Steve B.: Bill:
Thanks for pinch hitting for Jim. It seems to me that the success of the recent draft hinges largely on the performence of Laurinaitis and Fletcher, who were drafted high enough to make contributions quickly. Both of these picks were controversial. A lot of folks wanted Maualuga instead of Laurinaitis, and some of my buddies are convinced Fletcher was a major reach. What were your impressions of these guys at the minicamp? I realize that one minicamp is an awfully thin resume, but right now it is all we have.
Thanks.

Jim Thomas: I liked what I saw from both Laurinaitis and Fletcher during minicamp, although you're right, it's hard to tell much in that kind of setting. Laurinaitis will earn a starting spot, IMO. Fletcher is raw, but his skills are noticeable -- as well as his size, which Spags loves.

Don McCoy: Hey Bill,

First off thanks for taking the time to read(and at least attempt) to answer all of these comments. Much appreciated!

Ive been wondering as of late as to what the Rams plan on doing at RB? Im assuming Leonard and Pittman will be here? Along with newly drafted Chris Ogbannaya(mouth full). But who is the leading candidate to get the all important backup role to S Jax? We all know S Jax has been "oft-injured" the last few years. So the backup role is very important. Kinda wondering why the Rams didnt get a peerman or something a round or two earlier?

So, in short, who will the backup RB be opening day and just how good is this Ogbannaya?

Thanks, Don

Jim Thomas: This will be another interesting training camp competition. Kenneth Darby is a good No. 3 back, but probably not big enough to be the No. 2. Pittman was just OK in that role. Don't dismiss Leonard, who is a battler, or Samkon Gado, either. Ogbonnaya will get lots of work in the preseason. And I wouldn't be surprised if another RB joins the roster before training camp.

Buzz: Bill,
What with the Rams being short on depth at wr, I would like to know more about undrafted wr Jarrett Byers. About all I know is that he played at a small school, is on the short side, and seems to have good stopwatch speed. Do you know what kind of numbers he put up in college? Did he look fast at minicamp? Did he make any plays? Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Byers looked decent. Didn't produce any "oh, wow" moments, but also didn't have any drops that I saw. He's quick. Don't know about his college numbers. Might have a shot at the practice squad, but it's way too early to tell for sure.

Mike: Hey Billl, How long do you think it will take for the rams to sign there rookies?

Jim Thomas: As is usually the case, it'll probably be mid-July before most of the draft picks are signed. It's become a waiting game for the agents these days.

Nick Rolando: JT, appreciate the chats as always. Was reading Peter King's MMQB and he said that Stan Kroenke relinquished control over the Rams to Chip and Lucia. As I recall Stan never had control correct? He owns about 40% and heard that he might be interested in taking over not vice versa?

Jim Thomas: Nothing has changed re Kroenke's ownership situation. Not sure what Peter was referencing.