Rammer: Hey JT, long time reader, 1st time sender

About Billy Bajema, is he just another depth guy or is he a highly regarded blocking TE? I had high hopes about Becht but those were quickly crushed.
Also, on Barron, I read that he only allowed 3.5 sacks in 2007 as LOT. Sounds like a good number, but how many pressures and hurries were caused by him? I like Barron as a run blocker, but a pass blocker scares me.
Thanks!

Jim Thomas: Sorry for the delay in getting started. Was just visiting with Coach Spagnuolo about the "closed" status of this weekend's minicamp. I don't want to get into the details of the conversation, but I'll just say this: the next two minicamps will be open to the media.
As for Bajema, the Rams obviously believe he'll be a good blocking tight end and an upgrade over Anthony Becht. We'll see. A part of me wonders why the 49ers _ who are going to more of a smash mouth offense under Singletary _ would let him go if he's such a good blocker.
As for Barron, I have no idea how many pressures or QB hits he allowed at LT in '07. But you make a good point. The sack total alone isn't the end-all, be-all indicator of a blocker's effectiveness.

Luzinski: With Dante Hall gone, Derek Stanley injured, Avery and Burton as #1 and #2 wideouts, Looker unsigned -- who would handle returns for the Rams if it was today? Will this spot be handled perhaps via the draft? Don't see any FA wideouts that are return threats out there.

Jim Thomas: Good question. Right now, with the current group, I'd still say Stanley although his injury status is uncertain at this point.

Hotz529: I like that the new braintruss is building from the lines out. In other words you make yourself strong at the point it is most critical to be strong at. I wouldlike to suggest a modification of this principal.
"We need to be strongest in the center. " This is a universal principal. It is found throughout nature. Because it is expressed everywhere; it is also found in sport. For example a pitcher is positioed in the center of the field. He's the most important person on the field (the one most likely to determine the outcome). Another example of the importance of the CENTER is in football the Quarterback is in the center of the offensive formation. On the offensive line in football the guy in the center of the line is the argueably the most important guy on the line. The heart is in the center.
The middle linebacker is in the center of the defensive formation.
For years I have been frusterated by the rams missing this. (Example drafting Ty Hill instead of Broaderick Bunkley),
Anyway the current guys seem to grasp this. THE CENTER. Not only from a position point of view; but add a philosophical point of view. Example; four pillars.
To conclude; I'm glad they are building from the lines out. When both teams are on the field the lines are in the center. Don't forget MLB.
And thank you.
Hotz529

Jim Thomas: What you're advocating sounds like a gridiron version of the baseball axiom of strength of the middle. In the NFL, however, speed is such an important part of the game that you better be strong all over. Because the top offenses can also run around you; not just over you.

raleighram: Jim,

After signing Billy Bajema, we have 5 TE on the roster. Kind of alot...how many and who do you think will make the roster?

Have you heard anything about Claude Wroten? Do you think Spags will try and straigten him out or give him the boot?

Jim Thomas: Five isn't really a lot for a training camp roster of 80 players. At the end of the day, the Rams will keep three or four. And the four leading candidates for a final roster spot obviously are McMichael, Klopfenstien, Bajema, and Fells.
As for Wroten haven't heard anything. I don't think his suspension is up until May.

ernie from central california: Jim,

I still think that the Rams should TRADE DOWN in order to BUILD UP. I would trade the number 2 pick for Philly's #21, #28 and #53 (second round). Combine this with the rams own second rounder (35) and IF YOU DRAFT RIGHT, this would be your 4 starters. Philly has 12 picks and they would do the deal since they are closer to the big show than the Rams are. (SF built their 80's dynasty this way) IF you decided the RAMS fate, would you go with this deal?

Jim Thomas: No. 2 overall is VERY valuable real estate. If one of the Eagles' first rounders was higher in the round, I'd say yeah. But I still don't think a 21 and 28, (even with a 53) is high enough. The Eagles would have to be awfully desperate for one of the top two OTs (J. Smith or Monroe) to move up that high.

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.

Rich: Good morning Jim,

Wide receiver is yet another glaring hole in the Rams offense. However, the question is what kind of WR would the Rams be looking for?

Are they looking for a speedster who can also handle the return duties, a starter opposite Avery, or a couple of depth guys?

Thanks for these chats.

