THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Much attention has been focused on the Rams offensive needs as we near this weekend’s draft, but the fact is, the Rams have made only one offseason addition to the defense — defensive back James Butler came over from the Giants. With needs on the defensive line, LB and DB … which defensive area would you say is the greatest need for this team?

JIM THOMAS
After giving up a franchise record 2,475 yards rushing last season, the Rams need to get bigger up the middle on defense, whether it’s at defensive-tackle or middle linebacker. With that in mind, the most ideal choice in this year’s draft would be Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry. He should be able to make the transition from college outside linebacker to the middle in the NFL.

BERNIE MIKLASZ
Obviously, the Rams can’t ignore a potentially top player at any defensive position. They have holes all over the place on the defensive side of the ball. But it always starts up front. That’s the one area that has the most direct influence on a football game. If you have a dominant defensive line, then you can control the line of scrimmage. Your tackles can tie up blockers and free your linebackers and DBs to make tackles. If your defensive line can whip up a consistent pass rush, it alleviates the pressure on your cornerbacks. If your D-line is rattling the quarterback, he’s going to hurry or force some throws and your DBs will be able to make some plays on the ball. The defensive front is the backbone and character of your defense, so the Rams should load up on as many D-linemen as possible.

BILL COATS
Unquestionably, it’s linebacker. Specifically, middle linebacker, with Will Witherspoon moving back outside. Aaron Curry was an OLB at Wake Forest, but he’s big enough and bright enough to make the move inside. The Rams have to get better vs. the run, and a stout MLB would be a key part of the solution.

KATHLEEN NELSON
I’d say linebacker. Three young guys on the line — Clifton Ryan, Chris Long and Adam Carriker — could continue to progress and anchor the front for awhile. Ron Bartell, O.J. Atogwe and James Butler could be solid in the secondary. Improving the linebacking corps has been ignored, except for moving Will Witherspoon and Chris Draft.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Offensive tackle or linebacker? Linebacker or offensive tackle? The debate rages on about the No. 2 overall pick. But the Rams have many, many needs to address in this draft: offensive and defensive line, wide receiver, linebacker, backup QB and RB, defensive back … the list goes on. Which side of the ball do you think the Rams will have invested in most heavily come the end of next weekend’s NFL draft?

JIM THOMAS
The Rams have so many needs, it really depends on who’s available at each pick that is a good value (highly rated) in each particular round. For example, say the Rams take an offensive tackle in the first round. What they do in the second round might depend on whether wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, defensive tackle Ziggy Hood, edge rusher Larry English or even Ohio State middle linebacker James Laurinaitis is available. But on balance, if the Rams are serious about a drafting a quarterback and a backup running back, there shold be a tilt towards offense.

BRYAN BURWELL
When you end up drafting in the No. 2 slot in the first round in back-to-back seasons that means you have huge holes all over your roster. But despite Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive background, I won’t be surprised if his GM Billy Devaney goes slightly towards filling in the most holes on offense. The Rams need starters on the offensive line, immediate help at WR, a useful RB to spell Steven Jackson, QB for the future … and did I already say how badly they need more big and talented offensive linemen?

JEFF GORDON
Over the course of the draft, the Rams may end up with a bigger offensive investment. They have to add at least one tackle. Receiver is a glaring need. They could use a better No. 2 running back and another quarterback. On defense, they need a middle linebacker, a beefy defensive tackle, depth at cornerback and perhaps a developmental pass-rushing end. But the Rams put the franchise tag on O.J. Atogwe, spent heavily to keep Ron Bartell and filled their safety void in free agency.

BILL COATS
It’ll be close, but I think the Rams’ draft will lean toward offense. They need significant help on the line, at wide receiver and running back, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they took a quarterback in the later rounds.

KATHLEEN NELSON
I think the correct answer is “line,” on both sides of the ball. But since that’s not a choice, I’ll go with offense. The Rams are more likely to use the first pick on an offensive lineman, and there are so many good wide receivers in the draft, one is likely to be the “best player available” by the time they pick in the second round.