Molotov: Jim

I've heard it two different ways: The Rams' braintrust is happy with Barron, and the Ram braintrust is looking to eject him. Personally, I think leaving Barron at left tackle and starting Smith at right tackle might be wise, but I could see the benefits of swapping them. But it makes no sense to get rid of Barron. Didn't the Rams just solve their OL depth issue? I think the Rams could have a great OL with Smith, Barron, Brown, Bell, and Richie.

If you were a betting man, who starts at LT and RT on opening day?

Jim Thomas: I'd say Barron at LT and Smith at RT. From everything I hear, Smith is less polished as a pass blocker right now, and more of a finished product at run blocking. If that's the case, it makes sense to start Smith at RT. We'll see what happens this week at the minicamp.
I think in adding Smith, the Rams are set at the OT position, although it would be nice to have one more tackle with a pulse in the mix.

ncdc: Hey Jim,

First, let me set the table here: The Rams knew the 49ers hired an O.C. to run a run-heavy offense in S.F. The front office also saw the Cards draft Chris "Beanie" Wells (a 233 pound bruiser) 4 spots ahead of their next pick. If, and stress IF, the Rams make the playoffs, they will have to face the Giants (Maroney & Jones), Giants (Jacobs & Co.), Philly (Westbrook & McCoy), Vikings (Adrian Peterson), Falcons, Bears, and Saints. All have very strong running games.

So, who do you want at MLB: a very productive backer who can play "all 3 downs" but makes a lot of tackles 3-4 yards on the wrong side of the line of scrimmage; or the nastiest, toughest LB'er in the draft, who may not be a 3-down LB'er?

Jim Thomas: Believe me, I get your point. But I think there were some off-field issues with Maualuga.

Curt: Okay, Jim-

The Rams entered Day 2 of the draft looking to add defensive help. There was word (and I believe you even expected) that the Rams would trade Pisa Tinoisamoa for a draft pick. Looking at the linebackers in the draft on Day 2 leading up to the 125th pick and you have:

69th overall: Jason Williams (Dallas)
76th overall: DeAndre Levy (Detroit)
97th overall: Tyronne McKenzie (New England)
104 overall: Kaluka Maiava (Cleveland)
110 overall: Victor Butler (Dallas)
118 overall: Stanley Arnoux (New Orleans)
With 8 more LB's drafted from #125 until the end of the fifth round.

Obviously, many teams needed linebackers. From the list above, who could step in the season opener September 10, 2009 any better than Tinoisamoa? Did the Rams try to trade him? Were they asking too much? Is there something that seriously de-valued Tinoisamoa's draft value that the public doesn't know about? What's up here?

Oh, the #125 pick in the draft? DE Lawrence Sidbury. He sure would have looked good in a Rams uniform lined up opposite Chris Long!

Jim Thomas: I don't think I ever expected the Rams to trade Pisa. I thought he might be a cap cut however. I am not aware that the Rams actively shopped him.

idahofatboy: Are there any free agents at wide receiver that the Rams can go after? Not just rookies out of college but veteran nfl players with a few seasons under their belts?

Also, I like the free agent signings of the two BYU players. Most of those guys are older because of their time spent on Christian missions and you have to be both tough, and a little mean, to be successful in the WAC.

Now, about finding another WR . . .

Jim Thomas: Plaxico Burress, Marvin Harrison, Amani Toomer, Ike Hilliard, Dane Looker are all available. I'm told the Rams aren't interest in Burress. Looker may be re-signed this month, although his agent told me yesterday at this time he had yet to hear from the Rams. I was also told pre-draft that the Rams weren't interested in Toomer or Hilliard. (Maybe that changes post-draft.) I haven't even asked about Harrison, figuring his age (37 in August) and potential asking price wouldn't make him a fit here.
I too like the BYU signings, in fact, I think it's a better group of undrafted rookie free agents than the Rams have had in a while.

Rammer: Hello, JT

How big of a reach is Fletcher considered? Donnie Avery or Heyward-Bey reach or just minor since it was a 3rd round pick? I like the pick actually, since in this division now the Rams CBs have to go against Boldin/Fitz, Crabtree/Bruce, and T.J. Houzmenzadeh. Another 6' corner could be good for us.

Also, I know this is way too early, but any idea on Smith's number? 60s or 70s?

Thanks

Jim Thomas: Jason Smith's number in St. Louis will be 77.

