ETM: Jeff,

Mr. Dorsey has been a great player and seems to have a big motor as well as heart. But he has already suffered significant injuries at a young age. And he has played on natural grass. Don't you think the Rams have to been very scared of him playing in the Ed. He is such a big man and that turf has not been friendly of late. The last few years it's become the old Philly Vet. Not only the Rams but everyone gets hurt on the turf (i.e. Leinart). It would be great if he ended up a HOFmer for the Rams. But a they can't afford another high pick bust at the D tackle position. Any thoughts....

PS...thought the new turf would be better.

thanks, eric

Jeff Gordon: Officially, the Rams say that health wasn't a factor. But it had to weigh in their decision, since they insist they were leaning toward Long all along.

The new turf IS better, by the way, but isn't as good a natural grass in terms of protecting against injuries.

Columbia_Ram: Is there any way you can compare Dorsey & Long based on the top ten media outlets? Who is rated highest? It seems that Dorsey has the history of being more productive.
DH

Jeff Gordon: The consensus of football experts had Dorsey ranked higher. But, as Linehan noted, he plays the same position as Carriker. By taking Long, the Rams can leave Carriker and Ryan in their natural positions for the long haul.

HEG: Gordo the Rams should take Dorsey and leave Carriker at tackle and this should take care of their run defense which has been so weak for several years and also this should free up their linebackers to do their job; agree or disagree?????

Jeff Gordon: Linehan prefers Ryan at nose guard and Carriker at defensive tackle, despite the fact the started at nose guard last year. The Rams viewed Little/Ryan/Carriker/Long as a great unit, especially with Glover and possibly Wroten backing up in the middle. Hall is the third DE. Also, Adeyanju might also move inside as a run stopper. That is a pretty good crowd there.

Dennis: Hi Jeff,

I love reading your work.

Who do you think will have a more positvie locker room influence and a higher potential to become a leader for our team: C. Long or Dorsey?

Thanks for your time

Jeff Gordon: Linehan raves about Long's personality. Dorsey is an "up" guy too with a lot of energy, but it seemed clear that the Rams liked Long's intangible qualities more.

Tyboy: What's happenin Gordo? Hey, I saw a rather disturbing clip of Torry Holt "joking" about possibly joining his brother on the Panthers...in his homestate. However, if you actually see the clip, he seems to be serious. We just suffered the heartbreak of losing our beloved Isaac (which we dogged him in my opinion), should we start preparing ourselves for life without Torry? I think that would just be too much to bear. Torry has always been a class act, so could this be a reflection of our teams relationship with Coach L? Or possibly other factors such as new ownership,etc? What are your thoughts?

Jeff Gordon: I didn't see the clip, but I'd be shocked if the Rams did anything with Torry -- given the sad state of their receiving corps. I trust that Saunders can win him back. I would like to see the Rams go for a WR in the first three rounds. Some experts see them going for a WR in the third round, not the second.