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.

Curt, CA: Hey Jimmy!

Now that Chip is running the team, does that mean the Rams will no longer have to keep the "Hollywood connection" with Denzel's son JD on the practice team, taking up valuable space that someone who actually has a chance to make it in the NFL can fill?

Jim Thomas: I don't know. Since Chip is a Hollywood producer, maybe that means JD Washington is more likely to be on the practice squad one more time. But at the moment, Washington is not under contract to the Rams.

jon d: jim, thanks for taking our questions. i was curios if there was any buzz about a trade for chad johnson. what we have to give for him...possible scenarios. Also could we trade both pittman and leonard for a late first or early second round pick. if so i think we should and take kevin smith in the third. he would make a great bakup to jackson, and we could use the other pick to get either our DE or OL plus we need a wr like limas or others
what do you think

Jim Thomas: I'm sure the Rams will discuss (or have discussed) the possibility of trading for Chad Johnson (although I have no first-hand knowledge of this taking place.) The issue with Chad, obviously, is that he is such a head-case player. How much would he really bring to the table? How much would he cost in a trade? What has he won, after all, as a Bengal? In short, is he more trouble than he's worth?
I don't think anyone would give you a late first or early second for Pittman and Leonard based on what they did last year in the NFL as rookies.
WR Limas Sweed is a second-round possibility for the Rams and other teams, but there are genuine concerns about his wrist injury.

Clyde: Hello Jim and thanks for answering ?'s on the Rams. I am an Idaho Rams fan and don't have much interest in the Blues and Cards. I noticed in Gordo's chat today not near as many ?'s about Fakir Brown and a possible suspension. I hope it was all just rumors not just for the football implications but for him personnaly. Can you tell us anything on that situation? No draft questions today. That horse has been whipped to death.

Jim Thomas: Trust me on this one, the Brown speculation is more than just rumors. That's all I can say at this point.

Barry Gaston: Jim,

With all the talk about drafting an OT at #2, does that mean that Alex Baron is being thrown under the bus? Seem to me he did an adequate job at LT after Orlando went down last year.

Thanks,
Barry

Jim Thomas: Barron did do an adequate job at LT. Barron is athletic, he plays hurt. And has a prototypical OT build. The problem is, he could be much more than "adequate." The problem with Barron is that it's not clear how much he wants it. In other words, how much passion does he have to be one of the best in the game. If the Rams take Jake Long. . .I'm not sure there's much of a trade market for Barron _ I could be wrong. And the Rams certainly aren't going to cut him.

Chris: What chance is there that the Rams pick up Takeo Spikes to supplement the LB corps? If not, do they address this in the draft, and if so, what are the chances that the rookie will start and contribute in 2008? Who do you like in the draft for LB (assuming the Rams target the 3rd round or later)?

Jim Thomas: I think there are concerns about mounting age and recent injury problems with Spikes. If the Rams take a player like this _ as I mentioned in an earlier post on Wilson and Arrington _ the price would have to be right. I think Culberson will get an excellent chance to earn a starting job as things now stand. As for mid-round LB draft prospects, I really haven't gotten there yet in my pre-draft work.

Taylor (AB, Canada): I see a lot of people asking for a LB in the second round. Although Groves or Connor would be a nice asset to our defense, their need is not ahead of WR or CB. A guy that I would like at the LB is Cliff Avril. He is big, 6'3" 253lbs, and can play DE and OLB. He could give us size and speed at the OLB postion, believe he ran a 4.51, while giving a breather to the DE's in a 4-3 set. Could he make it to the 3rd round and would the Rams consider him, taking into account they already pressumably selected a DE and a WR or CB, leaving one of those two for another round.

Jim Thomas: I agree with you on CB or WR being a greater need in the second or third rounds than LB. I don't know much about Avril.

Brian: I've been to several Rams home games over the past several years and was wondering if the Rams organization have talked about replacing their current dome home with a much needed and appreciated outdoor stadium. If so let me be the first to petition for no PSLs please.

Jim Thomas: The dome stadium cost $300 million to build. I don't think it will be abandoned after 13 years of use.

Andy from Saint Louis: Hi Jeff,

Would you think this could happen? The Rams sign Takeo Spikes to beef up the linebacker core. Then trade our third or fourth round pick to the eagles for sheppard. Then trade down with Oakland for Micheal Huff and their first round pick and draft Goulston. It would be HUGE for the Rams defense if they did this.
Thanks!

Jim Thomas: Actually, this is Jim, not Jeff. I think a third_ or fourth-rounder for Sheppard would be a good move. I don't see the Rams as being in the market for a safety.

Picklefork: Jim, how much does the contract and the position of the player weigh in on the #2 overall pick? I know its been reported(if true)in the past that Zygmunt guided the Rams away from Troy Polamalu to Jimmy Kennedy in the draft based on the money and singing bonus being better used on a DT then a S.

