Big Lou: Hi Jim, thanks for the chat. Any word on free agents the Rams may be interested in? Would the Rams be willing to bring back Torry or Orlando if they don't find a home elsewhere in free agency? Finally, are the Rams interested in any "dark horses" at #2? Thanks

Jim Thomas: They're just about done with free agency. Still working on Frerotte; I don't know what's holding that up. I think they want to re-sign Craft as well. I think it's possible they may wait until after the draft to bring any other FAs in. No way on Torry and Orlando coming back. That ship has sailed.
As for "darkhorses" at No. 2 overall, I can't believe the Rams would seriously consider taking Sanchez there _ despite the Devaney-Sanchez meeting at the owenrs' meetings last week. I would also say: don't sleep on B.J. Raji, the DT from BC.

ncdc: Hey Jim,

So, the Rams sign TE Billy Bajema, giving the Rams four (4) TE's, one or two of which can play H-back. Additionally, the Rams signed FB Mike Carney. What happens now to Brian Leonard and what's his trade value?

Jim Thomas: I wouldn't say Leonard has much of a trade value at all. Not after missing 14 games last season with shoulder problems. He'll complete for a roster spot as a backup RB/FB/special teamer.

Fresno Ram Fan: Hey Jim,

Any news on the Rams acquiring a DT from the Giants? What are your thoughts about all these comments and suggestions that the Rams take Stafford or go after Cutler? I think their crazy and personally think Bulger will play alot better with our power running game spags will bring in. Thanx again for everything. Go Rams!!!

Jim Thomas: Haven't heard anything on Giants DTs. Given all the money the Rams have invested in Bulger, the Rams would have to think Stafford was the second coming to take him at No. 2 overall. Personally, Cutler does nothing for me. He throws a lot of INTs, has a losing record overall as a starter, hasn't even taken his team to a playoff, and his tantrum over the trade talk shows very little in the way of leadership skills. How then, is this an improvement over Bulger?

4thandJuan: Jim,

Any word on how much the Rams have left in their salary cap? After all signings, they still need a few million in cap space to sign guys during the season, right?

Jim Thomas: I haven't gotten an exact figure lately, but they'll certainly have enough money to sign their rookies, put together a practice squad, and sign a few veterans to replace injured players over the course of the season.

Rich: Good morning Jim,

Where do you see the Rams start addressing the D-line in this draft?

A lot of the discussion regarding the Rams draft has focused on finding a LT and MLB. However, the argument can be made finding a run-stopping DT is just as high a priority.

Case in point, where would the Giants defense been the past two seasons without a guy like Justin Tuck.

Thanks for these chats.

Jim Thomas: I know the club has interest in DE/OLB Larry English (Northern Illinois); DT Ziggy Hood (Missouri), DE/DT Tyson Jackson (LSU), DT Peria Jerry (Mississippi), DE Lawrence Sidbury (Richmond). All of those players project as being taken somewhere between the mid to late first round through Round 3. I don't think the 2 DTs in the group, Hood and Jerry, really projects as a run stuffer.