Mr Chip: I read that some employees at Rams Park, including a few holdover assistant coaches, are upset over the way the departure of TE coach Judd Garrett was handled. Garrett had supposedly been let go because he needed time away from football after the sudden death of his wife late last summer, but he was seen at the Combine, reportedly in search of a job. Are my Rams just an evil, comically mismanaged team or will Chip eventually turn out to be a 'good' owner? I'm not buying it yet based on what I've seen so far...

Jim Thomas: I think the Garrett situation was smelly. It's a cold business. Al Saunders comes in as offensive coordinator, wants to bring in a couple of his assistants (Shea and his son Bob). And I'm not knocking this. What coordinator would walk into a job without having at least some offensive staffers that he knows and has worked with around him? But it looks like Garrett got shoved under the bus to create a spot on the staff for Bob Saunders. And that's tough. Garrett was at the Combine looking for a job.

Jeff W: Hey Jim,

I was wondering if rams are going to address the problem at SLB and pass rushing end in the draft or maybe in FA but no one comes to mind when I think about free agent SLB. Also what are chances of them want to have Quinton Culberson start because of his strong play near the end of the season. Do you think that Jevon Kearse would be a good fit for the rams?

Jim Thomas: I think some combo of Culberson and Draft should work out OK at SLB. Maybe I'm wrong, but to me that's not a big deal. But DE to me is a huge concern. I certainly would look into Kearse.

Don: I'll ask you the same question I asked Gordo: why are Wroten & Byrd still on the roster? Do Haslett & Sauders really think they'll turn into productive players?

Jim Thomas: I don't think Haslett has given up on Wroten. I don't think Byrd will see May at Rams Park.

petey: Free agency seems to be over for the rams now...

-There is no-one at DE that would be an upgrade over even Eric moore (and the rams dont seem interested in any)

-The safety market was lean to start with and with Wilson and Williams off the market there is little more than veteran leadership (see Chavous)

-We seem to be competing for Trent Green....why, im not sure

-With briggs gone and chillar unlikely to return, there are not that many option at Linebacker (not to mention the rams dont seem interested - are they sold on Culberson?)

-At WR DJ Hackett is still there, so he might be of interest...

Overall, i cant see many people left in free agency that would actually be worth signing. Can you see any?

Also do u think that signing an O-Line player like Jacob Bell will mean the rams are less likely to take Jake Long. (There would not be a position for him to play - he cant kick over to guard any more)

Jim Thomas: No, there's not much left in free agency. And that's a little depressing. I think Jake Long could come in and play right guard, with Incognito sliding over to center. (Just a possibility.)

Todd W.: Hello Jim
Excited about the news yesterday.
What is your best guess for the Rams Offensive Line next year?

Thanks
Todd W.

Jim Thomas: LT Pace; LG Bell; C ?????; RG Incognito; RT Barron