bigramfan1966: Jim,

I have long been advocating a tackle at #2 but now I am beginning to wonder if there is one worthy of the #2 pick. I think a batter situation is that we trade down and get another #2 and more and draft a playmaker ala maclin or possibly curry. If we stay at #2 then I am actually leaning toward Crabtree as I think he is a true difference maker. Cab you imagine Crabtree and Avery together? Wow speed to burn, now if we could only get a quarterback to throw the long ball.....

Jim Thomas: If the Rams can sign a tackle in free agency, why not grab Crabtree?

bob_n_weave: Spags, here is the plan. What do you think ?

1st round: OT = Monroe

2nd round: OL = Alex Mack or Max Unger, can play Center, Guard or Right Tackle.

3rd round: Linebacker
4th round: 1 trick pony pass rushing DE for 3rd downs
5th round: Big sloppy D.T. Run stuffer for 1st,2nd downs.
6th round: Fullback
7th round: Special Teams Stud

Free Agents: Safety, Back up RB, Quarterback.
Thanks Trent and Cory time to retire.

Call me

Jim Thomas: Sounds good to me. That means you've got to sign a backup RB in free agency, and possibly a fullback as well. And you better re-sign Bartell and Atogwe.

elderamfan: Are most of the Senior Bowl player evaluations based on the drills they're run through leading up to the game? After having a great '07 year, it seems like Witherspoon's productive play dropped off. Do you think Carriker's injuries and below-expectation play caused 'Spoon's decline? Before he thought he was a talent evaluator, I thought Zygmunt's handling of negotiations and the salary cap was a key to the Rams' successes. Don't they have anybody in that position now?

Jim Thomas: I think almost all the Senior Bowl evaluations are based on the practices, particularly the full-pad workouts. Very few coaches or scouts stay for the actual game. They watch that on tape.
Spoon, remember was injured. His shoulder bothered him much of the year. So I think it had more do to with that than anything else. Also Spoon wasn't used as much as an edge rusher, either in '08.
To the best of my knowledge the Rams still are looking for a cap and contract guy. I don't think this Bruce Warrick guy _ the yet to be confirmed new direct of football administration _ does contracts.

Tim: If I am Devanney this is my lis of top priorities whem free agent market hits.(assuming Bartell and Atogwe are resigned)

1. Gross
2. Dansby and/or Vilma
3. Butler
4. Ward or Sproles
5. Vernon Carey

If Gross even sniffs the market the Rams should jump on him so fast We would get a solid LT and it would allow us to snatch up Crabtree. Dansby would give us a big talented LB and Vilma is the true MLB we havnt had since Fletcher. Butler would give us a great set of safties. Ward or Sproles would give us a great RB tandom. And Carey would give us a great RUn blocking RT that would aloow us to shop Barron and Pace for extra picks

Jim Thomas: These are all good thoughts. But let's see how many of these guys actually are still available in 4 1/2 weeks at the start of free agency.

Tim: You know if you really look at I think we might have our Dline set for next season. With spags in the line WILL get much better. We got Long who will be a solid run stuffer and can get about 11-13 sacks a year, Adeyanju who with great size will be a solid run suffer and I bet can hes the potential for 8 sacks along with Hall who is a decent pass rusher. Carriker will be healthy next year hopefully and should be back to his rookie form. And Ryan has shown great strides to be a solid DT. Im not sayin that they shouldnt look at Peppers or Haynesworth but it is an area to where I dont think we need to quickly address. Agree?

Jim Thomas: I still think they need another wide-body at DT. He doesn't have to be a star. Heck, he doesn't even have to be a starter. But they need a run-stuffer who can be part of the d-line rotation.