As for Bradley Fletcher, I think the Rams were poised to take Shonn Greene the Iowa RB at the top of the 3rd when the Jets traded up to snatch him. Among the various draft "experts," and I use that term loosely, there were wide ranging opinions on Fletcher. He certainly fits the size (6-1, 196) and style requirements that Spagnuolo wants. He wants big, press corners. The projection is because there's not a lengthy body of work with Fletcher. He was a full-time starter only one year.


Sorry for the delay, Chris Draft stopped by to say hello in the media room, and says hello to all Rams fans. . . .

Peter, Australia: Jim,

I am still concerned about experience at wide reciever. Do you hear anything about signing or trading for another experienced reveiver?

Also, Is Smith penciled in to start straight away? if so who are now the starters on the O Line?

Thanks

Jim Thomas: I have not heard anything yet on the WR position.

If it were my guess I'd say the o-line shapes up like this on game day: LT Barron, LG Bell, C Brown, RG Incognito, RT Smith--and backups on game-day, if the Rams draft seven are Goldberg and Greco. (I don't know who the backup center is under this scenario.)

dominic: Jim:
Who is going to be our punt and kick returner? A free agent? Trade for Roscoe Parrish?
Thank you.....

Jim Thomas: Derek Stanley on punts and kickoffs; Jonathan Wade worked a lot on punt returns last year in practice and has a lot of speed; Burton and Avery have some college experience. But as of right there's no clear-cut guy (or guys). Kenneth Darby did some KORs last year after Stanley got hurt.

johndeere: i was wondering,why when a team is way ahead in the game in the 4th or sooner they dont put thier backup qb in.wouldnt that help the backup? and what do you think of null....ty

Jim Thomas: Actually teams do that a lot (putting the backup in late), but in the NFL leads can disappear quickly so coaches sometimes are slower to do so than you'd like. Null piled up some impressive numbers in college. I'm anxious to see how he throws on the practice field. (arm strength, accuracy, footwork, etc.)

h2o_jd55: Thanks for the Chat JT. Were the Rams thinking of drafting Iowa RB Green with their 3rd round pick before NY Jets traded in front of them? Also, why didn't the Rams trade down in the 3rd round to get more picks? I'm not complaining about Fletcher, I would think some team wanted to trade up for the 2nd pick in the 3rd round, maybe the Rams could have drafted a needed WR and still get Fltcher.

Jim Thomas: No one's told me for sure, but I really do believe they wanted Greene. And if they really wanted him, they probably weren't working on any trade downs prior to the Jets picking him.

stacy3424: Hey Jim, thanks for Q/A with us regular people, I really enjoy it. Anyway, Jim I really think the Rams made safe picks in the draft but not really the best moves they could have. I wonder what would have happen had we selected Sanchez at #2. I'm sure we would have been able to trade out of that selection with the Jets or maybe traded Bulger to them and kept Sanchez and still picked up a few picks from the the Jets. I still think selecting a tackle #2 was not a great move, we should have went after Curry/Crabtree/Sanchez and pick up a tackle in the second round like the Seahawks did. I don't think Smith is much better then most of the tackles taking in the 2 round.

Jim why do you think in round #2 we took Laurinaitis over Rey Maualuga. Malugea was rated as high as a top 10 pick and in my opion he's the type of inside guy you want to plug the running lanes and to intimidate an offence. When I look at his game film, I see a real deal tuff guy in him. All the talk about him not being a 3 down back isn't true, he's not bad in pass coverage. What do you think?

Jim Thomas: Despite the rumors, the Rams WERE NOT TRADING Bulger. The new staff seems to like him. And he's got a year at least to re-establish himself. And once you actually draft Sanchez any trade leverage lessens, because if the Jets or anybody else wants him, they know as each pick gets drafted and more prospects you like go off the board, you have even less leverage.

Interesting point on the second-round tackles. It will be interesting to see three, four years from now if J. Smith proves to be better than say Eben Britton of Arizona. For a while over the weekend, I wondered how taking Aaron Curry (at No. 2 overall) and Britton (in the second round) will look a few years from now compared to Smith-Laurinaitis.
Laurinaitis is a safer pick than Maualuga. I think more than the 3-down thing was the issue of Maualuga's off-field activities. (Rumors of drinking, bar fights, etc.)

stlfourlife53: Hi JT,

I have three questions.

1.I just wanted to know if the Rams wanted to possibly take running back Shonn Greene in the 3rd round, before the Jets traded with the Lions to move up and take him? I was stunned to see him picked right before St. Louis.

