Tackleberry: JT,

I know you'll immediately reference the "Four Pillars" that Spagnuolo plans to rebuild this organization with, but is there any chance he'd look at Matt Jones on a short-term/incentive-laden deal?

Jim Thomas: Pillar, pillar, pillar, pillar.

Tiger J: What's up Jim, two questions for ya! Is Jason Brown's contract situation fixed? Also if the Rams do go(hope not) with an OT when do you think we will address mlb, since WR seems to be our second round choice?

Jim Thomas: Brown's was fixed more than a week ago, before it even officially appeared on the "disallowed" list on the official NFL transactions. Contrary to some reports, it was only a minor technicality dealing with how a clause in the contract was interpreted.
As for your second question, let's see if anything happens between now and the draft at OT, WR, or MLB either through free agency or trade. That will affect the pecking order of who gets picked where.

ramsfan: Do you think the rams could pick up Andre Smith in the later rounds or as a free agent??? He used to be sure fire pick at No 2. Or is that not part of Steve Spagnuolo's team, faith, and character?

Jim Thomas: From what I've been told, the Rams were never that high on Andre Smith. What happened at the Combine only reinforced that opinion.

Joe: Jim,

While it's true that players play the game, I think that leadership from the Head Coaching position is probably the most vital element in the parity-era NFL. I think that's why you see these HCs making the coin that they do. While Linehan was not ready for prime-time (and may never be), I believe that Spagnuolo is. Though he has only just now addressed the team for the first time, his leadership skills are already evident - from Bartell to Butler he's getting guys to commit to his approach.

You're a lot closer to the situation than any of us, so do you see the signs that he has the leadership ability, charisma, and credentials to earn the respect and gain the commitment of the modern NFL player?

Jim Thomas: Well, the early signs are that the players are connecting with Spagnuolo. He seems to have a sincerity about him, tons of energy, and very good commmunications skills. And he's got credibility by virtue of that Super Bowl championship ring. But he's yet to cut a player, bench a player, make a questionable decision in a game. Not to be a contrarian, but players were saying a lot of good things publicly about Linehan three years ago.

MHandshear: - JT,

Thanks for your continued outstanding coverage of the team this off-season. Your chats and blog have been spot-on and timely. Please keep up the great work! On to a draft question:

Have you heard any rumblings on Oregon CB Jarius Byrd? He is a local product, and I have long heard of his talents from my father (whom just happens to be an alum of Byrd's Clayton High School.) I've seen him viewed as a second round prospect and wondered if the Rams had shown any initial interest in the former Greyhound?

"You've gotta love Jim Thomas."

- Issac Bruce

Jim Thomas: I talked to Byrd briefly at the Combine. I don't know if the Rams are interested.