So how much does that factor when you consider that if the Rams take Jake Long...he will get 28 to 30M in gurantees and nearly 60M in total contract to basically play Guard why everyone is healthy.

This is a player who hasnt played guard and your going to make him the Highest Paid Guard in the league before he even steps on the field.

Now you have used 3 1st round picks on Tackles as well.

Zygmunt still has the final say...I dont see him using that much cap space on a Guard.

Jim Thomas: Haven't heard that one before on Zygmunt and Polamalu and Kennedy. In general, I don't think it factors in very much. At offensive tackles, for example, their overall contracts seem to be just as lucrative as any other position outside of QB.

Dominic: Hi Jim!
If the Dolphins take Jake Long,which I think they will,does your gut tell you they jump on Chris Long or they trade down for more picks?
My thought is this,there really isnt a dominant player,but several good players,so why not trade our high number 1 or 2 for more picks to get three good players over 1 player.....your thoughts?After all,we need players and Chris Long is no Lawrence Taylor.
Again,thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

Jim Thomas: Under that scenario, I think they take Chris Long. There may not be a truly dominant player in this year's draft, but I think it's widely believed that there's a dropoff after the top six or seven players (the Longs, Dorsey, McFadden, Gholston, Ryan, and perhaps Sedrick Ellis). So if the Rams trade down, I don't think they want to go past the No. 6 or No. 7 overall pick.

Gabriel: What is the latest O.J and Steven long term deals and latest on lito.Plus I heard the rams are interested in Oakland's F.Washington do think that will happen and do you think he good enough player to trade for. Thanks J.T

Jim Thomas: Talked to Atogwe today in the hallways at Rams Park (the offseason program started today). He said nothing has happened contract-wise since with the Rams since he was tendered at the first-round level as a restricted free agent. He said he's not even going to worry about his contract status for a while. Have heard nothing new on Jackson, Sheppard. And have heard nothing on F. Washington.

David: Jim, How do you think that Saunders will use Brian Leonard in his offense? I think he has talent and would hate to see another high draft pick go to waste. You said that the light may have come on for Wroten, have you seen D. Byrd around also? When does the RAMS off-season program begin? Thanks alot for your time.

Jim Thomas: I think the early plan is to use Leonard like he was used last year. Part fullback, part third-down back, occasional RB. Talked to Leonard today, he's doing fine after injuries to both shoulders and is getting close to 100 percent. He said he plans on gaining only about 5 pounds _ to about 232. He wants to gain some weight and strength to do better at fullback, but doesn't want to gain so much weight that he loses his speed at LB. Leonard's blocking was really affected by the shoulder problems over the second half of the season, so I think the potential is there for him to be much-improved next season. We'll see.
Saw Byrd Tuesday at Rams Park, so he was present for the first day of the conditioning program. (Remember, he has a court date scheduled for early May _ bar fight _ so he's still not out of the woods legally.)
Talked to Wroten, he's been in St. Louis almost all of the offseason working out. He seems to realize this is basically a make-or-break year for him. We'll see what happens.

Steven Cooper: hey jim,

my question is about al saunders. Can you tell me if we will be expecting more passing or running. Plus, will we have any more trick plays under his watch (since we have 2 college QB's)

Jim Thomas: Saunders' track record has been to have more of a balance between the run and the past. So I would say more running. Don't know about the trick plays.

james: when you say that dorsey could jump to the top of the rams board are you implying by that that

a) carriker is unlikely to recover in time to play DT

b) the rams are serious about drafting BPA

or

c) the rams are going nuts

as i see it, the least need right now, on a bad team, is a DT....the rams just seem to need a pass rush and ill be disappointed if we dont have a DE, WR, CB and OT when round 4 finished

Jim Thomas: I'm saying that Dorsey is that good.

fahkir brown: I'm facing a year correct? and the chances aren't very good of my appeals?

If brown is out, does CB become a no. 2 priority behind DE? plus, do u really think that a penalty such as this one should apply, considering Pacman doesn't face much more of a suspension

Finally, if brown does lose a year, or any player, they are unpaid i believe, but is there terms in his contract that will allow us to cut him/future players?

Jim Thomas: Sounds like you're pretty tuned in Fakhir. By the way, how come we didn't see you at Rams Park Tuesday for the first day of the offseason conditioning program?

Ruben: Jim,
Thanks for taking my question. Can the Ram's take anyone other than a DL with their 1st pick if they pick 2nd? FA signings and majority of cap this off season has gone toward offense. They have to begin to focus on this historically poor defense at some point, don't they? I have to believe that unless some current defenders raise their level of play significantly this year, the first 2 of 3 picks have to be defensive contributors. What do you think?

Jim Thomas: If it were me making the pick, I would go DL, particularly DE.

Ryan: Jim,
If Scott Linehan is out after this year do you think Al Saunders has a shot at being the next HC?

Jim Thomas: Yes.

