BrotherBri: On the Blues: I absolutely, positively, unequivocally CANNOT understand why Legace is playing rather than rehabbing. (1) A 100% Manny in November '07 is infinitely more important than a 95% Manny in a lost April '07; (2) Toivenen, Beckford-Tseu and/or Schwarz can benefit from playing time under Wamsley's watchful eye; and (3) Since the #1 player in the draft meets a Blues need SO much better than the 2-5 players, there's a huge upside to finishing the season on such a down note. [I don't like tanking ... but fixing Manny's knee is not tanking, per se.]
On the Rams: I don't see enough reason for the Rams to take Jake Long at #2. It's true that he could play guard for a year before moving to OT, and that he provides more ready insurance against another Pace injury. But (a) Chris Long or Gholston fill a greater need; (b) with luck, if the Dolphins take Chris at #1, we might convince the Chiefs to move up for Jake, getting a pick and still having one of Gholston, Dorsey or Ellis for that greater need; and (c)in all likelihood, even if Ryan Clady goes top 20, there will still be a Chris Williams or Jeff Otah within reach of a short trade-up, or a Sam Baker, Cherilus or Nicks waiting there at #33.
[I think Otah fits better anyway -- tons of talent, but in need of a year to harness the talent. Could be as good a player, or close, at a much better price.]
On the Cards: I like this team better than any Cards team in years. That doesn't mean I think it will win it all. Only that I like the team. Younger. Faster. Less cocky. More hungry. With Schu and Barton, maybe I'll get to see some movement, or even -- gasp!! -- stolen bases! Schu and Ankiel gunning opposing runners, Izturis making great plays at SS ... who knows, the Heat might be On again!
Some advice for TLR/Mo -- When each of the four injured starters comes back, ease them back in. Have them pitch 2-3 innings every four days until arm strength, mechanics, velocity and competitive adjustment to big league hitters is *consistently* demonstrated. Preserve them as long-term assets, and give the current starters an occasional light day, so they don't break down. |
Jeff Gordon: Legace wants to play -- and the team's free fall has put lots of pressure on Murray to finish decently. But I can't argue with your point. See if Hannu can iron out his issues with a steady diet of pucks.
A agree about the draft, too. A pass rushing end is needed and this draft will have one sitting there for the Rams.
The Cards will be interesting, for sure. Rasmus will arrive before long and add to the excitement you described. That will create a pleasant problem for Mozeliak -- some outfielder will have to go.
I'd prefer leaving the starters in the minors until they are ready to pitch seven innings. Why rush things at this level? |
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| Gabriel to Snow: If the NFL takes away the "force out" rule, I wish they would institute the college style, "one foot in" rule. I don't see this happening, but why does the league have such an aversion to this concept? |
| Jeff Gordon: I agree -- the forceout rule is tough to call and the replay is no help. The one foot rule would make officiating a lot easier and add a bit of offense as well. |
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| Tackleberry: Is it ok that a large contingent of Rams fans probably winced upon reading the news that Glen Dorsey may now be the sought after pick at the #2 slot? Devaney or not, this club has shown a true deficiency in their ability to evaluate talent when it comes to the defensive side of the ball, especially at the defensive tackle position. The Rams need to take the "surest" player available come draft day, their tolerance for risk is zero right now as they try to emerge from the depths of a league they once ruled not so long ago. And Pro-Day performance aside, Dorsey has an injury history that creates question marks. Let's be honest about this, Dorsey represents one of two things; either the final straw for a management regime that has all but worn out it's welcome while tattering it's own legacy with empty drafts riddled with over-rated players and leaving fans to question the role of pure luck and timing in the success of the Greatest Show on Earth era, or this is the beginning of a new era that will allow fans to look forward to the end of this decade instead of always reminiscing about the better days. If the Rams get this pick wrong they had better dispatch several scouts to scour the grocery stores of Iowa. |
| Jeff Gordon: Was Carriker a bad pick? Was Clifton Ryan? Both will be fine. As for Dorsey, most NFL grade him right at the top of the draft. Same with Chris Long and Gholston. So there isn't a whole lot of judgment to make with the first pick. |
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| Tim: I your opinion do you think Long or Gholston is the better DE? Reason I ask is because it seems like Gholston is a more effective pass rusher with more upside to where Long only proved himself senior year? |
| Jeff Gordon: Scouts see Long as the better overall DE prospect, vs. the run or pass. Gholston offers more as a pure rusher. |
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Tim: Ok Chris Long is off the board, who do the Rams take?
