emty: while everyone debates the rams first pick the real intrigue is with their round 2 & 3 picks. the rams are taking a tackle with their first pick & that's all there is to it. fans need to get over it.
i saw a mock draft that says the rams take wr harvin with pick #2 & some olb i never heard of with 3rd round pick. yeah, a 3 round mock draft, can you believe it?
my question for you, jim, is who would you take in round 2 if harvin & ilb laurenitis are still avaiable or would you fill another need?

Jim Thomas: I think there's a greater need for WR.

James in San Jose: Jim,

Did you get a chance to see Jacob Bell during the minicamp? I was curious whether he looked heavier or more muscular compared to last year. In my opinion, it doesn't matter where he plays, he needs to get bigger and stronger at the point of attack to help justify that huge contract he signed.

Jim Thomas: Practices were closed to the media except for that 20-minute window on Thursday afternoon, so I did not get a good look at Bell.

Dave: Hey Mr Thomas,
Thanks for doing these questions. I've got just a couple of questions.

1) Now that Kyle Boller has been signed does that mean we wont draft a QB this year and pick up other needs?
2)Any possible trades that the rams could get into on draft day? Possibly Braylon Edwards or maybe trade our pick and another pick for the broncos 2 first rounders?
3) Any more free agent signing on the horizon? Before or after the draft?
Thanks Dave

Jim Thomas: 1.) Boller only signed a one-year contract (there was some confusion early whether it was a one_ or two-year deal). So I would say, yes, a QB still is a possibility in the draft.
2.) As Devaney mentioned at the end of the minicamp, the Rams are willing to listen to any and all offers about trading down from the No. 1 spot. It does look like the Rams want to stockpile some picks this year. Don't know if they're interested in Edwards.
3.) Although most of the moves could be made after the draft, I think it's still possible for the Rams to add depth at DT, LB, and WR via free agency. For example, it's possible free agent Dane Looker could be re-signed after the draft.

BDH: Thanks for your excellent work, Jim.
I like Boller's signing, partly because his youth and past expectations of his potential will encourage the staff to see how much they can coach out of him, relieving the urgency to draft a development QB this year. It makes me suspect the Ram's draft picks will fall something like this by round:

1-OT: Smith or Monroe
2-WR: best available big over-the-middle type playmaker
3-Best available DT or ILB
4-Best available CB, RB, or position left unfilled in round 3
5 and beyond-Best available in remaining positions above or a DE

Does this come close to your read of the situation?

Jim Thomas: Looks like a pretty good plan to me.

Dejan: Hi Jim,

I understand that Rams are very much sold on OT as 2nd overall pick and I support that choice but what I want to ask you is this: Wich player will bring the most for Rams regardless of position or our need? Wich player will bring up teams performance the most, who will be the biggest upgrade out of J Smith, Monroe, Curry, Crabtree, Maclin or maybe Stafford and Sanchez?

Thanks for the answers BIG salute from Serbia!
Vlade Divac RULES!

Jim Thomas: If you pose the question that way, I would have to say a Michael Crabtree _ IF _ his foot was healthy.

And a BIG salute to you, Dejan, from Earth City.