Jarrod: Hey Jim!
I love the addition of Al Saunders as OC. For the 1st time in a while it looks like the Rams are in transition on offense. They had trouble scoring last year. The O-Line is shaky. We need receivers. Possibly an FB. Do you think Al Saunders will be able to turn the offense around and have them scoring more with what we have?

Jim Thomas: Good health will help, and so will a No. 3 (or No. 2) receiver that can stretch defenses. But I think Saunders track record speaks for itself. I'm not saying this will suddenly turn into the Greatest Show on Turf II _ you still need the players _ but Saunders knows his stuff.

George Rath: From your NFL business knowledge, what is a good strongside linebacker worth? At say $2.7 mil per year for 2 years, is Chillar being overpaid by the Pack or should the Rams have anted up the money especially since they're not very deep at that position? Also, I saw Devin Thomas of Michigan State light up Penn State last year and be the game difference maker. At 6-2, 215, and a 4.4, what are your thoughts on him in the 2nd or 3rd round for the Rams?

Jim Thomas: Don't know enough about Thomas, but from your numbers he has the size and speed that Linehan likes.
I sense Chillar was hoping for more given the state of the market. But it's still a pretty good pay day. By our count at Rams Park, the Rams currently have only five LBs under contract (Pisa, Witherspoon, Draft, Culberson, McGarigle). You usually take seven LBs into the regular season. (Six at minimum.)

John: Jim,
I have been a devoted Rams fan since 1973. Even though I do not live close to St. Louis, I had the opportunity to see the Rams live at Edward Jones Dome last season. Although the Rams lost the game to the Panthers, I am impressed with the fan base. My questions: First, I am okay with Chris Long, Gholston, or Dorsey (if he is healthy) in the first round. I would rather the Rams not have Jake Long as our first pick, because we need to address the D-line needs first (my opinion). But, in the second round, if Curtis Lofton from Oklahoma is still available, wouldn't the Rams be sage to take him, as he has so much talent? What are your thoughts on Lofton? And, second, it is fun to speculate on the first round draft pick, but many important picks can be in the later ones, because the Rams need to ensure the future and the team's many weaknesses. Think Brady and Colston. Who do you think are potential undervalued talented players that the Rams may be able to take in those later rounds. Your answer is much appreciated.
John, San Antonio, TX

Jim Thomas: I appreciate these questions on the later round of the draft. And you are right about their importance in the overall building of the team. And as March goes into April, I'll be better able to answer them. But I'm just not at this point. Offseason coverage is a wide canvas, and there's a lot of ground to cover. Just in the past few days, for example, I've written stories on a possible change in training camp site, the start of the offseason conditioning program, pre-draft visits to Rams Park by top prospects, and some free agency moves. For Wednesday's paper, colleague Bill Coats and I will have a couple of stories on the first day of the offseason conditioning program at Rams Park. I will spend most of next week at the NFL owners meetings in Florida. It is only after that that I will be able to hunker down and really concentrate most of my time on the draft.

pdub: In your opinion, what's the likelihood that the Rams can or will trade down (no lower than #6) to add another top draft pick and/or established player?

Jim Thomas: I can't put a percentage on its likelihood or probability, but I think the Rams would at least like to have that option. So far, I sense that there have been few nibbles. But those kinds of trades _ to the top of the draft _ normally don't materialize until shortly before the draft.

Thomas Turniawan: Hey Jim;
So I was watching Total Access tonight, and once again they brought up the idea of teams trading up in the draft, specifically Dallas. According to the ever-so-scientific trade chart, the Cowboys offering us their two number 1's as well as number 2 would still not get them enough 'points' to merit us trading the number 2 overall. However, if the Cowboys did present an offer such as this, would the Rams take it? It sure does seem there are a lot of receivers and a couple of tackles in the 20's area of the 1st round that we could use. And then that would still leave us with 2 second rounders to fill the void at DE and CB.... well any combination of the 4 positions just mentioned would work. I would appreciate you insight!

Jim Thomas: I don't think the Rams would trade that far down in the round.

OG LA Rams Fan: First of all I would like to say thank you for having these discussions. My question is more of a comment. I really am not happy with the offseason moves thus far. At least on the player side of things, I believe the front office moves were all very strong. But what is going on with getting quality players? I am not a doom and gloom type, I think that the team will actually compete next year baring another injury plagued season. But I really believe we need to make a few more moves this offseason. Lets look at the rams history of drafting D lineman. We have tried for years and none have panned out. But it looks like we will try again this year with the 2nd pick overall. And please explain to me why we let go of Bruce and kept Bennett??? But the thing that really bothers me is why didn't we go after Deangelo Hall?? Why do we continue to waste our free agency going after washed up players or mediocre players? Example Coakley, Glover, James Hall, Bennett, Claiborne want more?? And why do rams players get better when they leave the rams? Pickett, Bly, This list is to long but it goes way back Bettis. There were many quality wide recievers that hit the free agent market and we might go after reche caldwell?? And I can't say its been a horrible offseason we got a kicker that we all know can kick clutch kicks, and I have always been a Trent Green fan. But when you are 3-13 a backup QB and a kicker aren't your biggest needs. So with all this being said I wonder what kind of quality we could get for the 2nd overall pick, lets hope we trade for a proven player. Lets not waste it on a jimmy kennedy, or a damiene lewis, or ryan picket, or whatever this years name may be.

