Luke Donoho: Hi Jim,

Any thoughts of picking up Kalimba Edwards as a situational/rotation DE? If anything, we could use help with the pass rush. Thanks!

Jim Thomas: Haven't heard Edwards name mentioned at Rams Park. I'll try to check on it.

lewis: Thank you Jim. This is fun to keep in touch with what the Rams are doing.

1. The Rams have taken some steps to shore up the offensive line. Do they have an interest in retaining Milford Brown? He seemed to do a decent job and worked at multiple spots - and he has worked with Steve Loney before, in Arizona (maybe that is the hesitation?). Seems like that could definitely help with depth, at least. Pace, Bell, Incognito, Brown or Setterstrom or J. Long, and Barron left to right doesn't look too bad with Goldberg, Fry, and whoever is not starting at guard as backups.

2. I realize that there is importance to keeping other teams unaware of what the team's draft plans are, in order to possibly foster trade possibilities, but might we interpret the Rams' lack of pursuit of a DE in free agency as a signal they are think they can find a starter in the draft? Or did they pursue a DE in free agency and I missed it?

3. Do you know if the current draft team looks at the current draft position in the way I have heard it from others: 1st round choice needs to be an immediate starter, 2nd round choice needs to be someone on the field a lot, with the possibility of being a starter, and 3rd round and lower being depth players who may be able to challenge for playing time?

Thanks for your answers.

Jim Thomas: 1.) Milford Brown is a good person and gives good effort. But he was horrible at right tackle, and so-so at best at guard. He doesn't move very well, and doesn't have the best football IQ. The Rams already have Goldberg, Gorin, Fry, and Setterstrom at depth positions. (Although Setterstrom could end up the starting center.)

2.) There really wasn't much at DE in free agency.

3.) I think your basic evaluation of the importance of draft picks is very similar to the Rams' thinking _ and probably most teams' thinking for that matter.

Chris: Jim:

What are the chances the Rams can land D'Angelo Hall from the Falcons (I read that at present, at least, a deal with the Raiders is not imminent) at corner? I was also hoping they'd make a play for Lorenzo Neal at FB once the Chargers released him, and look at increasing size at LB. Do you foresee any of these moves (or moves like these) happening in free-agency or will they address them in the draft (or not at all for this season)?

Jim Thomas: As you probably know by now the Hall deal looks like it's finalized with the Raiders.
As for Neal. What is he? 37. If he still has anything left, the Rams should look into it. I've always had a great respect for him.
At LB, Chillar has some size, and is close to making a decision.

Mike: How about a 4th round pick for Laverneus Coles?

Jim Thomas: I'd be all for it. But I haven't heard his name mentioned at Rams Park.

Brian: Jim,

Good Afternoon, hope you are doing well. I know the Rams where are the pro day of Jake Long and had dinner with him the night before his Pro day. I know allot of people are down on Pace, personally I think he will bounce back nicely and continue to be an elite tackle for at least three more years. Having said that, I think drafting Jake would be a great move as it would really bolster the O-line. My question to you is do you think they would (A.) draft Jake and (B.) do you think he would be willing to play right guard and (C.) do you think he could play right guard, seeing that we just signed Bell to play left guard or is there a trade on the horizon with one of the current tackles. And in the second round WR or defense?

Jim Thomas: I think the Rams are seriously considering Long. Protecting Bulger (and Green) should be a premium. More than one person in the Rams organization feels that Long could play guard. Barron's contract is up after the '09 season. And there's no guarantee that Paced can stay healthy.