I would rather see Jake Long but Dorsey isnt making my decision that easy. |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd take Dorsey over J.Long -- assuming medical reports say his legs are fine -- since the idea of moving Long or Barron to guard for a year doesn't appeal to me. Having Carriker play some DE would force Haslett to mix things up defensively to add more pass rush . . . unless James Hall and Leonard Little really do have something left. |
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| Tim: It looks alot like Mario Manningham is going to slip past the first round. Do you think the Rams would snatch him right up givin our need for an impact reciever? |
| Jeff Gordon: That is one of the scenarios -- which is why that second rounder has such value. Some fans wanted the Rams to trade that pick for a cornerback, but it could yield a top WR or OT prospect. |
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| Tim: Besides Rasmus what prospects do you see possiblly one day being everyday players for the Cards? |
| Jeff Gordon: Joe Mather and Brendan Ryan have a chance. Bryan Anderson is blocked by Molina, but he ought to be an asset too. Hoffpauir and Martinez could fight for the 2B job soon enough, too. |
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COGzilla: Thanks again for the chat, Jeff.
I'll keep it simple. Detailed updates on the health of Carriker and Incognito? Two essential components of this team. |
| Jeff Gordon: Incognito is on target, which is why Setterstrom (himself recovered from surgery) is working out at guard. The Rams expect Carriker to be fine as well. Neither player's condition will impact the draft. |
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Rich: Under Linehan the Rams have been more than willing to trade disgruntled players (Manumaleuna) and under-achievers/head-cases (Hargrove) either on or right before the draft.
Do you see the Rams continuing this trend? I think of a couple of likely candidates in Wroten and of course Byrd.
Thanks. |
| Jeff Gordon: Wroten is saying all the right things, but he needs to win back his coaches during the offseason. As for Byrd, I can't believe the Rams would take him to camp -- unless it was just to make an example of him before turning him loose. |
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G Money: Ready for 2008. Do the Cardinals have a left handed relief pitcher at the AAA or AA level who may be able to help this year?
Young pitcher to watch is McCormick. Missing a year to injury may actually help him going forward (pitched too much at Baylor). His control is key. Is there a player you are watching? |
| Jeff Gordon: McCormick is miles from the majors still, but his arm is lively. He is behind about 20 pitching prospects, though. One if lefty Jaime Garcia, who is more likely to start at this level. But there aren't many lefties down there. |
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| Tim: who do you see winning the center job next year, Romberg or Setterstrom and why? |
| Jeff Gordon: I like Setterstrom a lot, so if he's not needed at guard, he should start at center. |
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Tim: How come the Rams arnt making any push for Takeo Spikes?
It seems like he would be a good fit for the Rams and with him they could put him at middle and move Witherspoon to outside. |
| Jeff Gordon: How much does he have left? He seemed like a better fit for a team on the cusp of playoff contention, as a one-year guy. |
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Tim: If the Rams draft Jake Long what do you think the line will look like next season?