Jim Thomas: I think it's pretty obvious they need another starter. As for what type of WR Spagnuolo and/or Shurmur likes, I don't really know.

azpete: Hi Jim,

Thank you for answering the many questions we ask. You indicated last week that the Rams have shown an interest in drafting Tom Brandstater QB of Fresno State. A poster at Rams Talk indicates they have scouted 6 QB's including Brandstater. Another fan posted a link of a scouting report on Nate Davis, and I started really liking Davis. He has a strong arm and is mobile. He can buy time with his feet and is good at throwing on the run. He is rated 4th or 5th by 5 different rating sources that I have been following, but his stock has been dropping lately because his times at the Combine weren't good and there are rumors that his Wunderlich score was low. After all of that, here are my questions.

1. To your knowledge have the Rams met with him as one fan has indicated?
2. Do you think there is any chance that the Rams could draft him?
3. I wrote to one of the raters, and he said he believes Davis is a better QB than Brandstater. With Davis' draft prospects dropping, isn't it possible that they could get him at about the same place in the draft as Brandstater?

Jim Thomas: 1.) Don't know. But between the combine, the senior bowl, the campus pro days, the private workouts, and the upcoming visits to Rams Park, the Rams will have talked with a few hundred draft prospects.
2.) Don't know.
3.) Don't know.

Rob: I think the top 6 OT will be gone when we pick in the second round, Smith, Monroe, Smith, Oher, Britton and Beatty. If we take Curry do you think the Rams would be happy with Loadholt or Meredith? Do you think any of them could come in and start at RT
If not, do you think the rams could take that 3rd or 4th pick move up into the 20s and grab Britton? Very smart, character guy, team leader and very good prospect that should be an instant starter at RT. I know we have holes but we need starters, wouldn´t 2 starters in Curry and a RT be worth it?
Thx

Jim Thomas: Once you get to Loadholt and Meredith, I don't think you can count on them in being instant starters.

Andy: How would you compare the tops tackles in this draft to past players? Do they rate like a future Orlando Pace or Jonathan Ogden? Or do they compare more to a second tier type tackle. Someone who will be a starter for years but never a Pro Bowl type player. I would hate for the Rams to lose a lot of value with the second pick just to fill a need.

Jim Thomas: Yeah, but what if the alternative is having a very good _ but maybe not great OT _ as compared to not having two bona fide NFL tackles on your roster?

Jared from SC: Hey Jim, it seems more realistic for the Rams to deal for another pick in the 2nd round, than trading down in the 1st. Do you think the FO would make a move like that to get the 3 needs (OT, LB, WR), with potential for 3 impact players?

Jim Thomas: Sure, I think they're always willing to make moves. But it takes two to make a move.

matt sesti: i have a question about our defense if we dont adderess our middle linbacker need will they at least get a beast at nose tackle to help in the run defense this year. thanks for taking my question.

Jim Thomas: I don't know if there's a beast out there at NT once you get by Raji. Brace? But I agree, you sure hope they bring in fresh blood _ and someone who can contribute right away at either NT or MLB.

Gary S.: The Rams had a hard time covering third receivers last year. I think someone like Mike Mickens - CB, Cincinnati, would be a very good pick-up to add depth at the corner position in the 3rd round. Do you think the Rams will select a CB on the first day?

Jim Thomas: It's very possible. I know the Rams do have interest in CBs Mickens and Darius Butler.

S. Monkey: Hi JT, thanks again for your chats.

If we decide to select Curry with our first pick, will we effectively pigeon hole ourselves to talking an offensive tackle with our second round pick? I ask as Ron Brace and Evander Hood could both potentially be available at the top of the second round. With only two offensive tackles on the roster, is there a chance we could draft two in the first four rounds?

Thanks always.

Jim Thomas: I do think the Rams need to add two tackles. They could draft two OTs _ maybe one early, one late. Remember Fred Miller was a fifth rounder. Ryan Tucker a fourth rounder. They both had very good careers.

cbensinger: I'm a little puzzled. I seem to recall hearing an interview with Billy Devaney on Bernie's show during the "coaching" search and I thought he made it fairly clear that among the things he was looking for in a coach was somebody who would "embrace" the community for lack of a better word. I've chalked up things so far as things being busy due to free agency, draft preparations, and so on. But upon reading this morning that the mini camp is being closed for all but 20 minutes - I can't really see the logic there what with the attendance issues and such the last few years. Any insight as to why they're choosing this tact?

