Joel A Carroll: Two Questions: When the Rams are evaluating a player, how important is work ethic and character to them? It seems to me, this is a draft where the Rams can't afford to take chances on great athletes who "might" get their act together "someday"?

Secondly, would the Rams even be considering Jake Long as the number 2, if Alex Barron wasn't so inconsistent and Orlando Pace wasn't coming off a major injury for the second year in a row?

Jim Thomas: 1.) Ever since Roger Goodell's get-tough policy on personal conduct issues, the Rams have strayed away from character risks. Look no farther than Linehan's '07 draft _ and compare it to his '06 Rams draft (Byrd, Wroten).

2.) I would say, no, they wouldn't be looking at Long had the circumstances with Pace and Barron been different.

Russ in Phoenix: Good day Jim,
With people out there talking about all of the draft busts with the Rams selecting Defensive Tackles in the past few years, why wouldn't these same people want the Rams to pick Dorsey to finally end the need of acquiring a DT?
I'm so tired of seeing DT busts (excluding Carriker, Ryan and Pickett)that I actually would like the Rams to select Dorsey to end my suffering.

Bring back the Fearsome Foursome!
Little LDE/Dorsey DT/Ryan NT/Carriker RDE
(yeah a 300-lb DE with a motor....)

Thanks
Russ in HOT Phoenix (98 degrees today)

Jim Thomas: Exactly, just because you missed on a couple of DTs (Kennedy and Damione Lewis), doesn't mean you should pass on a player most think is among the top two in this year's draft (Dorsey) if healthy?

Faris Chehabi: Do you think Reche Caldwell is going to make the team? Also, do you think the Rams will take Manningham in the 2nd round? Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Caldwell's future depends on what the Rams do in the draft, and what happens with Stanley, Looker and Hagans in camp. Caldwell signed a minimum contract for his experience level, so there's next to no cap implications if he gets cut.
I think the Rams probably stay away from Manningham because of his past drug test results.

Taylor from Alberta: Do you see either Limas Sweed or DeSean Jackson available at 33? If both there, who would you prefer and why? I like Sweed a lot. If not for injuries he could be the number reciever in the draft.

Jim Thomas: I think they both could be available. Why? Because Jackson is only 169 pounds and Sweed's wrist could be a significant concern. I don't know who I'd take between the two. Jackson is a dynamic playmaker, who might flourish as a slot receiver and punt returner in St. Louis. (A better version of Az-Hakim. Sweed gives you excellent size at nearly 6-4, and weighing 215. And plays faster than his timed speed (4.5)

AnnoyingCombineGuy: Have you talked to the Dolphins at all? Do you know Bill Parcells? What do you think of him? He's great isn't he?

Jim Thomas: Are you the reporter that kept bugging us at the Combine with one Parcells question after another? Geez. Please give it a rest. They should make a Bud Light commercial in your honor. . . ."Mr. Annoying Combine Guy". . . .