t developed into anywhere near the same thing at the NFL level. The team needs another corner to emerge opposite Ron Bartell and I’m sure they’d also like to get something of substance out of a player they spent a first-round pick on. I realize injuries have affected him and playing injured while “out on the island” is a bit of a problem for sure. That said, it’s time. He appears to have the confidence corners need and now he needs to show that he’s got the skill and durability required to be a starter in this league.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: With the Rams expected to play their starters the entire first half tonight against Atlanta, what areas of play or specific players will you be watching most closely for signs of improvement for this team?

JIM THOMAS
The Rams were respectable — no, make that more than respectable — on run defense last week against the New York Jets. Can they do it again tonight versus an Atlanta team that has one of the league’s best running games? Better third-down play on both sides of the ball is a must. And the defense must avoid giving up the big play. Individually, No. 2 overall draft pick Jason Smith probably will make his first Rams start at right tackle. How will Kyle Boller do at QB in place of the injured Marc Bulger? What will we see from the wide receiver corps and the backup running backs?

BILL COATS
I plan to watch most closely rookie tackle Jason Smith, who figures to get his first real action against a first-team NFL defense. I also want to see how the competition for the backup spot at running back goes, after Samkon Gado’s big game last week vs. the Jets, and curious to see if any of the healthy wideouts begin to separate from the pack.

JEFF GORDON
There is plenty to watch. Is Kyle Boller a viable alternative to Marc Bulger? We’ll know a lot more about him later tonight. Also, we’re know more about the WR corps. This is a primary concern to fans for obvious reasons. Is Laurent Robinson legit? Can Keenan Burton become a playmaker? Does Ronald Curry have anything left? The return teams will be interesting too. Once the starters leave, I want to see what this team has for depth at safety, offensive tackle and linebacker.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
The play of Jason Smith and the play of the defensive line. Because of Alex Barron’s injury we’re going to see what Smith looks like “running with the 1’s” and I’m very curious to see how that goes. After all, he was the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft and, as such, is a player who should be expected to start. If he plays well tonight perhaps he can elevate his status on the team. If not, well, that would be disappointing.

Atlanta was an outstanding rushing team last year and I’ll be interested in seeing how this Rams team does in that regard after struggling to stop the run the last two seasons. It’ll also be important to see some kind of pressure on passing downs. This team has some players taken very high in the draft who need to start turning into impact players here shortly and tonight would be a good time for those guys to start showing a little something.

THE WATERCOOLER:
How much will we really be able to tell from the Rams pre-season opener against the Jets on Friday?

JIM THOMAS: Rule 1 of preseason football: Pay attention to the score when the starters are in; watch individuals when the reserves are on the field. Trends in August usually carry over to September and beyond. To wit, the Rams yielded 340 yards rushing in their exhibition opener against Tennessee last season. They surrendered a franchise-record 2,475 yards in the regular season.

BRYAN BURWELL:
I think this is the first true glance at what the “new” Rams can be. Of course it won’t be a definitive look, but we can surely see if the revamped offensive line can protect Marc Bulger and open holes for Steven Jackson. We get a glimpse at how Steve Spagnoulo’s defense will improve the unit that struggled mightily last season.
But these are only glimpses, not full portraits. But I think it is important from a fan base standpoint for the Rams to look good. Sports fans in St. Louis are preoccupied with the Cardinals now. If the Rams have any hopes of sharing any of that attention in the early fall, they have to show people that there is hope.

BILL COATS:
We’ll get an idea of what the Rams’ depth might be this year, and that’s a big issue for them. It’ll also be interesting to see if the units are relatively crisp and keep the mental errors down, as Spagnuolo has been preaching throughout camp.

JEFF GORDON:
Fans will want to see how well Marc Bulger is adapting to the new offense, because this is a big change for him. This will be a test because new Jets coach Rex Ryan will want to make a good first impression with his group. Rams fans will also want to see if rookie right tackle Jason Smith is making any progress as a pass blocker. And will any of the wide receivers or back-up running backs separate from the pack. Otherwise, this game is all about identifying the team’s depth — or lack thereof. Most of the lineup is set. The guys trying to win the last 8 to 10 spots on the roster must rise to the occasion.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Though camp is still in its very early days, who is one offensive player that you think could surprise St. Louis Rams fans this season?

