timmeno: The rams schould look to trade down for 2-1rd and 2nd or 3rd pk? We need to rebuild this team,and their are still a few players that need to be cleared of cap space. Draft-Johnson. They also need to resign OJ-and Barron. Remenber he was drafted to play OLT when Pace was gone and now is the time. Bell played well at ORT when he was with the Titians and will remind many of a young Tucker who played at our superbowl run. What we now need are young backup lineman. One we had before, C.Terrell and another if we trade down for 2-1rd'ers? Britton from az. As for qb? Yes wee need to look down the road. I think that a Boller,not playing under Balt and under the watchfull eye of Ray Ray! The so called fans will find out that Kyle will turn into something special. The only way we schould use the #2 pk is in drafting Mark out of USC! The STL cant remember the cards when the played with Jim Hart and co? The LA Rams won 10nfc west crowns,but lost 9 playoff games,and one superbowl! My heart fell through all of them. Marc will be fine,he just needs to become a leader,they will follow him if he does!
#21 Jim Laurinaitis MLB Ohio ST
#28 Eben Britton OT Arizona
#35 Brian Robisiki WR Ohio ST
#53 Ron Brace DT BC
#67 Jarron Gilbert DE SJ ST
4th rd Javon Ringer RB Mich ST
5th rd Tom Brandstater Qb Fresno St
#67 |
| Jim Thomas: You've obviously put a lot of thought into this, but it doesn't look like a trade-down will happen at No. 2 overall. |
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dominic: Hey Jim:
1)Im convinced we wont trade out number 1 and will select Jason Smith or Monroe,which one is rated higher by the Rams?
2)However,I expect us to trade our 2nd pick for moe picks because we need players.Is that something you would consider because after tackle,Id like a dt,lb and running back and we can get greater value after trading our 2,thoughts?
3)And do you know your draft day schedule with espn101.1 that saturday and sunday on draft weekend? Guaranteed Ill be listening all day....yes!
Thanx Jim...... |
Jim Thomas: 1.) Don't know. But the Rams have yet to determine their final grades.
2.) An interesting thought, because obviously it will be easier to trade a high second than a high first.
3.) The general plan, at least for Day 1 is that I will be on shortly before and shortly after each Rams pick. |
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Oliver: Hey Jim,
I have a few questions regarding the OT situation at the Rams.
1. How good are J.Smith and E.Monroe compared to Jake Long last year in your opinion?
2. How much better are J.Smith and E.Monroe than possible 2nd and 3rd round OT prospectives such as William Beatty?
3. Why is J.Smith considered better than E.Monroe? It seems like more bench presses doesn't directly translate into production. I remember J.Smith was considered the 3rd best a while ago....
4. What are the upsides of William Beatty?
thanks |
Jim Thomas: 1.) I think the general consensus is that J. Long was a better prospect coming out.
2.) Some view Beatty as an underachiever; some view him as having a big upside. Some scouts I talk to say the Rams would be better off taking Curry at No. 2 overall, and hoping that Britton (not likely), Beatty or Loadholt is available in Round 2.
3.) Good question. The only area in terms of workout and measurables where Smith was clearly ahead of Monroe is the bench press. But tackles with long arms often don't bench all that great. Smith is considered a better run blocker and a more aggressive run blocker than Monroe. Smith also comes across as much more glib and confident as compared to Monroe, who comes across as more passive than Smith. But this buzz could be little more than a media creation out of the combine because Smith was a much better interview. But Orlando Pace seemed almost shy in interviews, and we all see what a player he turned out to be. One other possibility: Monroe had a kneecap problem early in his college career, but it doesn't seem to be viewed as anything that's a big problem. |
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Dave In St. Peters: Jim,
I know its hard with the money involved for the rams to move out of the number 2 spot. Lets say that we find it possible to move into the 7-10 range...do you think we would still be looking to move down further for premium picks (first two rounds) in this years or next years draft? I think its easier to move down the 2nd time than the first time....if possible just how far would we be willing to move? |
| Jim Thomas: The problem isn't the Rams' willingness to move down; it's finding a trading partner willing to move up to No. 2. I don't think the Rams have decided yet how far they're willing to trade down. |
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| OT RamFan: I suspect the Rams closed their practice to the media so negative articles could not be written concerning player performance, thus diminishing that players trade value. Being a fan, I don't like that deal, if I own the team, it makes sense...only this time! After all, that was the staffs first opportunity to assess players in real time. Carriker is the player who comes immediately to mind in this scenario, seems like they would be evaluating he and Ryan intensely. For such a high draft choice and such a critical position, is surprises me I can't find anyone, anywhere on any site who is passionate about keeping him...or for that matter trading him. Do you think the observation about practice is correct and what's up with Carriker? Seems like he might be a valuable player in a 3-4. What would his trade value be? |
Jim Thomas: Unless a player was grossly out of shape, I think it would be hard to write anything negative out of an April minicamp, where the players are running around in shorts, T-shirts, and helmets. I think the minicamp was closed because Spagnuolo simply knew he could close it. By league rules, the so-called "mandatory" minicamp must be open to the media. But this was a "voluntary" minicamp. Spagnuolo is a micro-manager and this is the way Coughlin did it in New York and Reid did it in Philly _ his two previous NFL stops.
