Mark: Jim,
As always, thank you for taking the time. Do you think the Rams might take a shot at a safety? I know it is suppose to be a weak draft at that position, but all it takes is a good kid to learn and hopefully replace Chavous in '09. I think he is a real weak link, and I guess Haslett and Co. think he is not the culprit. I was thinking about the kid from LSU in the third or fourth round, Craig Stetz. I know you wouldn't know for sure, but aren't they at least alarmed by how weak they are at safety? Also, LB's are weak after the starters, but I digress. Your thoughts....

Jim Thomas: I do think the Rams are at least considering a safety, but not early in the draft. I believe they're set with Chavous for this year, but want to start thinking about grooming a possible replacement. But you never know how those middle to late rounds of the draft shake out.

jr: hey jim,i was wondering if the rams a lot of intrest in adam casper linebacker from semo. i know they were at his workout and has talked to him even before that. thanks

Jim Thomas: At face value, this sounds to me like a player they might be considering as a rookie free agent.

Col. Lawrence N. Reiman Jr.: I would like to make a comment. My daughter just graduated from UVA, so I had the opportunity to see Chris Long play there for four years. He is not only a fantastic football player, but also a fine person. He can absolutely dominate a football game, and really get's the fans behind him. I think that if the Rams are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to select him, he will be an All- Pro in a very short time. Please tell them not to blow this chance to get a great player who will be an anchor for not only the defense but the whole team.

Jim Thomas: I think this is all a reason why the Rams are in a no-lose position if they stay at No. 2 overall. Chris Long (and Glenn Dorsey) are both high character individuals whou will bring a lot to any team on the field and off.

Eric Dickerson: What are the chances we trade for Lito Sheppard? I keep hearing the Rams being mentioned as one of the teams still after him. I think giving up our #2 is too high of a price to pay for Sheppard since it's pretty much almost a first round pick. I'd give up a 3rd for him though. So what are the odds he's a Ram during or after the draft?
Thanks Jim.

Jim Thomas: Seeing that the Rams pick at the top of each round, I wouldn't go any higher than Round 4. The Rams are skeptical on this one. Why are the Eagles so willing to dump Sheppard? And although there is still some concern about Fakhir Brown's long-term availability, I think his successful appeal somewhat lessens the need for a CB.

Dochal: Jim,

Now that the cat is pretty much, albeit still somewhat vaguely, out of the Fakhir Brown bag, can you please explain what all the mystery was about? That is, why were you unable to provide more information in your role as a journalist about the situation in order to enlighten your very interested readers? I am a psychologist, so I understand the principle of confidentiality, but I have to admit that I scratched my head many times trying to figure out why you couldn't disclose anything on this topic.

Jim Thomas: Because information about failed drug tests is CONFIDENTIAL. Would you have been willing to pay my legal expenses if I had wrong information and was sued for libel? I just didn't feel strong enough about the sources to report it directly. Plain and simple.