Mike: Jim,
There are reports that former Mizzou WR Will Franklin clocked a 4.3 40 recently in preparation for the Draft. The Rams certainly need to get younger, faster and bigger at the WR position. Do you know if the Rams think highly of Franklin and if they might take him in the 3rd, 4th or 5th round? Where is WR on the draft day pecking order? Thanks for your time!

Jim Thomas: Don't know what the Rams think of Franklin. I think he'd be an interesting mid-round prospect. Linehan wants to add a big, fast WR to the mix. So I think it's a big priority, either in the draft or free agency.

Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein: Hey Jim,

Vermeil dismissed the walk-thru taping allegation. How huge would this be if it were true? If it is a big deal, then why didn't any of the reporters at the Super Bowl ask some of the current Patriot players (who were on that 2001 team) about it? Wouldn't Teddy Bruschi know? Why doesn't someone ask Romeo Crennel? He was defensive coordinator. We're getting offical denials from the Patriots, but put some of the coaches and players involved on the spot! C'mon Jim. Have one of your buddies at the Cleveland Plain-Dealer pick up the phone and call Romeo. We hear rumors but where is the investigative reporting?

Jim Thomas: The story broke on Saturday, the day before the Super Bowl, when there was no player availability. Immediately after the Super Bowl (night of the game) it's too much of a scramble just to get your Super Bowl stories in.
Don't worry, the story's not dead.

Joe: So the big question this week is what's to come with the Patriots after these Super Bowl 36 allegations? Obviously we can't take their trophies away but astericks would be nice. Do you think the league is behind this? Will we get a serious full investigation and be redeemed?

Jim Thomas: I think the league likes the Patriots and likes the Kraft family. I think there will be a "thorough" investigation by the league only if they have to. A Congressional hearing on the matter would all but force the league to investigate it thoroughly.

Greg Wilkinson: Let's assume for a moment the Pats spied on everyone continually and Goodell decides he will punish them again.

What would be the expected punishment? I really cannot see the NFL taking away any titles. So that leaves just future punishment.

Are we looking at a Billicheat suspension and thats it?

Jim Thomas: Yeah, you can't take away the title. Even if it's proven that the Patriots spied on the Rams' practice, there's no guaranteeing that they wouldn't have won the game anyway. But if found guilty, I think Belichick should be suspended for at least a year. (If they can do it to Pacman, they can do it to Belichick.) And I think the Pats should be fined and lose more draft picks.

Tim: Hi Jim,

I am wondering if you have any feel for what the Rams plan is for improving a poor offensive line and how is the prognosis for Big O returning? I am excited about the hiring of Al Saunders, but if you look at his success in the NFL, it has always started with a quality offensive line like they had in Kansas City when he was coordinator under Coach Vermeil. We are in for another long season if they do not improve the line and keep Bulger out of the ER. As a long time Rams Fan, I think that we who long for the glory days of the Greatest Show on Turf should be glad that we had such a wonderful run for those 3 or 4 years because I don't know that we will see that kind of offensive production and excitement week in and week out again. We have been priveledged fans to see Warner, Faulk, Reverend Ike, and Holt in their prime.

Jim Thomas: I think they're counting on Pace and Barron at tackle, while realizing they need help there (a No.3 OT who can really play and who could be groomed as a potential starter). The interior of the line is another issue. How much can the Rams depend on Setterstrom, Incognito and even Romberg because of their injuries. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Rams sign a starting guard in free agency. I'm still not sure who's playing center next year.