As for Carriker, I don't know what his trade value is. But I don't think the Rams are in any hurry to trade him, particularly with only one other DT on the roster in Ryan. |
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Buzz: Jim,
Like many others, I am sceptical about the current linebacker alignment. I think we could live with Draft in the middle, except I think Pisa is too small to hold up on the strong side. Suppose we draft a MLB who is able to start at some point in the season. In your opinion, does Draft then supplant Pisa as starter on the strong side? I figure by then, Pisa will have filled the wrong hole enough times to be in the doghouse with his coaches, anyway. Is there any way I'm wrong about this? Thanks. |
| Jim Thomas: Say the Rams' draft Curry. They could have Draft compete with Pisa for the other outside job. And for one season anyone, what would be wrong with having four starter-quality LBs in Witherspoon, Curry, Tinoisamoa, and Draft. |
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| tonyde: Thanks for the chat Jim. Do you think if the Rams draft an OT at #2 there's any way they trade Barron? I just dont think having two finesse OT's fits into what they are talking about on offense. I've seen enough of Barron at RT to conclude he has neither the will nor the power to run block. To me he's a one year player, because I dont know how you can give him the big contract it will likely take to sign him in 09. Thanks |
| Jim Thomas: Interesting question because Monroe might be viewed as more of a finesse, pass blocking type. But I don't think the Rams can afford to trade Barron unless it's for another tackle, simply because their numbers are so low at that position. |
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| donsods: Jim--Last year, Devaney was new and had both Linehan & Ziggy around. This year he is fully the GM and has Spags as HC. Do you see a difference in approach? Do you see better results? |
| Jim Thomas: So far _ and I underline so far _ the chemistry seems to be great between Devaney, Spags, and Demoff. And it looks like unlike past years, Devaney will have the biggest say in the draft _ as opposed to the head coach. More credence will be put in what the scouts say. |
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R @ / / !: Hey JT
1. Have you heard more about dealing #2 for 2 first rounders? if yes were the Broncos involved?
2. Do know whether the Rams have intrest in a veteran WR Amani Toomer?
3. Are they trying to negotiate with Atogwe still or has it stopped for the time bieng?
4. Is it possible the Rams to draft a RB as early as in rounds 2-4 if most pressing needs are filled?
Thanks for your time JT! |
Jim Thomas: 1.) Have not heard anything here.
2.) I'm told, no.
3.) I think it's on hold for a while.
4.) That's the big question. Trouble is there are a lot of pressing needs _ OT, WR, DT, LB, even CB. Where do you take an RB? |
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| GreatestShowOnTurf99: Shouldn't the Rams consider going for Curry with their 2nd pick and then going with an OT in round 2 like Beatty? There's more of a drop off of talent with the LB corps than there is with the Offensive Tackles |
| Jim Thomas: If you read my newspaper story for Wednesday on Monroe and J. Smith, you'll probably feel even more strongly that Curry is the way to go. |
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NotMyHome: Jim,
The closer we get to the draft, the more evident it becomes to me that the Rams have to choose the best OT available with their #1 pick. As you've reminded us a number of times, with only one real OT on the roster, and none of us have been thrilled with him, it's a matter of necessity. Bulger, Jackson, and the young receivers simply must have more help from the OL in order to succeed. They didn't get much of that last year, and that was with Orlando. Of course there are other needs as well, but this one seems to be glaring. Who wouldn't love to see Curry on the Rams, but another Orlando for the next 10 years can't be overlooked. Agree or disagree? |
| Jim Thomas: We'll you hit on the crux of what the Rams must decide assuming they don't trade down from No. 2 overall. |
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DennisHarrah: Hey, JT:
YOU'VE intimated, over the past year or two, that Barron (even with all his athleticism & talent) isn't really viewed by management (past or present) as a future piece to the puzzle ... despite Billy D's smoke screen statement that 'now, the main pieces are in place with Alex, Steven and Marc.' [R-i-g-h-t]. Even up until you're last report with Bernie Monday, you've stated that you feel tackle will be the Rams' first choice at #2. Long set up. But, here it is. In your opinion, what will the Rams do with Monroe/Smith? Play the new guy at RT to start with, and work him into LT later & let Barron walk next year? Throw him into the fire at LT and move Barron back to RT? Try and trade Barron during the draft in hopes of getting a #3 in '09? Keep him purely for depth? Personally, I'd like Barron to stay and work through this & get a big contract. But, no matter how you try and force him into the wide-screen view, I can't help but think the front office has got a you-know-what for him. So, how do you see both tackle positions (and depth) eventually playing out, Jimmy? |