Here is my educated guess
Pace Bell Setterstrom Incognito Long |
| Jeff Gordon: Do the Rams really bury Barron? I don't see it . . . and I don't see Long playing guard either. Draft a defensive lineman! |
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| Stu: What do you see the Blues doing with RJ? I don't believe we have room for him anymore because of all the young talent coming up. I think Oshie will be able to fill his role on the PK. Thoughts? |
| Jeff Gordon: Murray has really valued Johnson. I see him staying and vets like Rucinsky and Hinote moving down the trail. We'll see Oshie next year, but he and Perron could also see time in Peoria too. |
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| G Money: Rams may be able to work a trade and get an extra second round pick this year. If they stay in the top 10-12 we should still get a impact player at DE or OT. Two picks in the second round would be great to obtain a WR and either a DE or OT (opposite of 1st round choice). Any thoughts on second round WR who would provide the speed the Rams need? |
| Jeff Gordon: I'd rather see the Rams stay in the Top 6 and bank a third-rounder instead, assuming that another team will covet that No. 2 slot. |
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| virginiatom: Jeff, the talk last week was that Vernon Gohlston had climbed quickly up the Rams draft chart and was their anticipated choice if Long was taken at number 1 by Miami. Gohlston is a terrific talent with a huge upside but he has shown a weakness against the run. The weakness of the Rams defense agains the run the last two years shows me that this is where they need to concentrate, as it has killed them time and time again. Would you put the need to find a run stopper over an edge rusher, and if so, would that take Gohlston out of the running? |
| Jeff Gordon: Adeyanju is strong against the run. Carriker could play the run-stopping DE as well. So taking a pure pass rusher would still make sense. |
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| Loren: So do think Wroten can turn it around this year. Is it lack of Talent or maturity that is holding him back. Whats your take. |
| Jeff Gordon: The talent is definitely there. His coaches loved his off-season work, but he wasn't the same after his untimely "vacation." So now he is up against it. |
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Ray R.: Gordo,
Any chance Rams draft McFadden? I know he doesn't fit a "need", but most would agree he is the best talent in the draft, a "can't miss" if there is any, and a backfield of him and Steven Jackson would be dynamic.
Even if not serious about taking him, at least put up a smokescreen to get teams to maybe consider trading up to No. 2? |
| Jeff Gordon: There will be some gamesmanship before the draft, for sure, but I don't see the Rams faking anybody out. Jackson is a top-five type back in this league. If the Rams take McFadden and pay him No. 2 pick money, then Jackson heads to free agency or an ugly franchise tag fight. |
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| virginiatom: This is not an important question, but one of curiousity. Why don't the Rams go back on some games to the throwback white and blue uniform that had so many greats wear...Roman Gabriel, Merlin Olsen, Deacon Jones, Jack Snow, Coy Bacon, etc. It would be nice to see those memories on the field again. Do you know if there are any plans to do this? |
| Jeff Gordon: Given Chip Rosenbloom's love of his team's heritage, some sort of gesture would make sense. Of course, the league dictates a lot of this. |
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Dave Cobler: Hey Gordo;
Well, after a looong winter, here we are "Game (CARDS OPENIG)Day". What are your NL Central final picks? What do you like about this 08 CARDS club? If all the peices fall into place what do you think their chances are winning the NL CENTRAL...(on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the winner)?
Thanks for your time Jeff? |
Jeff Gordon: Win the division? Maybe 1 or 2. I see Milwaukee (despite Gagne at closer!) and Chicago running the show, then the Cards fighting Cincy and Houston. The Reds have big upside with their pitching, but is this the year? And will that ballpark kill the kids?
The Cards will need two of their four injured pitchers to return on time and 100 percent ready. If they get that, they can hang for a while. |
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| Andy: Hello sir lon time Ram fan from Virginia, thank you for your time! Just two quick questions: #1 What are our chances of trading to get Lito Sheppard? and #2 How do you feel and do you have any insight if the Rams are looking at Limas Sweede seriously for the second round pick I believe he could be a sleeper if the wrist checks out fine! Thank you for your time! |
Jeff Gordon: Sweed was a high as 12th overall on some of the rankings I've seen, so the second round might be a wishful thought.
