Kevin: Recognizing that we will most likely not sign any more impact players through free agency and that we will be addressing our need through the draft (barring some unforseen trade), it looks like OL, DE, WR are the big needs. What do you think the chances are that we would grab a WR as our second pick instead of filling in the 2nd lineman need? Our third round pick is pretty high and I imagine there is some good WR still left there.

Is anyone working with Bennett to work on somethings in the offseason so he can reach his potential? Here is a guy who led the Ttans in receiving yds for 3 straight seasons. Let's help him out. If he comes on, Holt's knees stay healthy, and Looker/Hagans/Stanley/Rookie steps up combined with Jackson out of the backfield with McMichael stretching the middle, Marc would have plenty of targets. All the reason to pick a WR 3rd (even 4th?) and solidify our lines. Thoughts?

I have seen talk that we would not go for a Dorsey or Ellis player at the DT since Carriker would not make a great pass rusher DE. What are your thoughts on that?

Thanks for all the chats,
Kevin in VA. Ram Fan since 76'.

Jim Thomas: If things stay the way they are now on the roster, I'd say DE in the first round, and then the Rams would almost have to take some combo of CB-WR in Rounds 2&3.

As for Bennett, the offseason conditioning program doesn't begin until March 25, and the OTAs (practices) don't begin until May. So there's not a lot anyone can do with him until then. Bennett needs to stay healthy, and with a new coordinator and a re-tooled playbook in the works, needs to master the offense ASAP.

JTThomas: Suppose the Dolphins select Chris Long with the first selection. Fill in the blank: With the 2nd selection of the NFL Draft, the St Louis Rams select ________________.

Jim Thomas: Indiana U. WR James Hardy
Third Round--Trade for Lito Sheppard
Fourth Round--Best offensive tackle available
Fifth Round--Best QB left on the board

Ray R.: Jim,
Any interest by the Rams in signing C Justin Hartwig? If so, how realistic that we sign him? He started 16 games last year for Carolina, and would bolster our O-line. Setterstrom and Incognito would than battle it out for the starting RG position. We could then shift our attention to D-line with our first pick, and not feel pressured to draft Jake Long. Your thoughts?

Jim Thomas: The Rams explored the possibility of signing Hartwig. They were certainly intrigued when he was cut by Carolina. But they had concerns about his injury history, and didn't even ask him in for a visit. I've heard some good things and bad things about the guy, but I would've thought the Rams would've been more active in his pursuit. He's signing with Pittsburgh for a relatively modest $4 million over two years.

pdub: Jim, it seems like more than a few times you've said the Rams aren't concerned about their linebackers - that they like what they have. Do you think the trio of Witherspoon, Pisa, and (if he returns) Chillar a good enough starting group for '08? Draft seems serviceable enough, and I know they like Culbertson. Does McGarigle have a future with the Rams? Do the Rams need to draft a LB?

Jim Thomas: If the Rams didn't have so many other pressing needs at other positions, I'd say, sure, go ahead and take a linebacker. But when you're DE position accounted for a combined 5 1/2 sacks a year ago. When you don't have a proven No. 2 (or No. 3) receiver _ depending on what you think of Bennett _ when you may lose a starter at cornerback. . .I'd say those needs take precedence. It is imperative that Pisa stay healthy. He was playing very well until his season-ending injury.
McGarigle to me has been disappointing. As a backup, you really have to make your mark on special teams. And for a guy who made a zillion tackles in college, McGarigle hasn't done much on special teams.

RT: I support the Devaney hiring (a move like this should have happened YEARS ago). I support the Bell signing. I support the re-hiring of Saunders.

Amid all these seemingly positive moves, the downside is we are still stuck with loser Linny. Does anybody remember that this team simply WAS NOT ready to play football this past year? That is simply inexcusable.

The bottom line is Loserhan is still the coach, and that is good news for any and all opponents of the Rams. We can only hope the team does better in spite of him.

Jim Thomas: No doubt, Linehan still has a lot to prove. And no matter what happens or has already happened this offseason in terms of personnel moves (front office, coaches, and players) that fact remains. So in that sense, your point is well taken.