| Jim Thomas: The main problem with Barron isn't his talent, it's his immaturity. We'll see how the new staff feels about him after the 10th false start, or he shrugs off being late for a 10:30 a.m. meeting. What else is Billy supposed to say about Barron? Right now, he has no other options at the position. But Barron is a pretty good pass blocker. I still feel there are only 3 logical options for the Rams if they stay at No. 2 overall: Monroe, Smith or Curry. I think it makes a lot of sense to play the new guy at right tackle for a year. It's been done before with rookie OTs. |
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| larry: does richi igcongnito smoke cigarettes? |
| Jim Thomas: Don't know about cigs; I know he has a sweet tooth and has been known to bring in Reese's Pieces to the o-line meeting room. |
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Andy: Hey Jim,
What do you think of pat white iin the third round? Why don't we draft crabtree him and avery with jackson and a qb next year(Bradford) we would be unstoppable.
Thanks |
| Jim Thomas: And who would do the blocking? |
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| vanvaley1: How will the recession/depression affect game attendance? |
| Jim Thomas: I've been told the number of PSLs up for sale is up to 4% of total PSLs as opposed to the usual 2%. |
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Steve B.: Jim:
Do you know if the Rams have any interest in James Laurinaitis as a MLB?
Some mocks have him falling to a high second round pick, but I didn't see his name on the list of those invites for visits. |
| Jim Thomas: I don't now if they have any interest. But keep in mind, I'm missing 9 names on the draft list, so he could be on the list. I would think the Rams would have to consider him if he was available in the second round. |
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| larry: are the rams and billy D aware of WR william franklin being released by kansas city? did they like him coming out of college last year? how much higher was burton on their draft board than Franklin? and the main question, will the rams take a look at him since we obviously need WR help. |
| Jim Thomas: I don't think the Rams were that high on Franklin coming out of college. |
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| Dan Lum: The Rams suffer many serious injuries, especialy on the O line. Who is their strength and conditioning coach this year and how does he plan to address the issue this season? Was he brought in with the Spagnuolo regime? |
| Jim Thomas: The head strength and conditioning coach is Rock Gullickson, who was fired by the Packers in a surprise move _ he's a former NFL strength and conditioning coach of the year. Gullickson is old school. He's a big proponent of free weights. The weight room looks a like different; less like a Bally's more like a place Conan would hang out. |
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TD51: Another FA question, regarding RB's, wouldn't a solid role player like Deuce M or Dominic Rhodes provide a great breather for S Jax? Any thoughts on if the Rams have an eye on a RB in FA (beside filling the FB role w/ Karney).
Also, any status updates on our own FAs: particularly Victor Adeyanju but also Incognito, Craft or F Brown?
Thanks! |
Jim Thomas: RB remains the big question mark. I thought one of the most interesting things about the list of draft visits to Rams Park is that not one was a running back. (Although I do know of a few that the Rams have shown more than a passing interest in, and will write about them in a few days for the draft series.) If the Rams go FA at backup RB, I think they wait until after the draft.
We'll know soon on Adeyanju and Incognito: the deadline is Friday for RFAs to get outside offers. The Rams are still hoping to sign Craft. Everything I'm told around here tells me Fakhir Brown is not in the mix. |
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| mike barttelbort: On defense I say the Rams lack two linebackers,one defensive end to groom behind Little and a defensive tackle, the corners would be better if we could someday get a pass rush-which if we were watching the same games the last few seasons-could only come from the blitz-your thoughts |
| Jim Thomas: It's a long wish list; I think you'd have to add a starting quality LB and a CB to the mix. |
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| mike barttelbort: How does a team like the Rams inform other teams that they want to trade out of the second pick--do they email all other teams? call?-what is the process? |
| Jim Thomas: Phone |
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Bald_81: Hey Jim,
Real simple here. Just give a percentage, in your opinion, the chances that the following players (that totals 100%) have of becoming a Ram. I have five names for you:
Smith, Curry, Monroe, Crabtree, Sanchez.
