Todd from Michigan: Hi Jim and thank you
Jim I have been hearing the reason the Packers did not hire Mike Nolan or Greg Williams is McCarthy is waiting for Haslett who was his head coach for 2 or 3 years.

Jim Thomas: Let me just say this: you could be on the right path.

Jim Lindstrom: Hi Jim

Just a few questions:
1)About how much cap room do you think the Rams will have when free agency begins?
2)How much access do you have as a beat writer to the people around Rams Park and the Ownership?
3)Dose Billy Devaney have a timeline for the hire to take place?

Thanks for the great job you do.

Up North Ram Fan

Jim Thomas: 1.) Tough question, because it's a moving target. If they don't re-sign Atogwe or Bartell by the start of free agency, I believe it could be in excess of $20 million. But I'll try to get a better number for you as we get closer to free agency.
2.) I have pretty good access, but it's not like I'm invited to the staff meetings. I have fairly regular correspondence, mainly via e-mail, with Chip Rosenbloom.
3.) I would be very surprised if we're still wondering about the next head coach by next week at this time.

Nick: Is there a player or position that you think might sway the Rams from taking one of the big four left tackles in the draft with their first pick? The only position of extreme need combined with available athlete that I can see them even considering is the MLB from USC and then taking the tackle from Baylor or Ok State in the second round.
Do you see the Rams considering centers Mack or Unger (or the kid from Arkansas?) in the second or third rounds, or will they working to bolster the defense with playmakers?

Jim Thomas: Well, let's just say the Rams land a starting OT in free agency. And let's say they believe Maluaga (sorry for the spelling) of USC has the speed to play every down in the middle. Then it's a possibility.

Art from N.J.: Hi Jim,

Here we go!
What is the chance of a leading candidate besides Haslett getting the job and Haslett possibly becoming Defensive Coordinator?

Who do you think will ultimately get the job if you were a betting man?

Thank you,

Art

Jim Thomas: Nice question. Don't know the answer. But I'd doubt it given everything that has happened around here over the past year. The new head coach would have to be awfully secure to hire someone who was a rival for the job, particularly someone who was so popular not only with the players but in the building.

marvin white: Hi Jim met you at one of the team practices at Concordia U,I told you that my brother plays for the college,I was wondering if you heard anything about the possibility of Coach ELLARD returning to coach the wr's.

Jim Thomas: If Haslett's back, I'm sure Ellard's back. With anybody else, it's unclear. Obviously, most head coaches bring in their own guys, although Ellard did surive the switch from Martz to Linehan.