JEFF GORDON
Richie Incognito became a popular target of criticism last year, due to his undisciplined play. But the guy is a beast. I can see Steven Jackson running right behind Incognito and Jason Smith all day. That is a formidable tag team. Sandwiched between the two Jasons — two potential team leaders — Richie could finally come into his own.

BILL COATS
That could be tight end Daniel Fells. He’s knocked Joe Klopfenstein, a former No. 2 draft pick, down the depth chart with his stout play during practice. He has very good hands and is an adept blocker. The only question for Fells is, can he do it on Sundays?

KATHLEEN NELSON
Wide receiver Keenan Burton. He had a few injuries that held him back last year, but he’ll be pushed by the veterans the Rams have signed in the offseason, especially Laurent Robinson and Ronald Curry.

ROGER HENSLEY
Can you call a team’s No. 1 wide receiver a surprise? Given just one year of experience — and that being on a team that had trouble moving the ball through the air last season — I’d say yes. So I’ll go with Donnie Avery. His numbers as a rookie weren’t bad — 53 catches for 674 yards and three TDs. But that was with Torry Holt lining up on the other side of the field to relieve some pressure. Now Avery is being asked to be the man. With Steven Jackson pounding the ball between the tackles with any consistency and if Marc Bulger can get any time in the pocket and rediscover the accuracy he showed just a few years back, Avery should find room to roam through defensive backfields. I believe he’ll be a difference-maker for the Rams this year. Oh, did I mention that Bulger hit Avery for a 50-yard touchdown pass in practice Sunday? Stay tuned.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
Randy McMichael. Before coming to St. Louis he was a significant weapon for the Miami Dolphins, recording 195 catches from 2004-2006. He’s still only 30 years old and he’s got a chance to be the possession guy for Marc Bulger. If he can stay healthy, McMichael could well be the team’s most consistent receiving threat and with his size could also be a top option in the red zone.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: As training camp gets set to open this week, what do you think is the most important question the Rams need to get answered before the regular season begins?

JIM THOMAS
WHO WILL CATCH THE FOOTBALL? Yes, tight end Randy McMichael is healthy. And certainly running back Steven Jackson will continue to be a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. But even with the recent addition of Ronald Curry, there is next to nothing in experience and proven talent at wide receiver. The Rams must find two starters and a reliable slot receiver among the likes of Curry, Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Laurent Robinson, Brooks Foster and Tim Carter. Not exactly, Bruce, Holt, Hakim, and Proehl, is it?

JEFF GORDON
Wow . . . we won’t know where Marc Bulger really is until he starts getting hit for real, so it won’t matter how good he looks in limited preseason action. So I’m most curious about the linebackers. Can these guys give Spags enough to work with? Will Witherspoon should be a beast in this defense, but the Rams could have a rookie at middle linebacker and a journeyman next to him. Also, it’ll be interesting to see if CB Tye Hill can get his career back on track.

BRYAN BURWELL
The single most important question in my mind is whether the upgraded offensive line can protect QB Marc Bulger and keep RB Steven Jackson injury-free.

BILL COATS
Whether the revamped offensive line, with Alex Barron at left tackle, Jason Smith at right tackle and Jason Brown at center, will jell and provide sound protection for Marc Bulger and open lanes for Steven Jackson.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: With the NFL draft now behind us, let’s focus in on the NFC West a bit. Which team in the division do you think did the most to improve itself through the draft?

JIM THOMAS
In terms of pure impact players, it’s hard to discount what San Francisco and Arizona did with their first-round picks. In Michael Crabtree the 49ers got the player who was considered the unquestioned top receiver in the draft before a foot injury and questions about his attitude caused him to slide to No. 10. If Crabtree gets his foot — and his act — together, he could be a difference maker. The Cardinals also addressed their most pressing need by getting one of the top running backs in the draft in Beanie Wells. See you later, Edgerrin James.

