Richard Spittlehouse: Hi Jim,

Four questions here:

1 Do you regard an O Line of Pace, Setterstrom, Romberg, Incognito and Barron as potentially successful in the NFL?
2)Of the potential Free Agents on the market in 2008 in need positions for the Rams, have you heard any links to the following: Bernard Berrian, Patrick Crayton, Alan Faneca, Floyd Womack, Jared Allen, Justin Smith, Kawika Mitchell, Marcus Trufant or Ken Hamlin?
3)Do you think Jake Long is the inevitable first draft pick of the Rams? Most mock draft boards are in no doubt.
4)Do you think that if the Rams have a fully fit O Line, pick up a deep threat WR, get a quality pass rushing DE and shore up the corner opposite Tye Hill, they are a playoff team again?

Thanks for the info.

Jim Thomas: 1.) Because of injuries to Pace, Setterstrom, Romberg and Incognito, I don't think you can regard this group as being "potentially successful" in the NFL. Plus, we just haven't seen enough of Setterstrom and Romberg (and even Incognito to some degree) to conclude that they're the answer.
2.) Haven't heard. Obviously, the Rams are intrigued by Faneca and Trufant.
3.) I would lump Jake Long in with Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey at this point.
4.) Actually, Fakhir Brown's a better corner than Tye Hill at this stage of their careers. But the answer to your question _ is yes. Assuming Bulger, Jackson and the WRs stay healthy.

JC: Does Brock Berlin have a legitimate chance of being the developmental QB the Rams need?

Jim Thomas: I don't think so.

JustMe: 1) Is it a lock that Leonard Little & James Hall with his $3 million base salary will be on the roster in 2008?

2) Any worries about Carriker maintaining all the extra weight he gained while rehabbing his injury? Have the Rams even considered allowing this kid to get back down to 275-280 pounds like he was his junior year in college and moving him back to DE?

Jim Thomas: 1.) No.
2.) Carriker didn't gain that much extra weight, at least not based on what he weighed at the combine. I think they like him as a DT-DE versatile player.

Kenny H.: Jim,

Does management consult the opinions of players like Bruce & Holt (or Faulk, when he was still here), or do they feel the players should only play? Specifically, would they ask these leaders questions to aide in their evaluation of coaches and/or players? Is there ever that type of relationship between management and certain players? Thanks!

Jim Thomas: They should, at least in terms of game-planning and the playbook.
And even some feedback on potential coaching hires probably would be helpful if the players know about the coach.
I would think even in free agency it might be helpful. For example, if you're considering Seattle CB Marcus Trufant, ask Torry Holt what he's like to work against. But I don't think it happens too often in terms of free agency and potential coaching hires. It does happen in varying degrees when it comes to game-planning and the playbook.

David Naglieri: Dear Jim,

Great work this year covering an awful football team! With rumors starting to fly about a possible Steven jackson trade and drafting Mcfadden what can you tell us about the status of contract negotiations between jackson and the Rams? With 2008 being the last year fo his contract I can only guess the Rams will want to have him signed to a long term deal before next training camp in order to avoid a lame duck season?

Jim Thomas: I'm not aware of any contract negotiations at this point, but that doesn't mean they're not taking place. But if the Rams are even thinking about dangling Jackson as possible trade bait, it makes no sense to tie him up to a long-term contract before the draft.