Jim Thomas: See my earlier post. I think it was my first post of the day. I too, would've liked to have seen at least one more big or bigger move in free agency. Maybe the Rams still have a big trade left in them. We'll see.

eric jensen: hi jim,
so say the rams get a Long with their first pick...where do they go with their high 2nd rounder?

Jim Thomas: If it's Chris Long at No. 2, then it's got to be either WR, CB, or OT at No. 2.
If it's Jake Long at No. 2, then it's got to be either WR, DE, or CB.

bash-on: Just curious if you have an inkling of an idea who the other players are that the Rams will be bringing in prior to the draft? Specifically, are they brinbging in Jarrod Mayo, the linebacker out of Tennesee?

Thanks,
Bash-On Regardless

Jim Thomas: I'll try to find out before the visits.

Damon: Hey Jim! I am glad to hear that we got James Hall back for a cheaper contract. This move really enables the Rams to take the player they feel is the BPA at pick two. I believe this really opens to door for them to select Dorsey with the second pick if he proves to be healthy. We could move Carriker to DE on running downs and then bring in Hall as a pass rusher. Obviously Gholston and the Longs are still in the mix at two also, but this gives us the opportunity to take the guy highest on the board and avoid reaching. Who do you think is second on the list for them behind Chris Long?

Jim Thomas: I don't think re-singing Hall takes them out of the running for Chris Long or Gholston. With Hall, who's pretty good against the run, maybe the Rams would feel better about taking Gholston at No. 2 (since pass rushing, and not run defense is his strength), if Chris Long goes to Miami.
I don't know for sure that Chris Long is No. 1 on their list, although I do think the Rams _ at this point _ like him better than Gholston. So I'm not sure who's No. 2. But to me, it seems clear we're talking about a top four of (the two Longs, Dorsey and Gholston) at this point, with Sedrick Ellis and McFadden not far off the pace.

David: Jim, What do you think of moving Adam Carriker to the LDE spot, promoting Clifton Ryan to NT and drafting either Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis to man the DT spot? Adam is bigger and stronger than Chris Long, just about as fast and was at least as productive in college. Then maybe draft more of a rush end in the second round, like Lawrence Jackson?

Jim Thomas: With Little back, I think you've got to keep him at left DE. I think Carriker could play at lot of RDE, which he did over the second half of the season.

YoMurphy: Hi Jim,
I hope I am not the tenth person to ask about the James Hall resigning, but here goes:
Were you of the same opinion that dumping Hall a few weeks ago was one of the best offseason moves the Rams have made?
Can we really expect him to stay on the field when the only thing he has been known for in his career (Including his Detroit years) is showing enough promise to get held onto for one more year until he predictably gets injured again?
Is this re-signing a reflection on the health of Little?
I know others have asked how this affects our draft, but... does this make JAKE Long a more likely pick?

Jim Thomas: I certainly didn't think the Rams got much out of Hall last season, particularly for the price involved. ($3 million in '07).
And I certainly didn't have a problem with them releasing him. You are right about his recent injury history. (Although I think Hall deserves credit for missing only one game and staying on the field last season with a high ankle sprain that usually sidelines players for weeks.)
I'll have to see the money to see if this is truly a good thing. And if the Rams plan on having Little (coming off toe surgery) and Hall as their starting DEs in '08, I don't know how that improves a 3-13 team. But if Hall is the No. 3 DE, and the Rams add a Chris Long or a Vernon Gholston, and the money is right, then I think having Hall back in the fold is a good idea.

Gabriel to Snow: Jim, have you any insight into the Rams braintrusts desire to draft a safety in the mid to late rounds? I think a Steltz or a Zibikowski may fall far enough for a look. Or is it more likely that once they get to the mid rounds they actually do take the best available regardless of need. I'm not aware of Devaney's track record in that regard. Also, I like the Hall signing, been expecting it, how do you see it?

Jim Thomas: I don't think the Rams see safety as a huge or even moderate need this year.

Ryan: Hi Jim. You do a great job covering my Rams. Just curious as to how you became the Rams beat writer for the Post-Dispatch?

