Aaron: What is the possibility of us signing Henry at least through training camp?

Jim Thomas: Do you mean Chris Henry? If so, you've got to be kidding. Haven't the Rams had enough problems over the years with problem players?

Richard Spittlehouse: Hey Jim,

The more I hear Coach Linehan talk, the more I think we're looking at Jake Long in the Draft. If we do pick him up, I think he will play at RT and not RG. What do you think Alex Barron is worth on Draft day? Or do you think the recent O Line talk is just a smokescreen?

Also, have you heard any rumors with regard to potential LB pickups? We currently have far less on the roster than we normally carry & I can't see us taking two in the draft. What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Jim Thomas: No, I think the Rams are seriously considering taking Jake Long. Obviously, if the Rams were to trade Barron, they'd have to wait until draft day to make sure Long was available. I'm not sure what Barron gets in a trade. Maybe a third-rounder. Maybe Lito Sheppard. But would it be wise to trade Barron _ especially on draft day _ not knowing if Pace will be healthy or stay healthy?

Have not heard anything about potential LB pickups. There's not much out there in free agency. An aging, injury-plagued Takeo Spikes and Orlando Huff come to mind. The Rams could probably get Huff cheaply. Spike, I'm not so sure.

Brian from Vegas: Jim,
First of all, I wanted to thank you so much for doing these chats. I have been a Rams fan since the late 1960's and these chats are the best information sharing sessions I have ever encountered about the Rams.

My question is do you think the Rams organization understands that fans like me want to root for players that play with heart and pride? It makes me cringe to see some of the current Rams wear the uniform that Jack Youngblood, Merlin Olsen, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, Jack Reynolds, etc, etc wore with such pride. Using high picks on malcontents like Byrd, Wroten, Hargrove, Terrell, or on a player with such obvious emotional (steriod?) issues like Incognito is no way to build a foundation for the franchise or to create or keep fan loyalty. Does the front office understand this? Does character play a significant role in who the Rams draft?

Jim Thomas: I'm not sure the front office "understands" this any more than they did, five, 10, 12 years ago. But what they do understand _ crystal clear _ is that under Roger Goodell, players with off-the-field issues will be dealt with clearly and sternly. As a result, the Rams drafted significantly differently last year under Linehan _ no real risks _ than they did the previous year, which was Linehan's first draft. They took no Wrotens or Byrds last year. Most of those guys they take off the board now.

Bob: Jim,
I read this weekend that Chris Long has dropped weight to 267 lbs, since it appears many teams are viewing him as a linebacker rather than a DE. Is this how the Rams are viewing him? Obviously he can put weight back on, but does this take him out of the mix if we're looking for a DE? Thanks.
NJ Ram Fan

Jim Thomas: The Rams are viewing him as a DE, in their 4-3. Of course, he occasionally will drop back in zone coverage on zone blitzes. I don't think the weight is a concern for St. Louis. I believe his normaly playing weight is about 275, so he wouldn't have to gain much back.

Mike - Colorado Springs: What's up with the throwback uniform denial by the NFL? What ridiculous protocols this organiztion has. How much time do they need? What preparations do they need to make? It's clothing. I'm sure the Rams' seamstress can make all the necessary arrangements. All the NFL has to do is ... well, nothing. These guys must really dislike this organization. Do you think they would have denied the respective teams for the passing of Halas, Rooney, or Mara? A******s.

Jim Thomas: As Bernie pointed out on the radio yesterday, it's pretty ridiculous. If it were normal circumstances, fine. The league needs the lead time for marketing, licensing, etc. And they have such a long period for lead time because they don't want teams wearing a throwback uniform on a whim. But these were special circumstances. Georgia was in the hospital battling breat cancer for 5 1/2 months. What was she supposed to do _ die more quickly, so the Rams would be within the guidelines? I would think the league should make an exception in this instance.