BERNIE MIKLASZ
I don’t really get into declaring winners and losers in a draft 24 hours after it happened. That’s for the draft pundits who have to justify their existence and paycheck. Talk to me in two years.

I’d be pleased if I could say that the Rams got the most help, but that would make me a phony. The Rams did fine, and if some of their boom-or-bust draftees pay off, then this could turn out to be a special draft. But they also took some gambles that could wash out.

You can make the case that the Arizona Cardinals, drafting 31st, got as much immediate impact in Ohio State RB Chris Wells that the Rams got at No. 2 overall with OT Jason Smith. The same is true of San Francisco which got a big-time receiver in Michael Crabtree at No. 10. And obviously, Seattle’s choice of LB Aaron Curry at No. 4 was a dynamite pick.

If I had to declare a winner, it would be a tie between San Francisco and Seattle simply because each of them smartly maneuvered to acquire an extra first-round pick in the 2010 draft. That’s intelligent team building. Again, I’m not dogging the Rams. The Rams did what was best for them. But I see no reason to be a homer by ignoring what happened elsewhere in the NFC West.

JEFF GORDON
Seattle got the guy I love, Aaron Curry, added some early O-line depth and still ended up with an extra No. 1 for next year — which could give the Seahawks added leverage retooling for 2009. To trade a No. 2 for a future No. 1, then to get back in the second round by moving later picks . . . that was smooth. And what was was Denver thinking?

KATHLEEN NELSON
Arizona did a good job of addressing needs: Beanie Wells should give them a good option at running back, and DE Cody Brown has a reputation as a good edge rusher, which the Cardinals could use.

Seattle did pretty well for itself. Aaron Curry will start right away. OL Max Unger will learn the ropes at center and guard. And somehow, GM Tim Ruskell parlayed a second-round pick this year into a first-round slot in 2010. That was pretty slick.

The 49ers chose oddly. Michael Crabtree’s talent is obvious, but they need a QB to throw to him. Perhaps Isaac Bruce can become a role model to Crabtree. RB Glen Coffee can offer some relief to the overburdened Frank Gore.

BILL COATS
I think it was Arizona, and mainly because it landed RB Beanie Wells with the 31st pick. For a team desperately in need of a quality ballcarrier, that was a real coup.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
I’m going to focus on which team helped themselves the most for the 2009 NFL season because it’s impossible to predict what will happen with players in this league 2-3-4 years down the road. To me it comes down to a decision between the Seahawks and the Rams.

Arizona’s 1st round selection of “Beanie” Wells from Ohio State, a player I really like, doesn’t make a huge impact on them right away because he’ll split carries with Tim Hightower and because they’ll throw the ball so much. Their other picks appear to be projects. The Niners landed an immediate impact player in Michael Crabtree but didn’t have a 2nd-round pick and the rest of their picks appear to be either projects (like QB Nate Davis from Ball State) or backups.

Seattle got an immediate impact player in LB Aaron Curry, plus they added OL quality with Max Unger from Oregon and some speed at WR with Deon Butler from Penn State. They addressed several key needs there and then filled with depth. Solid draft.

I’ll give the slightest of edges to the Rams because I think they picked two definite starters in the draft and the other teams seem to have only gotten one apiece. Plus they filled needs in areas of depth, though it still looks to me like they have some work to do at WR.

Jason Smith is a mauler who will be a good player right away and potentially a great one down the road. His attitude will be almost as helpful as his physical abilities. James Laurinaitis is a strong player from a program that produces outstanding linebackers and I’d be shocked if he’s not the Rams’ starting middle linebacker in Week 1 of the NFL season. Bradley Fletcher from Iowa is a nice addition to the secondary and, being a guy who watches a lot of ACC football, DT Darell Scott from Clemson is a good player who filled a need for d-line depth.

It’s close — they’re all C+/B-/B grades if you look around the net — but I think the Rams got more immediate help than their division opponents. Of course, that could be because they had more holes to fill.