2.Why didnt the Rams draft running back Andre Brown after I think I read alot before the draft where they liked him alot?

3. When wide receiver Jeremy Maclin started slipping in the first round, was there any thought about trading back into the 1st round and taking him? I thought Devaney liked him alot and that the Rams wanted to move back into the 1st round if the player that they wanted started to slip.

Thanks for your time!

Jim Thomas: 1.) See earlier answer.
2.) Good question. Don't know the answer. Although Brown has had couple of surgeries on his foot.
3.) The Rams did like Maclin a lot. But they didn't have a lot to trade _ what with no extra draft picks this year, and not much to trade on the existing roster. But I don't think Maclin slipped far enough for the Rams to seriously consider trying to trade up for him.

Ram Quixote: Jim, I'm surprised at the Draft hangover among Rams fans. While I was scratching my head at the names as they came up, the rush to judgment around here is appalling. The USC groupies have been the worst.

So glad we didn't pick Sanchez, though he may be just fine. Too many old ghosts (underclass QB) for Devaney, and if the Leaf experience was only a subconscious thing, I'm glad for it. As for Maualuga, Devaney, like last year with Avery, was able to choose the player he wanted. People grousing about Laurinaitis just wanted Rey. I'm pretty confident our coaches can get our new MLB ready to play every down. Didn't Flajole coach Beason at Carolina into a top MLB? Too many draftinistas (I love that term) look at talent alone and forget how much coaching can make the player.

Of course, Spag's coaching staff doesn't have a track record, yet, but I can't help but swill the koolaid. Care for a glass?

Jim Thomas: Let me just say this: The Rams put a lot of effort into the Sanchez smokescreen. They were never going to take a QB No. 2 overall with only 16 college starts, although there were a lot of things they like about him.
At LB, Flajole does seem to have a pretty good track record of working with LBs. We'll see.
As for Kool-Aid, I only drink it in the summer time.

DennisHarrah: Hey, JT. I also enjoy your segments on 101. Read your columns & listen every day - I look forward to it. Keep up the good work. My question is regarding Barron NEXT year. Reading between the lines (in your columns and listening to you on the air) I sense that Barron is not in the Ram's long-term plans. Last Saturday we get 'smooth' as our other starter & get much-needed depth / insurance for the left side. Sure. They'll play Barron 'this' year; with our lack of depth, what choice do we have? And personally, I hope he gets fired up, gets his attitude right, and gets a healthy extension. That's the setup - here's my question. (A) IF the Rams try and low-ball him, and / or decide to let him walk after this season, which would be the higher compensation? A trade draft pick? Or, a comp pick? And, (B) What would that pick be? A third rounder? What value does he have on the open market? Or, (3) would YOU personally like to see him stick around in 2010? Replace or stick with him? Thanks ~

Jim Thomas: The highest compensation you get for lost free agents is a third-rounder, and that's based on a complicated formula that involves all of the free agents _ signed or lost _ from the previous year. So any compensatory pick in which the loss of Barron is factored into the equation doesn't come into play until the 2010-2011 offseason, which would be a year after Barron left.
If Barron plays his rear end off, I'm sure the Rams would try to re-sign him. If not, the probably let him walk.

SoCal Bill: Jim,

I know we are thin at DT, but have there been any talks from Coach Spags about eventually trying Carriker at DE and bringing Little off the bench to spell Long and Carriker.

I think it could extend Little's career and he would be great to bring in on strickly passing downs.


Thanks

Jim Thomas: Adeyanju already fills that role at LDE on running downs.

SoCal Bill: Jim,

Why is everyone so down on Pisa? Everything I have seen he seems like a good LB, good motor, good coverage, good tackling, good speed and his weakness is he is a little small for LB so the lineman swallow him up. I thought we had a lot of players look bad under Linehan that arent really that bad and he still looked pretty good? Just curious what you thought

Jim Thomas: Pisa is fun to watch. He plays with a lot of heart. A lot of passion. He is fierce in taking on blockers. At the end of games he is exhausted. He never makes excuses. But he is small which can make him a liability on run defense once linemen reach the second level, and he does have a tendency to get excited and overrun plays.

