D King: Since the D end from Clemson P Merling is dropping likely to the second round for his sports hernia and not being able to work out before the draft do you see in possibility of the Rams taking Dorsey in the !st ropund and Merling in the 2nd round it kills to birds in one draft with Little possibly being released this time next year. Also what of the rumor Dallas 2 1st round picks and Carpenter for the Rams first round pick that gives them 3 picks of the top 35 plus a last year 1st rounder who is young and talented. Thanks JT

Jim Thomas: Dorsey and Merling would be fine as long as the Rams are convinced Merling would be OK, but under that scenario what would the Rams do about their needs at WR, CB, and OT?

Also--The Dallas trade is still not enough to go all the way up to No. 2.

Jesse: Jim,
Do you really think that the Rams would pick Dorsey at the second spot. That would just improve DT not fill a need. In my opinion Carriker is better on the inside verses the outside. If you ask me Carriker would not be much of an upgrade over James Hall. With that being said it makes way more sense going with Long or Gohlston who cares. Even Jake Long makes more sense than Dorsey. What do you think?

Jim Thomas: Dorsey remains a strong possibility. Haslett really likes the guy and so does Devaney. But I would agree with you that DE fills a greater need; and as I wrote about in today's P-D (Fri., April 4), you can make a case for Jake Long as well.

Taylor from Alberta: I know your probably getting tired of the same questions, but I would like to talk about Dorsey. He needs to be the pick at number 2 if Chris Long is not there. Gholston maybe in the 4 spot or later, but at 2 it has to Dorsey. So let's say that is how it pans out, Dorsey at the 4 or 5 would be even better but not so likely, and we select the DT from LSU. Now he does not solve the outside rusher problem, but he does provide great penetration the middle and would make our DE's better. One other thing to take into account is Dorsey helps us this year and next year when Glover is gone I would assume and Wroten is possibly set walking. Now in round 2 I would love Groves, but there are other needs such as WR and CB. So let's say we take James Hardy at WR and pick the best CB on the board in the 3rd. Next get some help on the O-Line in the 4th at which ever position deems most value, a guy who plays guard and tackle would be nice. In the fifth I have my eyes on another reciever, Marcus Monk. He is coming off an injury riddled campaign and his stock has suffered. He ran in the low 4.4's at his pro-day and looked great in all the drills. He is approximately the same size as Hardy and would give us two huge WR's with 4.4 speed, to Linehan's liking. I am not very confident in Bennett at the moment and would like two WR's and even then hopefully one of these guys will turn out. Finally in the later rounds we take the BPA and fill out the roster. What do you think of Dorsey being the selection if Chris Long is gone and is it feasible that we get Hardy and Monk in the draft?

Jim Thomas: You make very good arguments. And there are some at Rams Park thinking your way on Dorsey. But they still have more than 3 weeks to come to a conclusion. They're not there yet.

Todd W.: Hi Jim,
Does Drew Bennett want to prove himself this year?
What is your thoughts on him, can he be a #2?

Jim Thomas: Sure, Bennett wants to prove himself this year. He seems to be a prideful player and his work ethic seems pretty good to me. I saw him there on the first day of the offseason program nearly 2 weeks ago, so he obviously wants to put the time in.
He was a No. 1 for a while at Tennessee, so I don't think there's any reason why he can't be a No. 2 in St. Louis. Obviously, he's got a lot to prove based on his first season in St. Louis.

dogman: JIM Why do you always go out of your way to trash Drew Bennett..He was hurt last year and once he was healthy they only threw to him a few times..Look at the film and you'll see he was wide open often..He is active in volunteer causes and works hard. Give the guy a break and hopefully you'll be pleasantly surprised if they decide to throw more this year.

Jim Thomas: Don't get where you coming from. I don't think I go "out of my way" to "trash" anyone. I just try to be honest to the readers. Bennett had a very disappointing 2007 season in St. Louis. He'll be the first to tell you that. And if he does well next year, I won't be surprised. He'll just be playing to the form he displayed at Tennessee.