TOM ACKERMAN (Sports anchor of “Total Information A.M.” on KMOX)
Overall, I thought the NFC West teams did well. The Rams filled major needs by landing Jason Smith and James Laurinaitis. Arizona should have a productive RB in Beanie Wells … if he stays healthy. As far as big catches go, the 49ers reeled in a monster in Michael Crabtree at No. 10. But the Niners failed to get a pass rusher in the draft. I thought the Seahawks hit a home run, though, by getting LB Aaron Curry, who will be a star in Seattle. They also added offensive depth (Max Unger at C) and landed a first-round pick in 2010 via trade with Denver. Well done.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: With the St. Louis Rams’ second pick (35th overall and No. 3 in Round 2), the team selected Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis. What are you thoughts on this selection?

JIM THOMAS
When North Carolina receiver Hakeem Nicks went off the board late in the first round, the team’s hopes of landing a wideout in Round 2 were scuttled. Although not a thumper, Laurinaitis is a nice consolation prize for a defense that needs all the help it can get.

BILL COATS
Very good pick. He’s a legitimate three-down linebacker, as opposed to USC’s Maualuga, and will fill a major need at middle linebacker.

BRYAN BURWELL
This second pick couldn’t have worked out any better for the Rams. At least on paper, Laurinaitis is exactly what they need.

JEFF GORDON
The Rams went two-for-two on Day One of the draft. Adding MLB James Laurinaitis adds heft to a defense clearly lacking it last season. He should emerge as a more forceful alternative to Chris Draft, thus making it easier to keep Will Witherspoon outside. He is better in coverage than Rey Maualuga, so he was a better choice than the former USC star. He is a solid character guy, he fills a glaring need — really, what’s not to like about this guy?

KATHLEEN NELSON
I like the pick. Linebacker was one of the most glaring needs, and he can be a visible force right away. Plus, he’s a character guy, winning the first Lowe’s Senior CLASS award. Plus, like Jason Smith, Laurinaitis wants to be a Ram.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: After weeks of talking about it, the NFL draft finally begins tomorrow. Rather than predicting who the St. Louis Rams will take, I’d like you to put your GM hat on. If you were running the Rams draft, who would you take with the No. 2 pick and why?

JIM THOMAS
All signs point to the Rams taking a tackle. But Aaron Curry is the best player in the draft. The Wake Forest linebacker would bring attitude, leadership and charisma to a defense lacking in all of those areas. He’d be my pick.

BERNIE MIKLASZ
I would take USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, because he’s ideal to run the West Coast offense and he displays outstanding leadership qualities. He’s an ideal fit and the Rams can’t be sure they’ll have such an attractive option at QB in the 2010 Draft. In the end, though, the Rams will decide to make one more attempt at reviving Marc Bulger. And they’ll make the safer, more pragmatic choice by grabbing Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith.

BRYAN BURWELL
I would go offensive tackle, and I’d be happy with either Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe. I want to get massive up front to dominate games. I would probably go OT in second or third round, too. I want enormous folks whose entire families are big-boned too.

JEFF GORDON
Going against conventional wisdom, I would select Aaron Curry and stick him in the middle of that defense. The Rams have a woeful linebacker corps beyond Will Witherspoon. Steve Spagnuolo is a defensive-minded coach who knows how to maximize his talent on that side of the ball. Then I would take an offensive tackle with the second pick — and I would look to move up into the first round to get a little more quality there. There is risk in doing that, since the better tackles will leave the board. But it is a risk worth taking.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Eugene Monroe: I’ll confess that I haven’t watched film, but the scouts who have seem to give Monroe the edge as a pass blocker over Jason Smith. I’m sure either will develop into an anchor for the offensive line, but the recurring image of Marc Bulger on his back or side, writhing in pain, makes me think pass protection is a more urgent need. Just don’t expect either Monroe or Smith next year to be Orlando Pace in his prime.

GERRY FRALEY
USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, in a heartbeat. The Rams are not going to win with Marc Bulger. He has taken a horrific beating and is regressing. Bulger also lacks the aura of a big-time quarterback. No need to worry about that with Sanchez. He’s good and knows it, which is not all bad when it comes to a quarterback.