Jim Thomas: I've been with the Post-Dispatch since December 1975, when I started as a copy boy. I started doing some stringing (covering high school games for a flat fee), while finishing college. (Degree in political science from UMSL.) Next, I was hired on a trial basis in late '80, early '81 _ I forget exactly when _ to be the one full-time sportswriter at the St. Charles Post, a suburban edition published five days a week to augment the regular Post-Dispatch. I was transferred downtown in 1983 to cover high schools sports for the main sports department. Did that for a year or so. I covered the U. of Missouri (football and basketball) from 1985-91, then started covering the NFL at large and St. Louis' efforts to get an NFL expansion team. When the expansion effort collapsed, one of the editors in the sports department asked me about the possiblity of being one of the Cardinals baseball writers. This was early 1994. My reply was, let's see if anything develops on these rumors of the Rams possibly leaving LA. . .And here we are.

dmitri robinson: I was wondering do you know the terms of james hall new contract and what is the status of gleen dorsey getting picked by the rams?

Jim Thomas: Don't know the Hall numbers as of yet. But will get them. I think Dorsey's in the mix. How he does at his LSU workout will have a lot to say about where things go from here.

Rich: Jim do you see the Rams making a serious attempt to trade out of the number 2 slot?

Barring a blockbuster trade I don't see them doing it because the Rams absolutely have to come away with somebody that can not only start, but make a real impact from day one.

Thanks

Jim Thomas: Pls. see earlier posts.

Chad: JT

I think that the Rams need some help at WR. Do you think that it would be beneficial to use the pick in Rd. 2 on a WR and if so what about James Hardy out of Indiana.

Thanks

Chad

Jim Thomas: To my way of thinking, if the Rams take a DE in Round 1, WR is the way to go. On paper, Hardy makes a lot of sense. But I think there are some off-field issues that have the Rams concerned.

Matt: hey just a quick question

are the rams anywhere near making any possible trades

Jim Thomas: Not aware of any at this time. Then again, I'm never invited into the coach-management meetings.

John Collins: Jim, it seems to me that selecting Jake Long could solidify the Rams o-line for years to come. Calling Barron a bust may be an overstatement, but with a new contract due after next season, the team has to consider how much they want to spend to keep a solid underachiever. I believe Pace still has good years left, but it's not too early to be considering his eventual replacement. After spending heavily to make Bulger one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league, and supposedly working on a contract extension for Jackson, why hesitate to upgrade the o-line? Thanks for your time and for your good work.
John

Jim Thomas: Well, I think everything that you mentioned is being discussed and mulled over by the Rams, which is why I don't think Jake Long can be discounted as a possible draft pick at No. 2 overall.

Dochal: Jim,

I think that one of the key ways that both the running game and the pass protection can be beefed up is by having a true blocking fullback. I know that the Rams are trying to get Leonard to bulk up, but I'm not sure that will do. Any talk among the coaches of acquiring a veteran FB or drafting one (like Owen Schmitt)?

Jim Thomas: Have heard no talk about beefing up the FB position, but that doesn't mean it's not being considered.

mick: please dont tell me james hall is going to give the rams reason to take jake long...what do the rams think of adenyju...enough that he would be the run down DE with hall the pass down

OR

is this a move that opens up DT as the option, with carriker moving outside on run downs:
DE:Little/Adenyju
DT:Dorsey
DT:Ryan
DE:Carriker
then inside on pass:
DE:Little
DT:Dorsey
DT:Carriker
DE:Hall


OR

just a depth move

Jim Thomas: Don't know for sure, but my initial read is that it's simply a depth move. You need four DEs in the NFL, so now the Rams have Little, Adeyanju, Hall and. . . .draft pick?

Seventyfive: Jim, I read where Matt Birk of the Vikes has sold his house in Minny..........could he be a trade prospect?

Jim Thomas: Very interesting. Plus, he would qualify as a. . . .FOSL!!!!!

Victor: Hi Jim,

"Quality vs. Quantity". Do you think Rams are seriously thinking on trade down a dozen (or more) positions and get a lot of picks and/or proven players?

Jim Thomas: As I mentioned before, if the Rams trade down, I don't think they want to trade that far down.

Organic Meatbag: Jim,

Is Darrell Jackson on the Rams' radar at all? I know he has issues with dropped passes and questionable work ethic, but he has to be good for a 3rd or 4th receiver slot if we can get him at a bargain price. Maybe a change of scenery and a good offensive system under Al Saunders could breathe some new life into him....also, is there anybody coming up in the round of cuts in June that would be worth making a run at?

Jim Thomas: I don't think Darrell Jackson is on their radar particularly with Caldwell agreeing to terms today.
Don't really know who might be available in June, but the amount of June cap cuts seems to dwindle each year, and at least in recent years, it hasn't been much of a resource for adding players. But we'll see.

mr. starks: Any more info on this mystery trade you were talking about?

Jim Thomas: None that I'm at liberty to discuss.

ramfan njersey: with hall being back the door is open for my man dorsey to be taken i hope. what have you heard about the 6-7 reciever from indiana do the rams have interst also safety is weak will we really live with chauvous all year?

Jim Thomas: See earlier post on Indiana's Hardy.
I think the Rams are committed to at least one more year with Chavous.

Bill Fleming: Hey Jim

Where does Ron Bartell fit in the secondary? Safety? Corner? Is he a candidate to replace Brown? He seems to be somewhat lost in the shuffle.

