NewAgeRam09: Reggie,



What is Keith Null's chance at being QB #2 by the time the season starts?


Thanks, Jim

Jim Thomas: Basically, none. Barring injury or a very surprising development, Kyle Boller will back up Marc Bulger. Null has a good chance of winding up as the No. 3 QB, though.

KY Ram: hey jim. just curious, what do you think of culberson playing outside linebacker filling in for pisa. i believe the kid has potential, young and talented with decent size. whats your take? thanks

Jim Thomas: Culberson had a nice rookie season, then declined a bit last year. Pisa is small for a strongside LB, so Culberson will get a look during the preseason. Don't count Pisa out, though. He's a battler.

tim: Hi Bill,
Do you know the reason for the Rams picking Jason Smith over Eugene Monroe? I believe QB Keith Null would have been available in the 7th round and would rather them at least taken Long Snapper Jake Ingram. And I read that the 7th round pick Chris Ogbonnaya was taken as favor to a Texas coach, is that true? They were called by a Texas coach to take him.

Jim Thomas: Smith and Monroe were very close on the Rams' draft board. I think 1)Smith blew them away in his interviews, and 2) there was some concern over a previous injury with Monroe.
As for Ogbonnaya, I don't think that scenario is very likely. Teams don't just draft players as a favor to somebody. There's too much riding on it.

virginiatom: There has been talk that it was off the field issues that concerned the Rams not taking Malugua at linebacker in the second round, even though they had him rated as the top linbebacker in the draft. What kind of issues would lead them to pass on an impact player that is solid against the run? I didn't hear these concerns raised anywhere else at any point durinig the draft.

Jim Thomas: Maualuga's issues were well known throughout the league. There also was concern about his coverage skills, especially in a 4-3 defense like the Rams run.

Ruben: Bill,
Thanks for taking my question. It is understandable that the Rams want to work Smith in slowly. But, when do you think he will start taking reps with the first team, OTA's, June Mini-Camp, training camp? I think the sooner they figure out their starting 5 on the OL, the better. OL is as much about playing together, as it is about personnel. Time to get our 1st rounder playing either LT or RT with the first unit. What do you think?

Jim Thomas: Rest assured, Smith will be a starter this year, probably at RT unless Barron flops at LT. They might not start working him with the ones till training camp, but he'll still have plenty of time to adapt before the season starts.