Sam from Dallas: Hooray! Welcome back!
I guess I missed the 'Hate on Alex Barron' train. Have you gotten any info from Rams Park about the OT situation? If Spags/Shurmur are happy w/ Barron at LT, then couldn't they go after a RT in the second round, leaving them free to take Curry in the 1st? What letter grade would you give Barron's performance overall? During his limited time at LT? Thanks for your time!

Jim Thomas: I certainly think that's a possibility (the Curry at No. 2 overall, and then an OT in the second. To my recollection Barron gave up quite a few sacks at LT in '07. So I'd say a C+, or about like he's played at RT.

gnykin2: Do you think we could get Cutler for Marc Bulger, Anthony Reyes (I know he's gone but we will get him back) and Chris Duncan...

just kidding.

Jim Thomas: Only if you through in Brian Barton.

ramfandan: Happy St. Patrick's Day, Jim !

Many draft lists have Baylor OT Jason Smith as maybe 1A and OT Eugene Monroe a 1B in the OT category. Do you think the fact that Monroe played at Virginia and has teammate connections with Chris Long will be any added factor in Rams selecting him over Jason Smith should they decide to go OT with their selection ? (One might surmise that Devaney may have 'picked the brain' of Chris Long regarding Monroe's character, effort, teammate relationships, leadership etc.)

Jim Thomas: Well, I'm sure Devaney will indeed talk to Long about Monroe (if he hasn't already.) Devaney, by the way, will attend Monroe's Pro Day on Thursday at Virginia.

Brian: I have read that Andre Smith's draft stock has fallen considerably, maybe out of the first round. What are your thoughts on this, and my prediction is this guy will be the biggest bust? Horrible attitude, bad decisions. He has got it all.

Jim Thomas: He has made some bad decisions. I don't know if he's a guy you can count on, particularly with the kind of money he might get in the top five. But he is one heck of a run blocker.

Zuke: Jim,
1) Do Rams see Leonard as a viable #2 RB, or will they look to free agency/draft this year?

2) Any hints yet on how Spags will use Carriker this year (DE vs. DT)?

3) Do you think the Rams will take a RT in the draft, and plug him in to start, w/ Barron at LT?

Jim Thomas: 1.) Not sure, but the veteran minicamp Arpil 2-3-4 will provide some hints.
2.) Same as above.
3.) You know, even if they draft Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe (or say, somebody in the second round at OT), they could start him at RT as a rookie (to get his feet wet in the NFL; this has been done before), and then move him to LT in 2010 to replace Barron. (Hypothetically here, since Barron will be a free agent after the '09 season.)