Sheppard could really help this team, given their need at that position. But at what price? This draft is deep and helpful. |
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Mark: Hey Jeff
Many people are talking about the Rams' need to find a replacement for Fakhir Brown. I know he is at risk because another failed drug test means a one-year suspension. But some folks are suggesting he has already failed another test - it just hasn't been announced yet. So, what's the real scoop? Fakhir is a great cornerback. But is he already history, or is that just a rumor? |
| Jeff Gordon: There seems to be no end to the speculation, but, officially, that's it. |
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JD: Jeff,
I know all of the hype in the up coming draft is on the second pick but I feel this draft wont be successful unless we are really smart about our 2nd and 3rd round choices. Looking past the first round considering we take a OT or DT what players do you like in the next two rounds? Honestly I would love to pick up Connelly out of Penn St. in the 2nd if he is still available. |
| Jeff Gordon: The second round ought to yield a tackle or WR. A lot of fans want LB Dan Connor of Penn State, but he doesn't seem like to last. |
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mick: it would suprise me if haslett is for drafting dorsey and moving carriker outside because he doesn't like to admit he is wrong or take a back step (no faulting his coaching, just his nature).
He is still defiant that w.witherspoon will man the middle, despite many wanting a thumper at MLB, and he doesn't want to move atogwe to maybe a more natural free safety, and he seems happy to stay with chavous, despite his sub-par performance.
I think moving carriker would look like an admittion that he was wrong to play DT, something that is not in haslett's nature...your thoughts? |
| Jeff Gordon: Remember, Carriker started at NT because of need. Then he played a lot of DT because of need. Then he moved out to play DE because of need. He played three spots, so Haslett wouldn't eat crow if Carriker settled outside. |
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Scott Rhein: Hello Jeff. I am happy with the play of the Blues over this past week. At least they seam to be playing as a team. I have a few quick questions.
1. What do you think about the play of our junior defensemen? Do you feel that wagner or Polak could move up next season?
2. If we move up some junior defensemen. What veterian defensemen should go?
3. On offence, who is our top line? Is it Kariya, Boyes and Tkachuk? Who is the best forward to play with McDonald?
4. What are your thoughts on Nikolay lemtyugov?
Once again, Thank You for your time.
Scott |
Jeff Gordon: Nik had a big finish at Peoria, so I hope the Blues give him a serious look next season. Otherwise, it will be though to keep him from returning to Russia.
Wagner is good enough to play here. In fact, he never should have went to Peoria. Polak is good enough to play here. That is why the team moved Salvador rather that extend his deal. That is why Backman departed. And that is why McKee is also a trade possibility.
Up front, the team needs three good scoring lines. That could fall a lot of ways, but clearly this team needs some fresh blood there. Perron and Oshie will push for roles, but the team could use another Boyes-type for sure. |
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Kiefer: Hey Gordo!
Im really feeling good about this draft. Devaney has them going in the right direction. Im really a big Dorsey guy and Im hoping they grab him with the number 2. How high do you think the Rams have him on their board?
Also, what position do you feel they are pulling towards in the 2nd?
Do you think there is any trade left in them that could bring in a proven veteren WR or CB? |
| Jeff Gordon: They could trade a pick today and get a WR or CB, but they want to score big in this draft. Dorsey is making the Rams' decision harder; his pro day showing wowed the scouts. This team's pick may come down to whether or not they move down a few slots. Do they like Dorsey or Gholston so much that they would pass up the chance to add another pick? We'll see. |
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Mike N.: Jeff, two related questions: 1. Outside of a few athletically-gifted shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL,
would you agree that most corenerbacks’ fortunes rise and fall
on the effectiveness of their team’s pass rush?
2. Do you think Ram’s corner T. Hill has the talent to rise to an elite level
(given a decent pass rush) and live up to the expectations that come with being a #1 pick? |
| Jeff Gordon: Well, a good pass sure takes the CB off the island quite a bit. And Hill is a pretty good corner. But he isn't a shutdown guy, with or without a great pass rush. True shutdown guys are scarce. |
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Greg Gibson: Greetings Gordo...okay, it's opening day. Most so-called knowledgeable fans and sports writers contend that the Birds will not contend.