Thanks again for this forum

Jim Thomas: Corner. And slot defender in the nickel. I think Haslett likes him. This is a big year for him. His contract's up after '08.

Norm: Jim,

If we select J Long how do you see the OL starting? We would have three tackles who must start...and Bell and Incognito at guard.

Jim Thomas: I get mixed opinions from those here at Rams Park about whether they think Long could play guard for a year or two. If Long could play guard, then you could possibly switch Incognito to center and have this kind of a lineup:
LT Pace
LG Bell
C Incognito
RG Long
RT Barron
With Setterstrom and Romberg among others in reserve

Dave: Great work Jim:
Does the signung of Hall mean less chance of the Rams taking a DE with their first draft pick. Maybe a DT ?
I think they have to upgrade their pass rush big time with the first pick considering the level of talent available with over all number 2 pick in this draft, do you agree ?
Thanks a lot for dealing with my panic attack at this signing.
Nervously Dave

Jim Thomas: See my earlier posts. Like you, I feel Hall's re-signing makes a lot more sense if it's for depth and not as the starter.

Brian: Jim,

Good afternoon, what direction do you think the Rams will go with the 2nd round pick? Do you think they will draft defense or maybe one of the first round WR's that may slip to the Rams in the 2nd, considering the Rams don't have the vertical threat that Suanders covets. James Hall was resigned, I don't want to look to much into that, but is it looking more like Jake Long in the 1st round. What do you think?

Have a nice day!
Brian

Jim Thomas: Pls. see earlier posts.

bfulton: There's been a lot of talk about how last year's Oline replacements weren't good enough. The Rams, however, has resigned three of them! For that matter, they've also re-signed two injury-disappointments on the D side. What has the team seen change about this personnel to make them good enough in '09?

Jim Thomas: Nice observations. For one, we'll see who's on the final 53. For another, almost all of these re-signs have been for the vets minimum _ that is _ for cap-friendly deals.

Brian from Las Vegas: Jim,
Even if Fakhir Brown is suspended, I do not think cornerback should be a high priority for the Rams. Having spent a first round pick (Hill), second round pick (Bartell) and third round pick (Wade)seems sufficient to me. Do you think Haslett and Linehan are on the hook to develop young players like these guys and allow the Rams to draft offensive lineman, wide receiver and defensive end with their early picks? By the way, if a good strong safety is available that allows the Rams to cut Chavous, then I would run to the podium with the draft card. I think Chavous is awful.

Jim Thomas: You can never have enough CBs. Wade may not be ready. And even if Hill, Bartell and Wade all are great, what happens if somebody gets injured.

DJ: Obviously the Ram's have needs. I don't think Caldwell fills any of them. How could we need a guy who couldn't make an impact 2 yrs. ago with Brady throwing to him? He drops to many passes. Do you think the Ram's will go with C Long? Offensive Line was terrible, but as far as immediate help goes we still have Pace and Barron. Maybe trade down pick up a pick and get pass rushers. This is a make or break year in the draft. If the Ram's don't get impact guys now, Bulger, Holt, Pace, and company become too old for 3 yrs from now. Are there any QB's the Rams looking at late? Another corner would be nice as well.

Jim Thomas: Caldwell is a minimum wage guy. If he makes the team, he counts less than $500K against the cap. So why not sign the guy and see what he's got in camp and the preseason? If you have to cut him, there are no cap implications.

Geoffrey: Maybe the third time's the chsrm. I haven't had any luck previously in getting my questions answered. If you had to handicap Macomb's chances in regaining Rams Camp status, what would the odds be? The Bears, Colts, and Titans all seemed like willing partners to do home-and-home TC visits each summer with the Rams in Macomb previously. I've always heard John Oswald (Rams VP operations) was a big proponent of Camp Macomb. What, if anything, do you think Macomb and WIU need to do to cinch the deal for 2008?

Jim Thomas: I get the feeling the Rams still would like to go to Wisconsin, where they would be in close proximity to the Chiefs and Packers. Indy never visited the Rams in Macomb. (The Rams always met them halfway in Champaign, Ill., something that was possible at the time because of Mike White's ties with the Illin.) Tennessee came only once and Chicago only once.
I don't think there's anything more that Macomb and WIU could do to get the Rams back short of building an indoor football facility to train indoors during inclement weather. Otherwise the people up there were fantastic, the facilities and logistics excellent.

Kenny H.: Jim,

Well, it looks like the team is ready for the Super Bowl, what with DE and LB now settled, right? HA! DE might be helped in the draft, but I don't like the LB situation. Turns out, Chillar could have been had for small change, and he should have. Too bad the Rams tied up so much money in #50, but he probably needs the dough for all those medical bills! We will see how smart this was in September, when Pisa has blown a knee and elbow, and the Rams are playing Draft and Culberson around 'Spoon. Sounds like a dangerous lineup to me! Are there any low-round LBs you like for this season? I've seen you mention the 3-4 as a necessity, due to the lack of d-line depth - but do the Rams have the LBs to run this? I don't think so! Thanks!

