Curt, CA: Dear Jim,

Do the Rams REALLY expect Chavous to play at any kind of competitive level for them this year? With CB Brown available for the whole year, why wouldn't they move Bartell to Safety, paired with Atogwe?

Jim Thomas: Every indication I've been given is that the answer to your first question is yes. As for Bartell at safety, I'm not sure he's big enough or physical enough to play there full time, particularly at the strong side.

Tim Earle: Hi Jim,
Thanks for taking your time to chat. I enjoy your responses. My question: If we end up drafting Dorsey at #2 or trade down and get Ellis as some say we will, Can we slide Carriker out to the end position? I have heard this move being made without ever questioning if Carriker can play DE and this level. Is he quick enough to provide pressure on a QB or will be be more of a Grant Wistrom type ie: great motor ,great character but just an average player or maybe a little above average. Your thoughts?

Jim Thomas: Tim--I've mentioned this a few times. If it's Dorsey, Dorsey and Carriker became the starters in the base defense, with Glover and Ryan rotating in off the bench. Carriker would move to end in certain situations. (Run downs, short-yardage, goal-line). He actually played a lot of end over the second half of the season. One reason why the Rams drafted Carriker is his versality. This would be the chance to use that versatility. Although Carriker isn't what you'd call the ideal pass rusher at end.

Jeremy (Denver): Jim,
Lots of trade rumors flying around. Regarding our top pick, there are rumors of moving down to 3, 10, etc. What are you hearing?

Jim Thomas: As of yesterday afternoon, only two teams had contacted the Rams. (And as you suggest, I believe it was Atlanta and New Orleans). But nothing concrete. But now that Jake Long is a Dolphin, things may have intensified on the phone lines.

nomadic herdsman: Jim
If you see Fakhir anytime soon could you please ask him to contact me...I need some pointers in my upcoming speeding case. Thanking you in advance.

Jim Thomas: It pays to have good attorneys.

Mark Adams: Hey Jim, thanks for taking my question.

So I keep hearing that Darren McFadden is rated higher on the Rams board than Chris Long. The last time was just yesterday, per Adam Schefter.

Could the Rams really be considering taking McFadden, and if so, what does that mean for Steven Jackson?

Jim Thomas: There is at least one Rams official who seems to like McFadden. I'm not going to say who. But I don't think it happens. (That is, the Rams taking McFadden.)