RamsUntilNow: I am not understanding why it is that we did not pick the best player available in MLB Rey M....but instead we select LB lauranitas? He is a good player, but was predicted to be available in the second round anyways. However, Rey M. was considered a top 10 pick...Experts as well as former USC LB (Willie Mcginest) rave about Rey and that he is a stud and he brings fear to RB...He is a show stopper...He has passion when he plays the game, similar to the likes of Junior Seau (Polynesian pride) ....All of the continued mistakes that this franchise has made has questioned my loyalty to what the front office is doing and what direction they are heading....This is a decision that will haunt us for as long as he plays...I am very passionate for the game and know that I would have done better job in drafting this past weekend...(I wish they would elect a fan to be a part of the drafting process. I would love to do it.)

Jim Thomas: The Rams were very high on Maualuga coming out of the Senior Bowl, but didn't think he'd be available in Round 2 on draft day. But when he was there, they couldn't pull the trigger, going the safer route (Laurinaitis).

George M.: While I was OK with the Rams draft in general, I have a concern with their third round pick. Normally, when a guy comes into the league who couldn't beat out another player in college, I find I would rather have the player he couldn't beat out. The most glaring example was Clyde Duncan, who couldn't beat out Willie Gault in college, but another good recent example was Brian Leonard, who got beaten out for the starting running back job his senior year at Rutgers. Should we be concerned that Fletcher couldn't start in college until last year?

Jim Thomas: I don't know the answer, but I think it's a valid question. The top of the third round is pretty valuable real estate to be taking a player with one full year as a starter in college.

COGzilla: I think the rams did well this weekend getting two starters and perhaps another may emerge from the other picks(the dt,cb,wr).
I love the direction this team is going, but my main question for this upcoming year is the sam backer.
Do they truly believe pisa will emerge the starter or will they try someone else on the roster(draft) or maybe dip into some free agency later on?
also, we know greco,incognito and setterstrom are all better run blockers than bell.who do you predict will be the two starters?

Jim Thomas: I really don't know that Greco is a better run blocker than Bell. Setterstrom maybe. But Bell and Incognito will be the starting guards.

Dave C: Jim , are there any "signability" issues with Jason Smith? Can we expect him to participate in all team activities and a full training camp ?

Jim Thomas: Shouldn't be. Smith is represented by Ben Dogra who works for the St. Louis-based mega agency known as CAA that also includes Tom Condon and Jim Steiner. CAA agents drive hard bargains, they're among the best in the business. But particularly with their client (Smith) playing in their hometown, every effort will be made to get Smith in on time (or very close to on time).

david: Jim, I know that many people are concerned about depth at some of the skill positions but I am more concerned depth at DT. With the way Spags likes to have waves DL do you think we have enough depth? Has any reporter asked anyone with the Rams about C. Wroten? We just drafted someone with an incident in his past and if Wroten has stayed clean and is in shape and has learned from his mistakes, will they give him another chance? Any info would be appreciated and thanks for your time.

Jim Thomas: As for Wroten, I have asked, and my guess is the Rams don't want any part of him. My read on Devaney is he has very little tolerance for drug offenders, with a little more leeway on players with alcohol-related issues.
If Darell Scott can play, the DT from Clemson, the Rams should be OK. He would back up starters Ryan and Carriker, and remember, James Hall and Adeyanju both have experience moving inside on passing downs.

Rich: Good morning Jim,

Overall the Rams did an excellent job filling a number of holes in the roster this past weekend including OT, MLB, and DT.

However, one area that in my opinion is still a large hole is back up RB. I am not convinced Pittman is that guy given his injury history.

Do you see the Rams potentially pursuing a veteran RB?

Thanks for these chats.

Jim Thomas: I agree with you that the No. 2 RB position still looks questionable.
Right now, the candidates are Brian Leonard (shoulder issues past 2 years); Pittman (plays with lots of heart, but not very good on blitz pickup or pass catching, and gets nicked up); Samkon Gado (cup of coffee with the team last year); Kenneth Darby (ideal No. 3, willing blocker, good pass catcher, but not an ideal No. 2 because he doesn't have that extra gear of speed that you'd like for someone his size); and the rookie from Texas, Chris Ogbonnayo.

Rich: Good morning Jim,

Considering the Rams were unable to land one of the top WRs in the draft, its looking like that trade for Robinson may be one of the better moves the Rams made this off-season.

Do you see Robinson as being starter quality and are the Rams serious about not targeting a veteran WR considering the youth of the their WR corp?

Thanks for these chats.

Jim Thomas: Robinson certainly has a chance to move into the top 3 in St. Louis. I'm told he has a lot of physical attributes and athleticism. But must stay healthy and play more physical.

rayrakers: Jim, with the exception of the WR position, I overall liked Ram draft choices, and am optimistic for a rebounding year, including our much maligned QB who finally got some badly needed help upfront. Regarding Bulger, could you go over again his cap impact on the Rams for 2010? Thanks.