Jim Thomas: I certainly get your point, because I too remember Devaney making such statements back in early January. As I mentioned at the start of today's chat, I spoke with Spagnuolo for a few minutes about this topic. But I'll just leave that between me and him. But again, the second and third minicamps will be open.

Colton: Hey Jim, Do you see us going after another pass-rusher in the draft? If so, is it going to be between rounds 3-7 or do you think we might go after one on the first day? I know that Spags like pass-rushers but we are a bit thin on good pass-rushing specialists. Do you think our offense next season will be semi-successful even without top notch recievers. It think the Offense will be alright because S-Jax should be able to tear it up with an already improved o-line and a new full back. Philly's offense has been fine with a mediocre recieving core.

Thanks,
Colton

Jim Thomas: See my earlier post on d-line help. I mentioned a couple of DE's that I know the Rams are interested in.
As for WR help, the Rams currently don't have anything even resembling a mediocre Philly receiving core. They need a couple of more reliable players, otherwise teams will just crowd the box and force the Rams to throw the football.

OT RamFan: Hopefully the Rams do well enough next year and won't be drafting above #10, an 8-8 season could do that. Who is the player, regardless of position, that they can't wait on because they don't fall to #10 in a normal year? Past drafts would indicate linebackers are more available than starting tackles, but is Curry so much better than the normal 1st rounder that they have to grab him? This draft is so full of tackles, seems like they could get Curry, trade up for a tackle(whatever it takes) add a few project receivers in the late rounds...and be happy until next years draft. It's not going to happen in one year anyway. Going into the 2010 draft looking for D-line and receivers doesn't sound too bad, after all, we are stuck with Bulger for awhile, would be nice to see him recover on our watch.

Jim Thomas: I'm not sure I fully understand your question. But even with what looks like some good work in free agency, I don't think it's realistic to think the Rams can fill all their remaining needs in one draft. They have high to moderate needs at OT, WR, MLB, DT, backup RB, CB. As for tackles, it's not as deep of a draft at the top as it was last year. The Rams may be forced to trade up into the late first round to get an OT capable of starting at a rookie.

Petey123: Jim, with a struggling fan base, do you think it was a bad decision by Spags to shut the media out of most of the upcoming mini-camps? Also, have you heard how season ticket sales are going so far? Thank You.

Jim Thomas: If nothing else, we in the sporting media are a window to the fans. If we can't provide information from watching an open minicamp, ultimately it is the fans that suffer. Obviously, Spags will be judged on wins and losses. But I think good media relations help lead to good fan relations. Look at the hockey Blues for a good example. And you're right, the team does need to move some tickets. (The only thing I've heard for sure on ticket sales so far is that about twice as many PSLs are up for sale this year by fans than is usually the case. But overall it's not a high number _ something like 4 percent instead of 2 percent.)

Tackleberry: Fans will be eager to see improvement on both sides of the ball this season, but as many have stated it is basically the same team on the defensive side, plus Butler. Do you think that Spagnuolo alone will be able to instantly make some players play smarter, if not better?

Also, why has each coaching regime seemed to resist bringing in a wide-body veteran tackle?

Jim Thomas: Some of the young veterans have to blossom: Atogwe, Bartell, Carriker, Long, etc. Look at Arizona. It took a while for players like Dansby, Dockett, Hayes, Wilson, etc. to gell.
As for the wide-body at DT, the Rams would've saved themselves a lot of aggravation had they just kept Ryan Pickett.

h2o_jd55: Thanks for the chats JT. This may be a silly question but have you heard if the "teen squad" WRs will change thier uniform numbers this year? The Rams have 6 WR on the roster and only one has a number in the 80's (Chad Lucas).

Jim Thomas: I'll check on this. If nothing else, I'll see what they're wearing at this weekend's minicamp _ at least the 20 minutes we're allowed to watch.

NYCRamsFan: Hi Jim,

I know people keep talking about whether the Rams would trade the #2 pick to get more first round picks to grab more of the draft talent. But I was wondering whether there are any veteran receivers that the Rams might be considering trading for (though obviously not with their first round pick) and whether the team ever floats the idea of moving some of the players currently on the roster to grab an experienced receiver.

Jim Thomas: I do not know personally if the club is seeking a veteran receiver, but it would make all the sense in the world to at least kick the tires on Boldin and Braylon Edwards.