I think their pitching will hold up until Carpenter, Mulder, Clement, et al return. This staff may even surprise early. But the lack of hitting and speed in the bottom half of the lineup will result in few runs and strains on the pitching staff.
I see a St. Louis Blues type season. Remember how they started off? What's your take?
Regards,
Greg |
| Jeff Gordon: If the Cards start well, they'll be fine. I wouldn't expect a fade, given the returning pitchers and the rising youngsters. To me, the first two months are everything. If they even play .500 between now and June, they could have a surprising season. |
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| D King: Is their any truth to the rumor that the Rams are interested in a trade with Dallas for their two first round draft picks and B Carpenter for the Rams first round pick I keep hearing that rumor from a friend who lives in Texas its seems silly to even think about this since Carpenter isn't a starter for them. |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams are in love with at least three or four of these elite picks, so it would be hard to pass on them all -- especially since their second pick will yield first-round talent. |
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Scott L: Any chance Ian Cole becomes the hard shooting point man the blues need, and maybe as early as next year. I had heard he was a tough defense minded defenseman, but apparently he’s putting up good numbers for Notre Dame and played well at the WJC, he also keyed their first round upset of U of New Hampshire this weekend. He’s also a left handed shooter who likes to play his off side on the power play, possibly a perfect complement for E Johnson who shoots right and likes to play the left side.
It appears Murray wants two defenseman playing the point, even if that means trying to squeeze defenseman who don’t have the skill into the position. Moving Boyes to the point was bad all around. I am not sure why he hasn’t tried Karyia up on the point, he has the shot and vision, and his speed would help defensively, not to mention that would allow the team to get another forward more power play time. Maybe Cole could give the Blues what every legitimate power play needs, two bombers from the point. |
| Jeff Gordon: Projecting him for the first PP unit is probably a stretch, but he ought to be a solid two-way defender here. The Blues may have to deal for a point-producing defenseman to get their 2008-09 fix -- unless E. Johnson and Wagner can save the day. |
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| Nick: no more Cam Janssens! DIRE NEED OF SCORERS, PLEASE!! Scoring & winning can be contagious, just like losing & not scoring. defense has pulled too much weight. Manny is awesome!! |
| Jeff Gordon: Cam is fine for the fourth line. The kid can skate and hit. The Blues need to stack scorers on their first three lines to sustain pressure. Look at how Montreal plays. |
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| Ed: Any news on where the Rams will hold spring training? |
| Jeff Gordon: No, but somewhere in Wisconsin looks like the best bet for training camp. |
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Cory Radford: Gordo,
When will the NFL release the 2008 regular season schedule? |
Jeff Gordon: Not sure, but we did learn this:
or the fifth consecutive season, the defending Super Bowl champion will open the season by hosting the NFL Thursday night season kickoff. The 2008 regular season officially opens on Thursday, Sept. 4 when the New York Giants host the Washington Redskins at 7 p.m. ET on NBC.
The kickoff will be 90 minutes earlier than the start time of the traditional season opener due to the Republican National Convention.
The Week 1 Sunday night primetime contest will feature a rematch of of Super Bowl XLI, with the Chicago Bears at the Indianapolis Colts at 8:15 p.m. ET. It will mark the Colts' first game in their new home, Lucas Oil Stadium.
The first Monday night of the 2008 season will feature a doubleheader for the third consecutive season. In two matchups of division rivals on Sept. 8, the Green Bay Packers will host the Minnesota Vikings at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Denver Broncos at the Oakland Raiders at 10:15 p.m. ET. Both games will be televised on ESPN. |
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Chad: Jeff thank you for taking questions.