Jim Thomas: In 2010 _ or in the offseason following the upcoming 2009 campaign _ the Rams would actually realize a net savings of $4.5 million if Bulger is released or traded.

dougstl: Jim,
I'm very concerned about this offense the Rams have presently.
What WR do we have that other teams will have to worry about and possibly double? What would prohibit most teams from putting '8 in the box' and stone-walling our running game?? With the losses we encountered personnel wise on offense, as of today, I see this offense as being WORSE than the group we had last year.

Thoughts?!?!

Doug

Jim Thomas: With the addition of the Jasons _ Brown and Smith _ the line should be much improved barring a rash of injuries. But the WR corps is suspect. Remembering that McMichael will be back at TE, I do think it would be very tempting for teams to load the box, stuff Jackson and the run, and force the Rams to throw the ball the Teen Squad.

David Meyer: What are your views on the QB that we drafted? What was Devaney's comment when you asked about him?

Jim Thomas: I plan to write more about him later in the week. Apparently he impressed the team with his showing at the Cactus Bowl. I have to wonder if the Rams didn't have Fresno State's Thomas Brandstater targeted in Round 6 only to see him end up with Denver at the start of the round.

FLRAMFAN: Hi Jim,

Kieth Null!!!! 9,769 yds 92 TD's in two years!! 5,097 yds 48 TD's in senior year!! What is up with that? What was his competition like? Did they play Defense? Do you think this guy is for real?

Jim Thomas: That is a lot of productionl at any level. Don't know if he's for real. I do know his team lost a Div. II playoff game 93-68 to Abilene Christian!!!(I guess the 3-pointers were dropping for Abilene that day.)

28-blast: The question that I have is, can Laurinitis be effective in pass coverage for the Rams. His 40 times were on the slow side and that seems to be a concern.

Jim Thomas: Rams seem to think Laurinaitis is much better as a 3-down player than Maualuga. Keeping that in mind, one LB always goes off the field in the nickel, and if the 3 LBs were Witherspoon, Laurinaitis and Pisa, it would probably be Witherspoon and Pisa that stay on the field in the nickel.

chicagocardinal: Jim: By using only players available at the time of the pick I put together a mock draft I wish the Rams had followed:
1) Curry LB
2) Britton OT
3) Johnson, S
4) Sidbury, Jr. DE
5) Ringer, RB
6) Painter, QB
7) Lankster, DB or Byrd WR, or Mickens DB, or Follett LB
I'm interested in your analysis and the Devaney/Spag argument for going OL in the first over LB when we have lacked a defensive "presence" for so long and there seemed to be plenty of OT's available in successive rounds. And what did they prefer about Laurainitis? Great college player, average pro who never lives up to the billing and thus feels like a disappointment overall.

Jim Thomas: As I mentioned earlier, the Curry-Britton scenario intrigues me. The only thing I can say in defense of Devaney/Spags is that most projections had Britton going in the first round, and the Rams probably had no idea he would last to the second when it was time for them to pick at No. 2 overall. So it was probably a gamble they thought they didn't take. Also, I know some scouts and line coaches elsewhere in the league thought very highly of Britton. I don't know if that was the case with the Rams.

Rams Fan In China: JT,
A big Ni Hao (Hello) from China! Loved the first day of the draft for the Rams, waiting to pass judgement on the second day until we see some of these prospects from the lower rounds in action. I have a couple of questions this week:

1. After signing our draft class, will the Rams have any cap space left to sign FAs?

2. Can you share your thoughts on drafting players in the later rounds (let's say rounds 5-7)? Is it better to go BPA, fill positional needs, draft a raw athlete or just take guys you like? I ask because it seems to me that some of the guys we drafted in the lower rounds were rated pretty low. I don't really care about the ratings, but maybe we could have drafted some other fellows and signed some of the guys we picked in the lower rounds as undrafted FAs. With the way injuries have plagued this team, the more bodies we have, the better!

Go Wednesday Morning Rams Chat! (It's 13 hours ahead of St. Louis Mean Time over here)
RFIC

Jim Thomas: Ni Hao to you as well--
1.) The Rams don't have much space, but they have room to sign some bargain-basement guys.
2.) Once you get out of the first few rounds, everybody left has some flaws. (Otherwise they'd be long gone.) I think the further down in the draft you go, the more you look for needs.

