Memphis Ram: 1) Has anyone at the paper talked to Pace or Holt about their current situations yet?

2) Is Randy McMicheal safe from any possible salary cap cut or is the team looking to redo his deal?

3) Will you or someone else at the paper be tracking the Missouri Tigers players at the combine?

Jim Thomas: 1.) Not since the end of the season, although I have talked to their agent.
2.) I'm not saying he's for sure going to get cut or get asked to restructure, but I do think the topic has come up upstairs at Rams Park.
3.) Yes, I plan to track some of the Tigers, but with six there, we won't be able to handle all of them. That's why we did a story on William Moore, for example at the Senior Bowl.

Eugene Monroe: After I'm selected with the #2 pick in the draft will I be playing LT or RT?

Jim Thomas: Left tackle, Eugene. Many believe you're the safest pick among the tackles in the draft. A guy that will take care of that left side for the next decade. Some wish you finished blocks as well as Andre Smith, but weight or any character concerns won't be an issue with you.

ruralram: Thanks as always, Jim.
The latest word is that the new coaches LOVE Bulger. Is this accurate, overstated or simply a cover reply that is meaningless? Specifically, in your opinion, if Stafford drops in their laps at #2, will the Rams be interested?
Thanks.

Jim Thomas: I believe it is overstated. After Bulger's last two seasons, I'm sure there is some concern or uncertainty as two whether Bulger truly is a "franchise" type QB. As for Stafford, at this point, I don't think the Rams would be interested.

Steve W: Hi,
I was just reading that Mike Martz was stating that league personnel are keeping him from working in the NFL, because he has been tagged as hard to deal with, or a little nuts, etc.
Seems as though a lot of folks like to trash Mike Martz. I for one like the guy and have a lot of respect for his offensive ingenuity. After all, you can largely thank his offensive play calling for the super bowl victory we enjoyed in St. Louis.
I'm sure he made some mistakes, but who hasn't. I'd like to see him back in St. louis, I think he is one of the more talented coaches around. I know that ain't goin' to happen. To bad.

Jim Thomas: Steve--I read that article a few days ago myself. I thought it was an excellent read on Martz. It would take a strong personality in a head coach to handle Mike as your offensive play caller, and let's face it, a lot of these younger head coaches just aren't as secure in their personalities.

COGzilla: A lot of people are down on him and you have said that billyd and others question his fire, but isnt Alex worth giving a shot to start at left tackle? He has as much physical skill as any of the big three or four coming up. I just would like to see what the new staff could do with him. Hate to use the second pick in the entire draft for our future left tackle when he already may be on the roster.
Also, are they planning on re-signing goldberg?I think he is a solid player and a good one to have on the team. Can play a lot of places.

Jim Thomas: Again, I think the coaching staff and front office are wondering if Barron could play left tackle, as he did for most of '07 when Pace was hurt. If that's the case, the Rams could maybe spend their money on a right tackle in free agency instead. (There seem to be more viable candidates there at this point than free agent left tackles.)
The thing that bothers me about Barron is how much does he really care about the game and care about being the best he can be. That missed meeting last season (a late meeting at that, 10:30 a.m.) is very troubling to me for someone who's in his fourth year.
I do think there's interest in bringing Goldberg back.