Jim Thomas: While you make some good points, I wouldn't call $2.7 million a year, with an additional $1 million possible in bonuses and escalators, small change. Culberson and Draft may be able to get the job done at LB, but you're right. The lack of LBs limits the Rams' flexibility and ability to run the 3-4.

Jeff Alexander: Hi Jim,

I have attended one day of Rams training camp every year since the rams have come to St. Louis. Is there anymore information on where they will be training this year? I live in the Kansas City area, and with gas prices the way they are this year, I don't think a trip to Wisconsin will help my savings.

Jim Thomas: Nothing new on training camp. Maybe you'll have to take the Amtrak to the Cheese League.

Jeremy (Denver): Jim,
Has anyone at Rams Park confirmed that Setterstrom will be given a chance to compete for the C position, or is it just speculation based on him grabbing a football to practice hiking a few weeks back?

Jim Thomas: It's not specualation. Straight from Linehan. By they way, I talked to Setterstrom today about playing center (it was the first day of the offseason conditioning program) and will have a story on it in Wednesday's P-D.

Todd W.: Hello again Jim,
What do you think Bulger thinks of Bennett as a #2 WR?
How excited is he about Saunders offense?
Thanks
Todd W.

Jim Thomas: Don't know what Bulger thinks of Bennett overall.
I do know Bulger is excited about having Saunders around.

Art: What is your impression of the Rams coaching staff? Is it better than last years? Better than the Super Bowl staffs?

Jim Thomas: I think it's better and more experienced than last year's staffs. Saunders and Shea are experienced proven coaches. I've heard good things from non-Rams sources about FOSLs Loney and Valero. But let's see what happens before were start comparing them to the Rams' past Super Bowl staffs.

Jersey Ram Fan: Hey Jim,

In the few articles the I have read, it seems coach Linehan is a changed man. He seems more open to new ideas. I know it's early, but is this my imagination? Or, am I witnessing a beginning of a radical change in the way the Ram's are going to do things? For example... The specialist's that coach Linehan is bringing in for training. I get the feeling that he is listening more to his players. Are my feeling correct? Or do you not see any real differences?

Jim Thomas: Yeah, I see some changes in Linehan, but I don't know about radical. The proof will still come once the regular season gets here. How will Linehan lead the team? How will he react to adversity? Will he handle losing better than he did last year?

Graham from England: Jim

Have sent a couple of questions over the last few weeks but you have have not been able to answer them, so here's hoping.

Does the resigning of James Hall mean that Ghoulston is probably not coming to us at #2. I still think they will go with either Long boys or try to trade down in the first round

Do you think that with the Draft and player cuts later in the year that the Rams will be able to at least fill the holes they have, or is that wishing for too much.

Why do we keep signing players to one year contracts. I understand the salary cap issues, but if a player signs for only one year and has a good season, he is going to want more money, something the Rams seem loathe to do with there own players i.e paying Bennett but not Curtis (which still baffles me !)

Here's hoping

Graham

Jim Thomas: I've had many questions about the re-signing of Hall so please see earlier posts.
It will take a hell of a draft to fill all the holes.
The one-year contracts are largely for minimum-wage players. The team gets a special cap break on these contracts _ they count less than $500K against the cap. They're usually for fringe players or players with something to prove. It just shows you that at this time of the year _ for the most part _ we're down to the bargain-basement phase of free agency.

bash-on: So, do the Rams conduct evaluation drills in training camp similar to those done at the Combine? Do they test their players for speed and agility in a continuing evaluation of their potential?

Bash-On Regardless

Jim Thomas: I wouldn't say it's necessarily combo like. But I'm sure the strength and conditioning staff and the athletic trainers keep records of weight-lifting, 40 times, etc.

Mike: Jim - When are the 2008 Compensatory draft picks awarded by the NFL? I know the formula for awarding compensatory picks is as closely guarded by the NFL as Bill "the Cheat" Belichick's video library, but in your opinion what's the likelihood that the Ram's recieve some additional picks?

Jim Thomas: Jay Zygmunt recently told Scott Linehan that the Rams were "even" under the compensatory pick formula, meaning they're not likely to get an comp picks. But the Rams thought the same thing last year, and ended up getting two compensatory picks at the end of the seventh round (DT Keith Jackson and WR Derek Stanley). The comp picks usually are awarded at the NFL owners meetings, which are scheduled for next week in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Patrick Simar: I'm a newcomer to this..........so have pity on me !!

Maybe I'm too much of an optimist but I feel a lot more excitement this year.......with the additional personnel added in Rams coaching, scouting, etc. I feel our draft class this year will be solid, and assuming the FA's signed work out, I feel a 10 game winning season.

Well, I said I was an optimist !!