Jim S.: Hi Jim-as always, thanks for these chats! Kinda cool to see all the buzz over a 2-14 team. Let's make it the last 2-14 team in Rams history!! My question is about Aaron Curry. He's the generally acknowledged BPA in this year's draft, but do you think he would have been the BPA in recent drafts, say going back 2-3 years? Is he really that good, or is it just good timing? And how does he compare to the 49'ers Patrick Willis, who i was really hoping would fall to the Rams 2 years ago. Thanks and keep up the good work!

Jim Thomas: Time will tell on Curry. But I think it's probably a little bit of both when you ask: "Is he really that good, or is it just good timing."

STLandMIZZOU: Are the Rams looking at adding any veteran wide receivers or will they be content letting the young guys get the bulk of playing time?

Jim Thomas: Depending on what happens in the draft, the Rams could re-visit Dane Looker. And I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a post-draft run at either Toomer or Hilliard.

Ian: If the Rams take an OT with the #2 pick, what is the most pressing need to address in the second round? WR or DT?

Which position is deeper? What are some DTs and WRs on the Rams radar screen?

Jim Thomas: It could be WR, DT, CB, or LB. I've mentioned some of the possibile DTs on the Rams radar. As for WR, I know they are interested in Crabtree, Maclin, Brandon Tate, Hakeem Nicks, and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Dave From Ohio: Mr. Thomas,

I was wondering if you know how many years Bajema signed for? Also are the Rams going to get a receiver, or do they plan on going into the draft with Avery, Burton and Stanley as there top receivers? As always thanks for taking the time for the chat.

Jim Thomas: I think I mentioned in my newspaper article today that Bajema signed a 3-year deal.
I haven't heard of any free-agent movement at WR.

Bryan: I think the team will be much like the Giants on "D" and Eagles on "O". I imagine SJackson is salvating in the BWestbrook role (bigger, stronger, faster). Strahan's last year was huge, LLittle must see his opportunities growing with this "D". My questions are:
1. Is you take the same in regards to the "D" and "O"?
2. Do we have the players right now to imitate the "D" and "O"? If not who do we need now?

Jim Thomas: 1.) I think that's the general plan, but as Spags mentioned at the NFL owners meetings, the Rams are mixing in some stuff from Carolina (via Flajole) and even Minnesota (via 2 defensive assistants _ Ferraro and Daly _ who came to St. Louis from the Viking.)
2.) Not entirely. The Rams need more LBs, and a better pass rush on the d-line to make the defense go. They need another receiver or two and another tackle at minimum on offense, plus some running back depth.

paceram: Jim,

If Matthew Stafford really impresses the Lions today do you think the Lions would start negotiating with him (and, any other players like Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe and Aaron Curry) in the very near future? And, please tell me there is a good chance the Rams will select Curry with their top pick!
Thanks for your time, information and opinions!

Jim Thomas: From what I read and hear, the Lions do plan to start negotiating early.
Curry obviously is a possibility. But so are J. Smith and Monroe.

jimroy12521: Will Tye Law be 100% healthy and how much of a factor was his injuries last year?

Jim Thomas: I'm assuming you mean Tye Hill. His injuries were a factor, but not really at the start of the season. It looked like he just lost some confidence.

elderamfan: With all the talk about needing depth at cornerback, why haven't I heard the names of Fakhir Brown and Ricky Manning Jr. as solutions to that problem? It's a remote possibility, but if the Rams were to trade their 1st Rnd. #2 pick for Anquan Boldin, what are the money comparisons? Would it take much more to sign Boldin than the draft's #2 pick? If they were to draft Crabtree, I'd rather have a proven stud wide receiver than a potential one. In your opinion, would it be a difficult transition for Curry to play middle linebacker?

Jim Thomas: The fact that Brown nearly was suspended for a year for violating the NFL's subtance abuse policy might have something to do with it _ plus, he didn't play as well as normal last season. As for Manning, I think the Rams' first choice at nickel back is Craft.
Boldin has two years left on his existing contract. He's due to make $2.75 million this year, and $3 million in 2010. I think it's a safe bet to assume he would want a new contract as part of any trade (like the Rams did with Marshall Faulk.) For comparison's sake, Chris Long's cap number is $3.63 million in '09 and $4.36 million in '10 (although an escalator could raise the 2010 figure considerably.)

playmaker: JT,

Do the Rams have any interest in Mizzou DT Evander "Ziggy" Hood with their 2nd round pick if he is available? And if so, what is the level of that interest (Very High, High, Medium, ETC....) I believe Hood is the quick, penetrating DT the Rams have needed for years.