Please please write a article explaining how bad the blues really are. The fact that the (better and younger) Blackhawks can come into our arena and dominate us is NOT a good thing. Granted that we scored their first goal for them a minute and a half into the game which helps(Nerves I guess). Please do not let management continue to deflect questions about this franchise. Someone needs to be held accountable for .500 hockey. Fundamentally the team is far from sound from passing to taking the man in front of the net. The Blues can watch video and know all about the other team but what does it matter if they just continue to dumb and chase while not being the first team in on the forecheck. The coaching staff claims to have the team prepared but what about fundmentals. Please make the city aware and hopefully management will recognize the real problem. Thanks Jeff help all blues fan please. |
| Jeff Gordon: The men running the team don't need me to tell them the team is struggling. The Blues aren't far from being a good team, but the second-half collapse falls on the coaching staff, the veterans, the kids, management -- everybody. This explains why the team is still playing veterans and not just rolling out kids at the end. Decisions will be made based on how guys finish. |
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| Lawarence Marmie: With all the excitement that was generated with Jim Haslett's hiring- the defense has done very little to distinquish itself from the pourous defenses of the past. If his unit continues to flounder like it did in '07- are there any scenerios in which you could envision the Rams replacing Haslett during the season? |
| Jeff Gordon: The Rams aren't going to replace Haslett in midseason. If his guys stay healthy and out of trouble with the NFL, the D will be OK. The Rams lost some big playmakers last season and got way down the the depth chart CB. That is not a good combo. |
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| Tiger J: Jeff, good afternoon sir. Question for the day, are we really that impressed with Dorsey, that we could possibly pass on The Ghost. From your standpoint and being a little closer to the team than we are what might be your top 3 scenarios with the 2nd pick in the draft. Please and Thanks |
Jeff Gordon: Draft C. Long.
Draft Dorsey.
Trade back a few slots, take Gholston. |
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Ram Dan: Hey Jeff,
I'm worried now that all this talk about Dorsey and his great workouts this last week might presuade the Rams in picking him #2. We need a edge rusher to sack the QB, not another DT. How many 3rd and longs did Rams have last year and the oppsoing offense convert due to a lack of pass rush???? If we have a dominant pass rush with only 4 rushing, and we can drop 7 into coverage, the Rams will be a solid defense. Just look at what the Giants did to Brady. They pressured the QB will little to no blitzing. I believe the key to a solid defense is to limit your blitzing as long as you have the dominant DE who can pressure the QB.
I've looked back the past 10 yrs at all of the Rams' drafts, and I see that they raraely take DEs.
In fact, the only DEs that the Rams have drafted in the last 10 yrs have been Victor Adeyanju (round 4 '06), Anthony Hargrove (round 3 '04).
In '98 we took Grant Wistrom #6 overall and Leornard Little in the 3rd round (actually at LB at the time). These two players, were a huge reason for the success of the Rams defense in those years.
History shows that DEs have a much bigger impact on a defense than DTs. I really think the Rams have to stay away from Dorsey and find an explosive DE to really pressure the QB. I love either Chris Long, or the idea of trading down a slot or two to pick up Gholston and another pick.
I'm just tried of all the DTs being drafted and having little impact, a la--- Jimmy Kennedy, Claude Wroten, Ryan Picket, Damione Lewis. It seems that the Rams have been searching for the Warren Sapp of the defense and haven't gotten it.
Any insight to whom the Rams are leaning towards on draft day? Thanks again |
| Jeff Gordon: Carriker and Ryan were fine last year. Pickett was a good player, too, and left for more money. Lewis has played well since leaving. Kennedy was a bust and Wroten is still waiting to pay off. So it's not like they whiffed at DT. But I agree that an edge rusher is preferred. |
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Sam Rescone: With the re-signing of J. Hall, seems to me that the Rams are now more interested in getting J. Long as their first pick, 2nd round should have some WR's available (I think they'll take one of the faster WR's as they have Bennett for a size receiver, would you agree?