Pat
Round Top, Texas

Jim Thomas: I'm neither optimist or pessimist. But 10-6 seems pretty optimistic.

James in San Jose: What do you make of the team's apparent interest in M. Pittman? At first look, it appears running back is one position the Rams are pretty well stocked at... Does this signal that perhaps Saunders is not all that impressed with A. Pittman or Leonard? I have heard that Leonard is working to add bulk to his frame again, where do they plan to play him, rb, fb, or H-back?

Or could this be a negotiating ploy regarding S. Jackson contract extension?

Jim Thomas: Rams aren't entirely sold on Antonio Pittman as the No. 2 RB. And there's a M. Pittman tie with RB coach Art Valero (who's from Tampa Bay). But if the Rams signed him, I think they'd like to wait until training camp, that way youngsters A. Pittman and Leonard could at least get a lot of reps in the OTAs and minicamps later this spring. But M. Pittman might not want to wait that long.

sid mull: Do you know if the rams have looked at the Qb Flacco at all I like his size and progression in college and think he can do well in the NFL

Jim Thomas: The Rams have looked at Flacco. I'm pretty sure they attended his Pro Day. If for some reason he slips to the middle rounds, which probably won't happen, he'd probably be somebody they'd draft.

george_allen: jim, thanks for providing this benefit to rams fans.

other than the obvious jackson and atogwe, is the rams fo looking/hoping to extend anyone else during 2008?
incognito, bartell specifically?

also, there was some buzz awhile back that detroit's wr roy williams was on the trade blocks for a draft pick - is there any chance this maybe an option for the rams or is this a closed case at this point because it would have been done by now / williams doesn't fit what saunders wants to do and needs?

Jim Thomas: Have heard nothing on possible extensions to Incognito and Bartell.
I think Detroit has been very firm about not wanting to trade Williams.

E. Dickerson: The Rams are 21st in a recent pole of all 32 teams, do you think that is about right?
Why can't they find a great, not good running back like myself?
It would be hard to coach all the babies in the league today.
Old school versus new school doesn't mesh very well.
Jim, I feel your pain in having to cover the Rams.
Have a great week!

Jim Thomas: I'd say 21st out of 32 sounds about right at this moment.
They have a very, very good RB in Steven Jackson.
As for covering the Rams, it's all relative. Less than a decade ago, I had the pleasure of covering one of the greatest offenses in NFL history. And besides, as my father used to say: It beats digging ditches.

Keith: With interest in rams football at an all time low, why would Linehan move training camp out of St. Louis? Also, a terrible start this season would Linehan be fired mid season. Its bad enough we have to put up with this guy another year.

Jim Thomas: Judging by the number of posts on this chat every week, I wouldn't say interest in the team was at an all-time low.
And to be honest, Rams fans hardly knocked down the doors at Rams Park to watch training camp practice the past three seasons in St. Louis.

Brian: Hi Jim,
Any idea on why did the Rams choose not to go after Justin Hartwig? The price seemed to be right.

Jim Thomas: Price was indeed modest, but I think there were some concerns about his injuries and his attitude.

Clyde: Do you think those ?'s/comments are really from Fakir?

Jim Thomas: What do you think?

Kiefer: I saw that Herm Edwards was saying that he thought the Rams were tampering with Josh Brown. Do you think this is true?

Jim Thomas: If we can believe Josh Brown, he said he had no knowledge of any Rams interest until Friday morning.

Dan: Hi Jim

Do you know if teams still use the "value chart" for draft picks? In other words, what is the 2nd pick worth if they were to trade down to say the 5th of 6th pick?

Thanks

Jim Thomas: Yeah, I believe most teams use them.

El Centro Ram Fan: Hi Jim,

What is the Rams view of Bartell long-term? I thought he did well last year in emergency duty. Do they not see him as viable as a starting CB if Brown is out? Or is there concern about Hill?

Thanks

Jim Thomas: Rams like Bartell, he has progressed noticeably from his rookie season. He has a chance to be a good player in this league.

Jeff in Iowa: Hey JT...thanks for the forum.

Wondering what the offseason conditioning consists of as far as if it's an ongoing thing or just a three day weekend?

Did you run into any of the injured guys from last year over the last couple of days and if so, how are they looking?

Jim Thomas: Check out today's story on Stltoday.com; it will give you some specifics. The program is 4 days a week, and it can run a maximum of 14 weeks. (I think the Rams' program lasts 13 weeks this year.) No contact is allowed in terms of hitting, one-on-one drills, etc. Work on weekends (Sat. and Sun.) is prohibited per league rule.
My colleague Bill Coats and I talked to lots of players today on the first day of the offseason program, and will have some updates on many of the injured guys tomorrow and the rest of this week.

That's all for this week. I've got to work on tomorrow's Post-Dispatch story. We'll see you sometime next week, though I'm not sure yet it will be on Tuesday because I'll be busy standing in the hallways at the NFL owners meetings in Fla.