Jim Thomas: Yes. And I would say, "high."

Fearsome: Hi Jim -

I understand this is a hypothetical question, but I'll ask anyways. IF the Rams did indeed move, because of stadium issues or whatever...isn't it true that the team would lose all logos,colors,records, etc and essentially become an "expansion" team in a new city? I could swear I read something about this after the Browns/Ravens issue in the past, that the NFL would no longer make any exceptions. And considering the NFL's known dislike for STL, I would certainly see no exception.

If in fact this is true, this would be DEVASTATING - the Rams would basically become extinct like the Houston Oilers. Please tell me that wouldn't be the case.

Jim Thomas: I don't think that's the case. I believe the Titans were called the Oilers for a couple of seasons, before they decided on their own to change the nickname and colors. And then when Houston got an expansion franchise a few years later, it became the Texans and not the Oilers. All of this happened after the Cleveland Browns-Baltimore Ravens move.

STLRams1: JT, what is the plan for MLB if a tackle is drafted first?? Do the Rams backtrack and put 'Spoon back at MLB? Chris Draft can't possibly be the starting MLB for us next year...can he?

Thanks

Jim Thomas: Chris Draft is the fallback plan at MLB. I'm not saying he's a long-term answer, but he did start the last four games their last season and played pretty well.

playmaker: JT,

I get it. The Rams offensive line has sucked for the better part of this decade. And I understand the Rams need at OT. But I just can not understand why they would target one with the #2 overall pick. After all, they are going to a power running game. And if you look atthe best running teams over the past few years, you will see that most of them do not feature one first round pick on their starting O-Line (Giants, Chargers, Titans). So why not take your difference maker with the #2 pick, Aaron Curry, to be the sheriff of the defense, and then target a OT that is a mauler in the run game and adequate in pass blocking with their 2nd or 3rd round pick?

Jim Thomas: True, but how many of those non-first rounders started as rookies? The Rams need someone at OT that can start Day 1, unless Jacob Bell looks like Dan Dierdorf from Day 1 in minicamp at RT.

Encino: (1) Assuming Detroit does not trade down, what is your best guess as to whom the Lions will draft with #1?

(2) Many Rams fans, including myself, are operating under the assumption that if the Rams draft Curry with #2, then, in the second round, there will still be one or more quality OTs available. Do you think this is a valid assumption?

Jim Thomas: 1.) I'm thinking Stafford or an OT (J. Smith or Monroe)
2.) That's debatable. Beatty might still be there. But as I mentioned before there's not as much quality at the high end of the draft at OT as there was last year.

playmaker: JT,

Nick Wagoner, Gordo, Bernie, and yourself have done a great job covering the Rams this offseason. But there are a couple of players Rams fans have not heard a lot about this offseason. Could you give us an update on the futures of Joe Klopfenstein, Brian Leonard, and Pisa Tinoisamoa with this franchise? Are they locks to be on the 2009 regular season roster? Do they even fit into the system the Rams are going to run? Etc..

Jim Thomas: We'll find out. They're still on the roster. And there's a minicamp this weekend.

Mike Hamil: I was wanting to know how big of a chance is it that the Rams will move thier practice facility to the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsvill campus and when is that decision going to be made?

Jim Thomas: I thought there could be an announcement sometime this week. But maybe not. It was my understanding that it was going to be either SIU-E or Lindenwood. But I don't know that for 100 percent sure, otherwise what I wrote today would've been stronger. With so much other stuff going on, this has not been a storyline that I've spent a lot of time on.

Ruben: Jim,
Thanks for taking my question. I just read that first mini-camp would be closed to the media, except for 1st 20 min. Can you interpret why this would be done? The Rams are in dire need of exciting the fans to come back to the Dome. The Rams first mini-camp is probably going to be more of an evaluation, then revelation. Does our coaching staff believe the media would be a distraction, due to 2nd guessing of personnel positioning? Can't figure out why they wouldn't want some positive publicity to go with positive personnel acquistions over the FA period...

Jim Thomas: You make all the sense in the world Ruben. For now, I'll just stand by my earlier comments on the subject posted earlier.

