Steve: Jim,
I was really hoping in the 2nd round we would go for Curtis Lofton and move Spoon outside based on his late season success rushing the passer. I thought Lofton was a tackling machine at Okla. Also, I was hoping for Will Franklin in the third, though no complaint with Greco, we needed that too. Tells me that Saunders has a huge voice in the organization right now too! Your thoughts?

Jim Thomas: Don't think the Rams had a very high grade on Franklin.
I too thought the Rams might be tempted on Lofton.
The fact that Saunders got HIS aging backup at QB (Green) and Linehan's version (Frerotte) was sent packing, tells you all you need to know on that topic.

Andy: OK, one more time (this will be my third post for today's chat... I'd only posted once before, EVER, haha):

I just wanted to echo the comments made in an earlier post about the quality of your reporting. I basically learned to, as you say, "trust the beat writers" from reading your work and realizing how much more accurate it was than anything else out there. I follow the Rams on a lot of the national sites too, just because I enjoy the different perspectives, but they're almost never as accurate as you (although... a lot of the national sites/publications had the Rams picking Long all the way... Just messing with you! I saw what you said about everything they went through with that pick). You clearly put in your time with this job, and you deliver the information in a very unbiased fashion. On top of that, you take the time to suffer us yahoos and our endless stream of questions and scenarios every week! Rest assured, the masses of Rams Nation are grateful for your time and effort! THREE CHEERS FOR JIM!
Hip-hip-HOORAY!
Hip-hip-HOORAY!!
Hip-hip-HOORAY!!!

Jim Thomas: Thanks, Mom. (And I love the fake "andy" name too. It throws everybody off the scent.) As for the national guys "staying on Long" I think that was basically done looking at the Rams from a strictly need basis _ and not realizing that the Rams weren't exactly brimming with talent at DT.

Andy: Jim: In yesterday's newspaper, Devaney was quoted as saying that the most undrafted free agents the team would sign would be 8. They have signed 13 to date plus a future camp quarterback. Any thoughts on why the change.

Jim Thomas: Interesting question. I was there when Devaney said 8. He may have forgotten that drafted players don't count against the offseason roster limit of 80 until they're under contract.

pete: I just read where you said Linehan over/under is 6 1/2 wins. How could the rams possibly consider this guy coming back with 7 wins? If so better be ready for even more empty seats. He shouldn't be here now.

Jim Thomas: I don't know Pete. I'm not a Vegas oddsmaker. But 7-9 against what looks like a brutal opening schedule would be a a four-game improvement, maybe just enough to make the Rams think twice.

mark: I know you dont like draft grading but I don't understand why fans give the rams a B grade .I wanted Dorsey,Sweed ,Conners remember this post this time next year because these guys are gonna be great!!!

Jim Thomas: I won't remember it. But remind me by next December. If I gave a grade it would have been in the B- or C+ range.