S. Monkey: Hi JT,

Thanks again for the chat. While I'm typically pessimistic about the Rams, does it seem odd that we have so many holes in our starting lineup at this point in time. I realize the 1st, 2nd, 3rd waves of free agency are over, and the draft can obviously fill a roster, but can we honestly be looking to the draft for a WR3, SAM, DE, offensive line (pick a spot) and that's all? I'm not sure we're really doing much to be better than 6-10 next season, regardless of Chris Long or Gholston being drafted and becoming an instant All-Pro. Is the true problem really that there's just not many options at this point?
Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Well, a part of me agrees with you. I thought the Rams would be a little more active in free agency. As I've mentioned a couple times earlier on this forum and on the radio with Bernie and Randy, I was hoping for one more big splash. And this is said realizing 1.) The Rams didn't have an exhorbitant amount of cap room; 2.) Lots of other teams did; and 3.) This was one of the skimpiest free agent classes in years.
So plenty of questions about the roster, many of which won't be answered until we get to the season. As things stand now:
1.) Will some combination of Setterstrom or Romberg get the job done at center?
2.) Can Culberson or Draft get it done at strongside LB?
3.) Who's the No. 3 WR?
4.) Will the Rams need another corner if something happens to Fakhir Brown?
5.) What about DE and the pass rush? Even with James Hall re-signing, I would think the Rams want to upgrade that position.
6.) Offensive tackle. Even if Pace and Barron are back and stay healthy, the Rams need depth there (a No. 3 OT), preferably someone who can be groomed for a future job.

Gabriel to Snow: It seems like the team & coaching staff have enough to do without the hassle of of moving training camp. Linehan needs the vets in his corner, but this seems like a potential irritant for veterens right out of the gate. Your take?

Jim Thomas: I'm sure the vast majority of veterans would prefer to train in St. Louis. And it's a bigger hassle than it used to be just because of the tremendous amount of video equipment that needs to be moved for taping practice and processing that tape.
But I believe Linehan feels he needs a tougher camp this summer; and he also thinks it will break up the drudgery of either training or practicing nine months out of the year at Rams Park.

Dejan Prole: Hi Jim, I am writing to you from Serbia and I am a HUGE fan of Rams! Do you have any new information on Rams interest in Vernon Gholston? I believe that Rams have bigger need in DE than OL so how far behind is Gholston of Chris Long?

I just hope that Vernon is our pick at No.2!

Jim Thomas: As you may have read, we've reported that Gholston is coming in for a pre-draft visit to Rams Park along with Jake Long, Chris Long, and Glenn Dorsey. I think there can be a danger of reading too much into these draft visits, but obviously the Rams have huge interest in Gholston. My sense is that the Rams still like Chris Long over Gholston, and I'm not sure that they would take Gholston at No. 2 overall should the Dolphins take Chris Long with the No. 1 overall pick.

mike: I am not sold on culberson--with pisa always getting hurt an middle linebacker out there available--

what about al wilson? we could move will witherspoon to outside

lavar arrington still rehabing broken leg?

Jim Thomas: Your concerns on Culberson and Pisa are valid and understandable. At the very list, the Rams need to add depth at LB. but at this stage of their careers, I'm not sure how much Wilson (turns 31 in June with neck problems) and Arrington (turns 30 in June with the injury problems you mentioned)could bring to the table. If they pass their physicals, if you sign a player like that, I think it would have to be at a bargain rate.

Don: Jim,
With the Rams aquiring depth at WR and likley adding one via the draft, how does that impact the status of Hall, Looker, Hagans & Stanley? I know that Looker might have stayed on the roster due to his being Wilkins favorite holder, but now Wilkins is gone. Is he the guy most on the bubble?

Jim Thomas: Right now, I'd say Hall is safe. Probably as the No. 4 WR and top return man. I think Looker stays _ Linehan loves the guy. I think Reche Caldwell (who agreed to terms Tuesday morning), Hagans and Stanley are all on the bubble. Right now, I sense Stanley is ahead of Hagans.
So assuming the Rams keep six WRs on the final roster, I'd say Holt, Bennett, Hall, Looker and a draft pick get five of the spots. Leaving everyone else competing for the No. 6 spot.