Yur Mom: Hi Jim,

Since you are a reporter with close ties to the Rams, I was just wondering if you have seen any changes at Rams Park from a media relations stand point? Specifically:

1. Are you being treating the same with the new regime? (More/Less access, etc)
2. Do the people that you deal with that were with the Rams before the changes share the same level of excitement about the Rams direction as the fans do?
3. Any behind the scenes changes that have surprised you?
4. Does having football people in town and an ownership with a drive to succeed help you in your job as a Rams reporter?

Thanks for your time, Jim.

YM

Jim Thomas: 1.) So far, less access.
2.) Most are pretty excited.
3.) A couple, but I'm not going to go into detail.
4.) To some degree.

Lawarence Marmie: I see that Orlando of the United Football League has hired Jim Haslett to be their new head coach- is the league's motto going to be "We're bringing the boring back"?

And secondly, do you think that league will be around long enough for lovie smith to get a job there when the Bears finally come to grips with reality and fire him?

Jim Thomas: I don't think Haslett's Saints were very boring when they played the Rams.
Lovie did a terrible job bringing the Bears to their first Super Bowl in 20 years.

Scott Simmons: Jim, Have you any buzz about the Rams possibly being interested in Sean Smith the CB from Utah? I would like him in the 2nd round if we go OT in round 1!!

Jim Thomas: Have not heard his name come up.

tearle: Hi Jim,
Do you think that we should see big improvement in Chris Long's play this year or do you think he is another year or two away from being a force at DE? There is no doubt that he has the motor, has he learned enough technique and has he gained enough strength to make a difference? I think his progress is very key to this Rams defense improving.Thanks.

Jim Thomas: No doubt an improved Long is a key to an improved Rams defense. Who knows what will happen with him this year, but in general, players often make a noticeable jump in play during their second year in the league.

kikosanchez: Who do you see the Rams getting to backup Jackson? Would they draft someone in the later rounds?

Jim Thomas: As I mentioned last week, I'll be honest, I don't have a read on this one.

Stumped Mitchell: Jimbo,

Crabtree=Fitzgerald. Rams=awful. Why don't we take the best playmaker?

Everone know the bird is the word

Jim Thomas: At this point do we have any idea how Crabtree's foot is? No. To me, that's the concern.

eric: How close are the Rams to signing TE Bajema?

Jim Thomas: As we reported on-line yesterday, and in the paper today, Bajema has signed.

Tshow: Jim,
The Rams seamed determined to look toward the future and not in the past. Have the "old" pictures from the "golry days" of the Rams been removed from Rams Park? This is the NEW regime, full steam ahead.

How do you feel about Spags closing mini-camp to the media?

Thanks

Jim Thomas: The pictures are still up in the media room, but the walls are bare in the team auditorium.
As you might imagine, I'm not happy about the minicamp being closed. You can learn a lot about a team by watching them practice.

s868957: When do you see the Ram's making secondary depth moves. I would like to see them improve 2nd/3rd stringers that are supposed to be the special teams guys.

Jim Thomas: Well, they're making them now. Like the Goldberg and Bajema signings.

Steve: Thanks Jim for this weekly chat. I learn more here than anywhere else concerning the Rams.

I know we have many needs for this team, however...I can still recall that when London Fletcher left, 'every' so-called expert made the statement that middle linebacker was an easy position to fill. If you recall...before London, teams ran all over us. After London...teams ran all over us. While London was here...we stopped the run. WE NEED A GOOD, SOLID, RUN_STUFFING MLB. One that defends sideline to sideline. To me that a pressing need. You start with defense...that;s what wins you championships. I'm not sure which LB to take Curry or the MLB from USC.
I just feel that this front office will do the right thing.

Your thoughts?

Steve

Jim Thomas: Keep in mind in considering Maualuga _ Fletcher plays well enough in coverage to be an every down linebacker. NFL scouts aren't sure if Maualuga does.

phila ram man: Hello J.T. Do you know if our defense will look more like the giants defensive scheme or the panthers. Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Obviously, it's a work in progress, but all signs indicate that it will be more Giants-like than Panthers-like.

Donsods: Jim,
Are Shaun McDonald or Dane Looker on the Rams radar screen for depth at WR?

Jim Thomas: Depending upon what happens in the draft, I think the Rams may revisit Looker after the draft.

se5sti: do you think its pretty much a lock that they will go with ethier smith out of baylor or curry out of wake with their first overall pick this year and how do you see the rams adderessing their wr. needs by draft or a free agent vet or by trade

Jim Thomas: I would at least add Monroe to your list of potential second overall picks.