Then it appears to me that in the 3rd round they'll look for a DE as some might be available. I don't think they'll take a CB in 3rd, more likely either OL depth or linebacker, which is a position that's not been talked about too much.
However, what do you think of this idea of moving Carriker outside and taking either Dorsey or Ellis as the first pick? Again I think Ram fans need to understand this is probably a two year process, they won't get everything they need in this draft even IF they draft well. Thoughts? |
| Jeff Gordon: Hall's return gives them flexibility, but it doesn't prelude a DE pick. |
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| Don: Gordo--What have been your impressions of last week's mini-camp? I saw the story where Worten said all the right things--did he show you anything? How about the other disappointment--Byrd? |
| Jeff Gordon: Wroten was great last year at this time, too, and then we saw what happened. So he's down to this third strike. |
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| mr. starks: Hey, would you happen to know if the Rams have started contract talks with Jackson or Atogwe and how that is going? |
| Jeff Gordon: There's interest, of course, but I wouldn't get excited until there are done deals in place. Too many weird things happen. |
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Russ in Phoenix: Good day Jeff
Any thoughts on a first round pick of Glenn Dorsey helping out a much maligned Claude Wroten or vice versa? |
| Jeff Gordon: There is definitely a connection there -- and that is a little scary, no? |
|
Armen Dacity: Gordo,
For $64,000, which of the following QBs will be taken by the Rams on Day 2 of the draft: (a) Josh Johnson, (b) Eric Ainge, (c) Kevin O'Connell, (d) J.D. Booty? |
| Jeff Gordon: Second-day QB? No idea. There are guys they like more than others, but projecting how it will fall is impossible. |
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Hoosier Boy: Gordo,
Will you be working the game today or can you partake in some $9 plastic bottles of suds?
Was it just me or did the game seem strange at the end when Curry didn't see Sander wide open under the basket?
Didn't see you at the game Saturday, the Brazilians were in town! It was pretty cool, my son got an autograph from the great Hall of Famer Harry Keough.
The President is the only person I have seen throw from the actual mound and make it to home plate. You can say what you want about him but that ol' boy has got a pretty good arm.
Are you going to the final 4? Who do you like to win it all? How many phone calls do you think Kelvin Sampson made this weekend, it's got to be around 500 or so! |
| Jeff Gordon: I picked KU when this started, but now North Carolina is killing everybody. So how do you pick against Pyscho T? |
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superjim: Hey Gordo,
I'm stunned by the talk that we are seriously considering taking Dorsey at number two. Aside from the question marks over injuries, and our history of wasting first round picks on DTs who didn't live up to their potential I wonder where he'd fit into the team. If we stay with the 4-3 you have Little at left end, say Cliff Ryan at Nose tackle although Carriker is still possible there, and presumably Glover/Dorsey rotating every few plays with James Hall at right end. Last I heard we were seriously considering a move to the 3-4 though, and is Dorsey big enough to play in that? I think not, otherwise Miami would be looking at him more seriously. So I'm wondering why we're linked to him? If we switch to Haslett's preferred defensive scheme he doesn't fit, and even if we stay with the 4-3 DT isn't a position of desperate need now that we have Carriker/Ryan/Glover/and a 'newly motivated' Wroten. I'd say we should draft Gholston because in the 4-3 he could play DE with Glover/Carriker/Ryan rotating at DT, or in the 3-4 he can move to linebacker. He would upgrade our pass rush hugely, and could be the natural replacement for Leonard Little in a couple of years. What are your thoughts?
Thanks Gordo |
Jeff Gordon: If Dorsey is will, he is a game wrecker. The Rams can't use Kennedy's failure as an excuse not to take a guy. This coaching staff wasn't involved in that.
Again, I believe the team needs an outside rusher more . . . but Dorsey is a possibility. |
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mike: Why not Pacman? if Fakhir is due another suspension.
