Hondo: Seems to me Tye Hill is going to have to have a huge training camp and exhibition season to get to start for the Rams this season. He doesn't seem to fit the prototype corner Spags is looking for, he doesn't have the confidence or the size. Make or break season for Tye?

Jim Thomas: I'd go even further and say this is a make-or-break preseason for Hill. If he can't earn the starting spot at the other corner, then he doesn't have much of a future here.

Ram-Man: Hey Jim..Umm I mean Bill, What's the feel inside the locker room? Do you get a sense of excitement? Or is it more a sense of apprehension? Also, Steven Jackson must be having a hard time trying to contain himself. I mean, he has heard every year, that he is going to be the focal point of the offense. But this year, really looks like the real deal. With a bolstered O-line and a real Fullback and no real stand out veteran at WR, he must feel that this is his year to shine. Barring injury of course, he has the opportunity to put up un-Godly numbers. Has he been walking around Rams Park with an extra bounce in his step?

Jim Thomas: Well, they haven't let us inside the locker room yet, but, yes, I do get a sense of excitement around Rams Park. Maybe the feel of a fresh start under Spags.
Jackson is a happy man, for sure. He got what he wanted in the offseason. Now, he just has to stay healthy.

Newkirk: Jim, The Rams used a 6th round pick for a QB that apparently wasn't on many radar screens. Chase Daniel and Graham Harrell went undrafted after all. Do you think the Rams could have signed this guy (Null?) as a FA? Do you know if he has QB "smarts" like a Kurt Warner or Payton Manning?

Jim Thomas: Yes, I think Null could've been signed as a UDFA. Can't understand taking him in the 6th.
As for his QB "smarts," way too eary to tell. But he has a strong, accurate arm, and he's an impressive guy to talk to. Even looks a bit like Warner in the face. Wants to be a minister after his football days are over. Not sure if he's going to collect winter coats for the needy, though.

Randy Nantz: Jim,

Thanks for the chance for fans to ask some questions.

Which player(s)most need to have break-out seasons for the Rams to not only rebuild but possibly contend in the NFC West?

Jim Thomas: The answer to that is: their best players have to have their best seasons. That means Jackson, Bulger, Barron, Avery, Atogwe, Bartell, etc. If they do, the Rams certainly could contend in the division.

John: If Fells beats out Klop for the 3rd TE spot, should we be excited about his future? Do you think he has the potential to step up to the #1 spot when McMichael's contract is up?

Jim Thomas: Since the Rams brought him in last year, Fells has looked great in practice, but only so-so during games. His task is to prove that he can do it when the lights go on. If he can, then we can discuss the McMichael question. But the Rams sure like Fells' upside.