Just Dreaming: Hello Jim,

You think any way that we pick up Curry\Smith at the #2 spot in the draft and then trade up to get Maclin\Crabtree? Any possible way or just day dreaming?

Jim Thomas: Well, it seems like a pipe dream, because Maclin and Crabtree still could both be top 10 picks. But what a great scenario that would be if somehow it could take place.

jlallgier1: If we resign Craft do you think DB would still be a need?

Jim Thomas: Obviously, it lessens the need somewhat, but Craft would play nickelback. And if the Rams stand point otherwise, either Hill, Justin King or Jonathan Wade would be starting at the other corner opposite Bartell.

bfulton: Coach Spagnuolo keeps saying he needs to see his players in pads before he make up his mind about what the team has in terms of talent. Should we expect another wave of cuts after the first mini-camp?

Jim Thomas: There may be a couple of cuts, but since anything even close to full contact is prohibited in minicamp, there probably won't be a lot.

se5sti: i have a question about curry out of wake ive heard that he can play inside in a 4-3 def. then i heard he is just a outside guy could u please put this to rest for me and if he can play inside he is the guy i want rams to take clearly. thanks jim

Jim Thomas: He actually played strongside with obviously is an OLB but unusual because most top-rated LBs coming out of college either play the weakside or the middle. But Billy Devaney thinks he could play any of the three LB positions.

jlallgier1: Will you post a mock draft? If no why and if yes when?

Jim Thomas: We usually don't post our mock until the morning of the draft. The picks for all the other teams are made by writers in cities who cover those teams. I make the Rams pick.

ramsfan24: Jim,
How do you think Billy Devaney is doing so far? Do you think he will pull this team together?

Jim Thomas: I think he's off to a very good start. And he's had to make some tough decisions (like cutting Pace and Holt). But as he'll be the first to admit, he and the rest of the front office and coaching staff still have a lot of work to do.

rams1579: Jim,

what about jonathon wade for kr/pr duties? he's got the speed, doesn't start...seems to makes sense to me

Jim Thomas: Last season, Wade worked regularly in practice returning punts and kicks. And if you're ever at the dome early during the pregame warmups, he catches some passes with the receivers. He is very fast.

Wyoramsfan: How do you pronounce Billy Bajema's last name?

Jim Thomas: I'm told it's BADGE-uh-MUH

Derek Stanley: do i have any potential at all?

Jim Thomas: Yes. Get healthy.

Trey: isnt Brandom Williams on our practice squad?
or, what WRs are on the practice squad?

Jim Thomas: There's no practice squad during the offseason. Just an offseason roster that can number up to 80 players. Brandon Williams is not under contract. The WRs currently on the roster: Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Derek Stanley, Joel Filani, Travis Brown, Nate Jones, Chad Lucas. Teams usually take 10 or more receivers into camp.

Don Schaeffer: What is your outlook on the upcoming season. Do you feel more confident that the Rams will win going into this season, compared to the previous seasons.

Don
Vincennes

Jim Thomas: I like most of the moves the team has made so far, but there's still a lot of offseason left. The picture may be only half-painted because the draft isn't here yet.

newyorkram!: Hey King Jim,

I asked Gordo the same question yesterday, but I'd like your opinion too.

In your opinion, what are the odds that Alex Barron is the Rams starting LOT on opening day in September?

Thanks for your time Stud.

Jim Thomas: Right now, I'd go no better than 50-50.

Keith: We do truly need a MLB. From what I hear the Rams were high on Bart Scott. If they would have released Pace or Holt prior to that, then they would have had enough $ to sign Scott. We could then go OT in 1st round & WR or DT in 2nd. We would then have a solid D for the 1st time in years. I could have seen us around the 8-8 mark.

Jim Thomas: I think the Rams felt Scott was wired for the Jets (staying with Rex Ryan) from the outside. They did like him, though.

Mel Kiper, Jr.: Help me out Jim! What are the chances (%) of the Rams drafting these players at #2?

1) Monroe
2) Smith
3) Curry
4) Crabtree
5) Raji
6) Maclin

Jim Thomas: All right, just for fun:
1.) Monroe 25 %
2.) J. Smith 24 %
3.) Curry 23%
4.) Maclin 11%
5.) Crabtree 9%
6.) Raji 8%

And with that, I'm out of here until next week.