And Dallas only offering a 7th plus a player
why not a fifth and tight end D.Byrd for the villian of the strip bars,
hey I'd give the little guy a shot he can play
At least you media poeple would know where to get your interviews--he'd be over at Diamond or pt's anytime you'd need to rap! |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah, he'd be the only Ram living in Sauget and making the commute over the river. |
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Frank: Hello Jeff -
Q: Is Claude Wroten still in the team's plans? It seems every year we get the same "this is my time to shine" story from him. Right now, he's got "major bust" written all over him. And on the subject of potentially wasted draft picks, is Joe Klop still in the TE mix?
Thanks!
Frank |
| Jeff Gordon: As noted earlier, Wroten is down to his last strike. And Klop has a big job ahead as well. Let's see what Al thinks of him. |
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| Brendan: How's Juan Encarnacion? He was treated a bit harshly by fans here, then took a laser to the noggin adding insult to injury (strike that... reverse it). Is his career over for sure? |
| Jeff Gordon: Sadly, it appears he will need a miracle to make a full recovery. |
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| Kyle: Glenn Dorsey scares the hell out of me for numerous reasons - his health, the Rams poor history of selecting DT's and the overall bust rate of DT's taken in the top of the first round (Ryan Sims, Jonathan Sullivan, Wendell Bryant, Gerard Warren, etc.). Plus, Carriker and Clifton Ryan seemed to form a solid duo. Wouldn't it be more prudent to go after one of the Longs or maybe Gholston? |
| Jeff Gordon: Yeah but again, Dorsey is making scouts drool. |
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| Tom: Hi Jeff! Recently there was a blurb regarding C. Wroten stating that he has finally seen the light and is working out hard, and hoping for a breakout season. I seem to remember the same stuff being written about J. Kennedy more than once with no on field results. What is your perspective on Claude's abrupt change of heart? Is this guy ever going to realize his potential while wearing a Ram uniform? |
| Jeff Gordon: We'll all have to see it to believe it. |
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rags: Hey Gordo,
What are the chances the rams draft TWO wide receivers? Say they take a DE/DT in the first round, then a WR, then an OT, then another WR? This way, we could get James Hardy in the second AND Dexter Jackson in the 4th |
| Jeff Gordon: Wow, with so many needs, one WR pick would be plenty. There are still possible moves out there. |
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ramsster: If we take Glenn Dorsey, do you see us possibly taking a DE in round 2 (Groves, Campbell), or do we have to go WR? I remember Jim Thomas reported that WR is a real concern.
What about a trade for Peppers and drafting Dorsey?
Peppers-Carriker-Dorsey-Little would be a scary front four.
Thanks |
| Jeff Gordon: Hall's return suggests the Rams will go young to beef up the D-line. |
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| sean: haslett showed he could get the defense to get pressure even without premier defensive pass rushers with scheme alone, how much will that effect the first pick? do we need chris long if our linebackers can get the sacks in a 3-3-5? i like dorsey as the pick regardless. notice that he has a highlite real, and chris long doesnt. |
| Jeff Gordon: If a defense can't generate pressure from its base defense, it eventually runs into big trouble. A good offense will eventually solve the gimmicky stuff. |
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Steve: Jeff,
I know everyone is geeked up about baseball and the Cardinals right now but I want to ask a hockey question. I know there is a wighted lottery system used to determine draft order. What are the Blues chances of ending up with the first pick and if they do, please tell me they would draft Stamkos. That kis is amazing, go check out some highlight goals on Youtube. |
| Jeff Gordon: There are still games left -- and losses to accumulate -- so it's early to do the math. But the kid you mentioned would be the perfect addition. |
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| sean: how does bennett fit into the saunders offense? how will he be utilized? |
Jeff Gordon: Last answer -- must switch to the live Cards blog!
Bennett has to become a solid second WR or this offense will labor. Any draft pick will have to work in.
See you next week! |