Take care. |
| Jim Thomas: OK, I'll play along. Monroe 30; J. Smith 30; Curry 25; Crabtree 9; Sanchez 5. |
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| Mike: Hey Jim. Thanks for taking my question & taking the time to keep us Rams fans informed. I was wondering. If Detroit decides to pass on the first pick due to $$, & the Rams get the #1 overall selection. Who dod you think the Rams will select? Thanks |
| Jim Thomas: I still think it comes down to Monroe, J. Smith or Curry. |
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Rich: Greetings Jim,
Do you see the Rams making a real effort to find the QB of the future in this draft?
Obviously they won't take Stafford or Sanchez, but if Josh Freeman is there at the top of the second round, do you see them taking him?
Thanks again for these chats. |
| Jim Thomas: Good question. I think Devaney plans on taking a qb. But given all the other needs, it's hard to see the Rams spending a first (Sanchez) or a second (Freeman) on a QB. |
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| George M.: Hi, Jim. No draft prospect is perfect - they all have parts of their game where they stand out, and parts where they are just average. For offensive tackle, I'm hoping that they get a great run blocker who can be average on pass protection, since Spags wants to be a power running team. I get the impression that most teams are looking for the great pass protector with average run blocking skills. Are the Rams putting their emphasis on a run blocker, and if so, does that make it easier for them to wait until the top of round two to draft him? Does any offensive tackle stand out as a run blocker? Thanks. |
| Jim Thomas: If the Rams wait till round 2, I think both Arizona's Eben Britton (if he's still there) or OU's Phil Loadholt (who should be there) could be effective run blockers at RT. |
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John G.: Hey Jim,
I can't help but wonder why Chris Perez isn't up yet for the Cards. He has been lights out so far in AAA and is ten times better than Franklin or Motte in the 9th. Any inside info? |
| Jim Thomas: Talking baseball is expressly prohibited on this chat. |
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| D-H O.G.: Big Jim, What are the chances of the salary cap being removed after next season? How will this affect this years and future St. Louis Rams drafts? |
| Jim Thomas: Some league executives think '10 will be cap-less. It might make it more difficult for smaller-market, less profitable teams to sign high picks. They might be more interested in trading down, and trading down at discount terms. |
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| ramboy81: hey 'jim do you think the rams will take jeremy maclin ,with the 2 pick...... |
| Jim Thomas: The Rams like Maclin a lot, but I don't think they will take him at No. 2 overall. |
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Ed C: Hi Jim,
You said on a couple of occasions don't rule out B.J. Raji. I for one favor drafting Raji with #2 pick, assuming no major undisclosed problems with the guy. And with #35, draft a guy who can play RT (Beatty or Loadholdt) - lets find out how Barron does with the new staff. I base this on the fact that according to many reporters he was the most dominant player at any position in the Senior Bowl.
So a few questions for you; isn't it true that the majority of players that dominate at the Senior Bowl end up as good if not great NFL players? Didn't USC's Ellis (dominated last year's Senior Bowl) outperform Dorsey (didn't participate in the Senior Bowl) who was rated higher? In your opinion was Raji the best player at the Senior Bowl? Does the fact that they are not bringing him for a pre-draft visit rule out the above scenario (picking #2 they don't have to fool too many teams). Thanks for taking the questions. |
| Jim Thomas: From what I could tell and was told, I do think Raji was dominant at the Senior Bowl. |
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| Clayton Brown: If Josh Freeman, Hakeem Nicks, and James Laurinaitis are still available in the second round who do the Rams pick? |
| Jim Thomas: I reserve the right to change my mind between now and the draft, but right now I take Hakeem Nicks. |
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| Mike: I recently read the article titled "What's a draft pick worth?" and noticed that the #2 pick would qualify the Rams for the #6 and #10 pick. If the Rams were given this opportunity, I would jump all over that. You would get 2 starters out of that. I am assuming this wouldn't occur in the same draft since the team they would trade with would not have 2 picks in the top 10. I guess we would get their first round pick next year and if points are still not enough, throw in another 2nd or 3rd to make it work? What are your thoughts and am i right using this approach? If so, would you jump at this if you were the Rams? |
Jim Thomas: I didn't do the chart, but actually the math was wrong on it. A No. 6 and No. 10 pick adds up to 2,900 points; or 300 more than the point value for No. 2 (2,600). Actually a No. 6 and a No. 16 would add up to 2,600 points.
With that I have to go. I know the chat is a little bit shorter today, but I've got to get back in the draft bunker. Talk to you next Tuesday. |