Tackleberry: Based on the Rams' draft, are we to believe that the staff feels that Jackson's back-up is already on the roster from last year? If not, who would you see the Rams targeting in free agency?

Jim Thomas: As to your first question I say not necessarily. No matter how well you prepare for the draft _ and I think the Rams were well prepared _ sometimes you're at the mercy of what happens before you. And this was a draft, I think, where the Rams had very little luck in terms of how the board developed.
Even though the Rams' draft had a defensive bent in the first four rounds _ which are the rounds where the players are most likely to compete both immediately and long term _ if WR Hakeem Nicks is available in Round 2 I think he's the Rams pick. Ditto for RB Shonn Greene if he's available in Round 3.
I'm sure the Rams will keep an eye open for free agents, but currently have a boatload of candidates (Leonard, Pittman, Darby, Gado, and Ogbonnayo).

cbc1b: now that the draft is completed, what free agents do you anticipate getting some play at rams park in the following areas:

1) Wide Reciever

2) Offensive line, primarly tackle and center

3) Linebacker for depth

4) Defensive line

do you think that the third round draft choice will be moved to safety as there is no appreciable depth in that spot


thank you for taking the time for this forum

Jim Thomas: I'll answer you last question. The Rams do have a solid backup at safety in Todd Johnson, who's capable of playing both positions. That leaves Craig Dahl and Eric Bassey as candidates for the fourth safety spot.

Tackleberry: So far McMichael's performance as a Ram has been underwhelming, yet it sounds like he will have a very intrical role in this new offense (which is what they said about Linehan's scheme as well). What is this team's fall back option if he doesn't perform or gets injured? Was a guy like Coffman ever a consideration?

Jim Thomas: The options behind McMichael are Klopfenstein, Bajema and Fells. I don't think the Rams ever seriously considered Coffman, who still hasn't been cleared to do anything resembling a full football practice.

Clayton B.: A few question
1. Would the rams be interested in the Leroy Hill from Seattle now that they just released him?
2. Are the rams looking at picking up Toomer for some veteran leadership at the WR position, if not who are they looking at?
3. Is Jason Smith going to play left or right tackle?
4. What did the rams not like about Rey Maualuga?
5. Are the rams interested in Sheldon Brown from the Eagles?
Thanks for answering them

Jim Thomas: 1.) Hill is a free agent and is still negotiating with the Seahawks. The Rams have a lot invested in the LB position: 'Spoon and Pisa have pretty big contract, and now the Rams used a high 2nd-round pick on an LB. So I'd say no.
--I've already addressed 2.), 3.) and 4.) elsewhere.
5.) Don't know, but don't think so.

Dan: Jim,

Long time listener, first time caller …

In retrospect, can you compare the impact on the Salary Cap of the changes to the tackle position? We cut Orlando Pace, and will sign Jason Smith. What’s the net-net on the salary cap of these two events? How much did we save by cutting the Big O, and how much will Smith cost? Second level question, please. Assume that we could have restructured Orlando’s contract to look like the contract he signed with the Bears. Would that have made any impact on the Cap?

I know these questions are futile in one aspect, and I know there are other aspects to this change. But in one sense, we created the need at tackle by cutting Orlando. Had we kept him, or restructured his contract, that second draft spot could have been used to fill another need.

Jim Thomas: Let's assume J. Smith signs a similar contract as last year's Rams No. 2 overall _ Chris Long. Long counted only $2.9 million against the cap in '08. Pace was scheduled to count $9 million against the cap this year. As for Pace's Chicago contract, the way it was structured would have saved the Rams only $700K against the cap this year.

Ruben: Did Incognito sign his tender? What is your opinion on the starting OL,if there are no injuries,for week one? Can Bell at LG be better than Greco? At this point, it looks as though interior OL depth is solid, except for C.

Jim Thomas: To date, Incognito has not signed. (At least the contract has not been filed to the NFLPA.)
I think the offensive line, barring a rash of injuries, should be a team strength. The Rams still need to find a backup center and a fourth tackle (or another tackle of the future). For now, I would think Bell remains ahead of Greco.

ballhawk32: Jim:
What are your thoughts on the draft? I won't kill the Rams because first its too early to tell, and secondly, it seems like they got decent players.

I just feel like we were a round off on each of them. General consensus seems to think we reached a little bit. I'm speaking about third round and on. I would have loved Jarron Gilbert in the third. Probably could have then got Fletcher in the fourth, and Scott in the fifth. And then I would have loved Rashad Jennings in the sixth. And then signed Hull as a FA.

