Tackleberry: Any chance the scheduling for 2008 reflects a sour taste left in the mouth of the NFL by the drawn out situation of Spygate? Total conspiracy theory, I know, but Goodell's reputation took a stinger on this mess. He was the new sheriff in town who was cleaning up the streets (literally) and now this is a smudge on his sparkling resume. I hope not because it has been mostly former players who have discussed the situation in the media.

Jim Thomas: I don't really think there's any kind of conspiracy theory, but it does seem like the schedule-maker made it just about as difficult as possible on the Rams in the first seven weeks.

Richard Spittlehouse: Hi Jim,

1) It would APPEAR that the Dolphins are going to pick Jake Long with the first pick, which i think will leave us the choice of Chris Long or Glen Dorsey. I believe Atlanta are so high on Dorsey that they may be willing to swap picks with us, in exchange for one of their three second round picks. This would allow us to pick up an OT and WR with two early second round picks. Have you heard anything about a possible trade with the Falcons?

2) Also, i am still more than concerned by our lack of LBs currently on the roster. However, we only appear to have had Curtis Lofton and Jerod Mayo attend visits, and they will be long gone by the time we decide to pick a LB. Any thoughts of where we are heading with this position? Any other names you think we have an interest in on draft day?

3) Finally, where do you stand on our WR pick this year? Gordo seems to think that by drafting a big receiver we are giving up on Drew Bennett. What do you think? I would love to see a James Hardy or Limas Sweed taken with our second round pick, although i think we have more interest in DeSean Jackson or Andre Caldwell.

Thanks for your time, and here's hoping Linehan & Co have a great weekend!!

Jim Thomas: 1.) Unless the Rams feel they absolutely, positively have to have Dorsey, then I would trade down with Atlanta (for Atlanta's first of their multiple second-round picks), and take Chris Long.

2.) I think the Rams will try to target an LB in Round 4 (maybe even in round 3). They need at least one more body (not counting any rookie free agents) in the mix at LB.

3.) It's a tough call at WR. Sweed has a troublesome wrist injury; Hardy has off the field problems. DeSean Jackson is small.

RJ: Jim: Love the Q & A sessions. What is the latest on what Miami is going to do? Did last week's faux pas make people in the nfl re-think what they were oging to do or is it still J Long. How are those negotiations with Long and Miama going, any word?

Jim Thomas: As you may have heard, Jake Long has just signed with Miami. The Rams are on the clock!!!

Thomas Turniawan: Hey Jim;
I've kinda formulated my own reasons for this not happening, but I was wondering if the Rams would ever consider trading the #2 for Jared Allen and say a 2nd rounder? 1) The Rams need a pass-rusher, and 2) they are going to have to shell out a lot of money either way. Why not spend it on a proven player who does what we need most? (PS The DUI situation is what scares me the most).
Thanks.

Jim Thomas: The DUI situation I think is precisely the reason why the Rams don't seem to be interested. Especially after everything that happened with Leonard Little.

Mike - Colorado Springs: From everything I've read, the Falcons are really high on Dorsey. They should put out the word that they're high on Dorsey and maybe the Falcons will give up a pick to get him at number 2. I've heard that maybe the Raiders are interested in Gholston. Maybe they're willing to trade up to 2 to get him. It seems the Rams are in a position of leverage but aren't using it. The more picks the better. What is the compensation for the Rams trading down one or two positions? Personally, I like Dorsey best but DE is a greater need. Considering all the needs the Rams have, I would think picking up extra draft picks would be the best scenario, provided they don't drop too far in the 1st round.

Jim Thomas: Mike--Extra picks are fine. But do you trade out of a spot (No. 2) where you (in theory) can pick up a difference maker for just a bunch of guys? That's the danger of trading down. Or trading down too far.