Eric Dickerson: Is it true that you think the Rams final draft decision is down to the two Longs? I think it is a huge mistake to pass on Dorsey.

Jim Thomas: Dorsey is still very much in the picture. It's my sense that most of the scouts think he's the best player in the draft (if healthy).

Eric Dickerson: If the Rams trade Barron what do you think they could get for him in return? 3rd or 4th round pick?

Jim Thomas: I think that's the ballpark we're talking about.

Chip: Since rookie wide recievers almost never develop in their first year, is our strong emphasis on the position in the draft mean we are rebuilding or revamping? I mean, say we coulda had a NFL ready WR DJ Hackett from the Hawks no less) for dirt cheap, if the man stays healthy (we took a chance on wobbly Drew Bennett) we'd have our #2 aleardy and wouldn't 'need' to draft one. I mean, we only have so many picks and it seems like we need one of just about everything? I mean was there just zero WR's the Rams were interested in during FA? We have like 5 or 6 must have positions filled and 7 picks...yikes...

Jim Thomas: The Rams need a No. 3 WR as much as anything. Plus, who knows how long Holt has left with his knee issues and advancing age? Yes, there's a learning curve for WRs. But don't you think there's a learning curve for just about any position not taken in the first round? (Particularly that high in the first round.)
Hackett played in six games last season. His injuries are what caused the team to shy away, not his talent. I would've liked to have seen the Rams make a run at Bernard Berrian, as costly as it would've been. There were some off-field concerns about Stallworth.
Linehan would like at least a speed threat at WR that opposing defenses had to respect. Otherwise, you run the risk of teams just loading the box to stuff Steven Jackson and the run.

Dominic: Hi Jim:
On this chat and listening to you on the radio,you have serious doubts on whether D.Byrd will be here during training camp.Do you feel like the Rams are trying to trade him during draft weekend like they did Brandon Manu?
After listening to Howard Balzer on sunday,I get the feeling he likes Vernon Golston over Glen Dorsey because of medical concerns,who do you prefer?
Thanx again and see you next week!

Jim Thomas: On Byrd, don't be surprised if that's the case.
I think Dorsey's a better prospect, providing there's no serious health concerns. And on that subject (Dorsey's leg injury), opinions are all over the map.

Gabriel to Snow: Don't get me wrong, I am starting to think Linehan may have as much as a 50/50 chance of keeping his job based on a significant improvement in 08. But many of us die hards attempt to peer far into the future & imagine myriad scenarios. Should there be a coaching overhaul, I assume Saunders & Haslett would be considered if their respective departments perform well. Failing that, most fans would desire a proven coach. Assuming Cowher is beyond reach in our market, Schottenheimer & Billick are left. Personally, I think Billick makes sense. I know this isn't even an issue yet, but it's the offseason, & at least I'm not adding to the dearth of redundant draft questions. So, if you are kind enough to play along, it's the 2009 offseason, Rams are searching for a coach, how would YOU like to see the process unfold? Thanks Jim

Jim Thomas: It's April 8!!!! I'm not even going to go there.