Jim Thomas: I'll give the Rams a B- or C+ at this point, realizing we won't really know until about 3 years out.

Cards4520: Thanks for taking the time.

If the Rams opened up play today, what would you predict their record would be? Or how much improved do you think they would be from last years team?

Jim Thomas: Believe me, I do like the general direction the team is going. But there's still a lot of ifs, a lot of holes on the roster, and a lot of work to do. With that in mind, if this team win six games in 2009, I think we should have a parade.

Rick M: Jim, Do you think the Rams draft Arron Curry with the first pick if they know that Eben Britton will still be there when they pick in the second round ? Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions...

Jim Thomas: A great question. One I've wondered about myself. See earlier posts.

Terrapin03: After your first glance at the list of undrafted FA's, who do you think has a realistic shot at sticking with the team (either final roster or practice squad to open the season)?

Jim Thomas: There are some interesting names on the list. I think the Rams put more into their rookie free agents this year _ including more money. I don't know a whole lot at this time about some of the small-school signings. But I really like the additions of guards Roger Allen and Ray Feinga. A lot of people thought both of those guys would get drafted. (both had combine invites)
Center Daniel Sanders of Colorado has some size, not to mention 40 college starts, he isn't the strongest linemen around but could compete for the current vacancy at backup center.
--at OT, Florida's Phil Trautwein (he was all-SEC this past season) and BYU's David Oswald could compete for the fourth tackle spot

ljramsfan: Hey Jim,
Thanks for all the coverage on the team and the NFL draft. Great work.

1. Do the Rams have plans on who's getting cut on June 1st?
2. Did the draft picks provide a more improved need on for team as a whole win some more games this year?
3.With all the upgrades on the OL, do you think this Marc Bulger's make or break year? If so, how many weeks will they need to know in the season if he is the guy?
4.Do you see anymore FA signing after June 1st?

Thanks!

Jim Thomas: Unless there is some unexpected labor agreement in the next five weeks, the June 1 cap cut date will not be in effect this year.
--As for Marc Bulger's make or break year, I'd say that's very much the case. As to how many weeks _ there's really no way to know.

Ineeda Hammer: What other NFL team that is considered a "running team" has only 1 NFL quality running back on the roster besides the Rams?

Have you heard of any free-agent RB's that we might try to sign? (undrafted college guys)

Don't you feel that we are doomed on the offensive side as soon as S. Jack goes down, especially with the WR group that we have?

What does S. Jack think about the need for help with this? Is he just happy to be "the guy" or is he, in fact, concerned about the team?

Jim Thomas: Jackson is on record as saying he doesn't plan to share reps with anyone in the backfield. (I believe that's the competitor in him speaking; it doesn't mean he's not a team guy.)

I couldn't agree with you more that WR and backup RB are glaring holes on the depth chart. We knew going into the draft that the Rams didn't have enough picks to realistically fill all their needs. It just turned out that WR and backup RB turned out to be the two positions that went "un-filled."

RamFanInCA: Hi Jim,

Can you tell us if we ever got seriously close to trading the #2 pick? Did Devaney ever get an offer that was tempting at all?

Thanks!

Jim Thomas: All indications are that it was not even close to a trade.

Fresno Ram Fan: Why cant we restructure Bulgers contract? It seems like alot of teams get their superstars to restructure but you never hear the Rams asking. Is it the guy in charge of the cap or selfishness on the players? thanx

Jim Thomas: This early into Bulger's contract, structuring or restructuring Bulger's contract would have no impact on trading or cutting him, cap-wise. And because $3 million of his contract is guaranteed in '09 anyway, restructuring it just to free up cap money for this year really isn't feasible, either.

John: Hi Jim

Word out of Cinci is that because they drafted Andre Smith, they are going to release OT Levi Jones. Is there any truth to that, and is that something the Rams might take a look at?

Jim Thomas: Chad Johnson doesn't sound like Devaney or Spags' type of player.

RamFanInCA: Hi Jim,

I realize that BD and Spags aren't going to disrespect players on our roster by publicly saying that a certain position is woefully weak. That said, should we be concerned that we may go into the season with our current WR corps, or should be confident that additions will be made? Specifically, some veteran help?

Thanks

Jim Thomas: I'd be concerned.

