RamFanInPA: What is your early impression of Bill Devaney? Does his hiring make it more likely that the Rams will draft for the best player long term instead of an immediate impact "need position" player to try and help save Linehan's job? There is a difference im my opinion. Thanks.

Jeff Gordon: No, the focus will be on making the Rams better for the long haul. However, the NFL does stand for Not For Long. There is urgency to make big strides right away. Chip Rosenbloom wants it and the business side of the franchise wants it as much as Linehan.

In this sport, quick turnarounds are commonplace.

Rick: Gordo,

Thanks for fielding my question.
Why has not more discussion been made of Coach Murray's commment made earlier this season regarding a "losing culture"? (much courage goes to him for touching upon a sensitive area, an indication he cares more the organization than what might meet the eye) I recall way back a media comment involving Wayne Gretzky's impending signing questionning why anyone of his stature would ever consider the Blues, it's just a convenient stop between East and West coast road trips. It seems this type of mentality has permeated but people seem to be ignoring or discounting it. Productivity of some players, once doning a Blues jersey, seems to fall off as compared to career projections (there are exceptions of course, Boyes, Lagace, etc.) Some teams just seem to be at or near the top year after year. Let's at least put it all on the table and see if what we are looking at is as bad as it looks.

Jeff Gordon: John Davidson's job is to create a winning atmosphere, from the top down. The Blues used to be gunslingers, assembling ever-changing rosters through trades and free agency. Now JD wants to build an organization, as the long-woeful Devils did under Lou Lamoriello. It takes time. It also takes the right sort of young players to build around. Erik Johnson is a good start.

Chris Scruggs: Hi Gordo,

Long time Rams fan here. When I look at the Rams wide receiver list for this upcomming year I am not encouraged and I was very sorry to see Bruce go; his shoes will be hard to fill. Holt, of course is a rock, but I hear it takes the typical reciever at least 3 years to develop into a dominant starter. When I look at this roster and ask myself what prospects are there for three years from now, I am greatly concerned. I see a lot of development slots being wasted on a variety of talent that looks like one collectively large shot in the dark. Let's hope at least the Rams have figure out that somebody other than Looker can hold for the kicker. Do you think the Rams should be spending draft picks now for the receivers they will need? Anyone on your radar screen look like a great buy at wideout?

Along similar lines of thought, do you see any good QB prospects the Rams could take in the middle rounds to help backup Bulger? This also looks like a serious weakness to me.

Jeff Gordon: Receivers can help right away, as Holt did. The Pro Bowl may take a few years, but the Rams have that guy already in Holt. Saunders has a demanding offense, so the team needs to add veteran help in addition to young help.

Brad: It seems obvious that if Chris Long is not available at No. 2, the Rams should trade down for more choices to fill more holes. Will they?

Jeff Gordon: Yeah, a move down to No. 5 or No. 6 make huge sense. Vernon Gholston should be there.

Steve: What is the contract status Of David Backes? Is he a favorite of management?

Thanks

Steve

Jeff Gordon: If he bounces back with a big 2008-09 season, look for the Blues to lock him up with a longer-term deal.