ShebDavis: Jim-
Traditionally Ohio State linebackers have been busts... If you look back you have Vernon Gholston, AJ Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, Matt Wilhelm, Andy Katzemoyer. Even though Gholston didn't look good last year, it's still to early and he didn't get much playing time. On the other hand AJ Hawk is going into his 4th season and has regressed ever year. Hawk has yet to have a season where he has recorded 100 solo tackles. I would say that his resume doesn't warrant a 5th overall draft pick. As for the other 3 Carpenter, Katzemoyer, and Wilhelm, those guys have all been busts. So, to me Ohio State seems to always have these overhyped linebackers. I know Laurinaitis is highly decorated and all that jazz but, how do we know that he isn't just going to be another one of these guys?

Jim Thomas: I don't think you can count Gholston in that group because he was a defensive end in college. But otherwise great question. Is it the fact that Ohio State LBs are overhyped. Are they looking for a type of player there and/or coach them a certain way, or use them a certain way that doesn't translate on the field? I don't know the answer.

ramway: Jim,

With all the guards on the Rams roster they brought in two maybe three more as Undrafted Free Agents and some pretty BIG ones at that. Does that mean that Bell and Incognito are in jeopardy of not starting or being cut?

Out of the Undrafted Free Agents which ones do you think have a chance at helping the team?

Jim Thomas: Remember, Incognito is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after this season. And there's no guarantee Mark Setterstrom's knee issues won't crop up again. As I mentioned before, I haven't studied all the rookie free agents yet, but I really like the 2 guards _ Mo. Western's Roger Allen and BYU's Ray Feinga.

John: Jim,
Reports are floating that the Jets looked into trading up to #2, but we didn't like the value of the offer. Any idea to the truth or what the Jets might have been offering?

Jim Thomas: I believe there was some talk between Devaney and the Jets _ involving the No. 2 overall pick NOT Bulger _ but it didn't go very far.

Mike: Hey Jim. Do you think that since we tried to trade Mark Bulger it will cause another Cutler problem?

Jim Thomas: THE. . .RAMS. . .DID. . .NOT. . .TRY. . .TO. . .TRADE. . .BULGER!!!!!! False rumors. False rumors

Stumped Mitchell: Peter Griffin or Homer Simpson?

Jim Thomas: Personally, I'm a Family Guy guy.

Bocephus: The Rams have talked about moving Jacob Bell to RT. Do you think that will work? And who would take his Guard spot?

Jim Thomas: Jacob Bell was at guard during the April minicamp. Now that Smith has been drafted, I expect him to stay at guard.

RamErforlife: Jim,

I thought Devaney could have obtained more picks in this draft. And what about some reports the Jets offered Rams 2010 First round pick, 17th pick in 1st round 2009, 2nd round pick 2009, and some other consideration and the Rams rejected it. If the Jets would have given us 2010 1st round pick, 17th pick in 1st round 2009, 2nd round pick 2009, later round pick in 2009 we should have taken that deal, because we could have gotten Oher at 17 and still have gotten Laurinitis in 2nd plus impact WR or LB/DT.

Devany has got to roll the dice sometimes and not be so conservative. He drafts like he is afraid to lose his job, just my opinion. Also, why didn't Devaney trade down in rounds 3 and 4 to acquire at least two additional picks so that we could draft additional LB and DL. There were still some good developmental players available in rounds 4-7. We could have gotten Fletcher and Scott later in rounds 3 and 4. The 49ers and Seahawks just did better in acquiring additional picks and future picks than we did. I thought Devaney was a deal maker on draft day but he just came off as to conservative. I am concerned that Devaney values finding the "hidden gem" in later rounds and undrafted free agents than stock piling value picks in rounds 2-4 for future drafts like Patriots and Eagles. The 49ers and Seahawks will both have 2 1st round picks in 2010 draft which is suppose to be loaded with talent especially the QB position. I guarantee you that SF and Seattle are targeting their future franchise QB and the Rams should be doing the same.

Jim Thomas: I'll just say 2 things:
1.) This is only the third time in 15 "St. Louis" Rams drafts that the Rams didn't have a trade on draft weekend. (The other two years being '02 and '03).
2.) When it came to trading up, the Rams had no ammo _ with no extra draft picks and a very thin roster.

Brian81277: Any talk of Dane Looker being resigned?

Jim Thomas: Exchanged e-mails with his agent yesterday. They've yet to hear from the Rams. And I also hear that Looker's jersey number has been assigned to another player for this weekend's minicamp. Not a good sign.

With that I've got to go. Take care.