den-the-coach: Bill,
Just wondering on who the Rams will try on returning punts and kickoffs besides Derek Stanley. Is Jonthan Wade a possibility? I know that Kenneth Darby did return kickoffs when Stanley was injured, but has Special Teams Coordinator Tom McMahon given any indications on who they are looking at? With the competition at wide receiver, it is very likely that Stanley might not make the sqaud so I was just inquiring on who else will be given an opportunity?

Jim Thomas: During minicamp earlier this month, they had a bunch of guys fielding kicks and punts. Stanley is the front-runner, but it's tempting to take a look at Donnie Avery on KOs, just because of his great speed. Darby was pretty good on KOs last year. But Stanley, who I do expect to make the team, is the leader in the clubhouse.

ctramsfan: Jim, do you think the Rams will put in a bid for Will Franklin now that he is available? I think he would addd depth to the thin receiving corp and add some spped as well. I think he would be very useful for this team. Any thoughts?

Thanks for your time

John

Jim Thomas: The Rams liked Franklin when he was at Mizzou and brought him in for a pre-draft visit. So, there could be some interest there, especially with the need for depth at WR. But it's kind of strange that two teams already have given up on Franklin. Not sure what the problem is, but it's a big red flag.

virginiatom: The gun incident in the nightclub was a stupid thing to do, and I in no way condone it ,but so many NFL players carry weapons with them that its not exactly a heinous crime and not the worse thing a player could do. The contract issues were also very ordinary in terms of the NFL. So why not take a shot at Burris, a big wide receiver that would be the perfect target for Bulger to go to? Signing Tim Carter, a journey man non-producer was an act of desperation that won't produce anything significant.

Jim Thomas: The biggest issue with Burress is his availability. NYC's gun laws are very strict, and he could well do a stint behind bars. Plus, he doesn't come close to satisfying Spagnuolo's four pillars. So, I don't think you'll see Plaxico in STL anytime soon.

Danny: First off thanks for taking the time to read through these questions!

People keep denouncing the Rams's wr as even a threat, but hasnt Avery shown he's got a lot in him. Hasnt Burton shown he's got potemtial, and even Robinson shined his first year as a falcon didnt he? I know there are no true veterans besides Tim Carter who we recently signed, but is everyone right about our receivers or is it just lack of experience?

Thanks Again!

Jim Thomas: No question, the Rams are banking a lot on their young WRs. But they have a lot of upside. Avery had a nice rookie season, and Burton will get more opportunities this year. Robinson had a good minicamp, and Stanley remains in the picture. That said, sure, they'd like to pick up a veteran WR. The question is, who? Not much out there right now.

jerseyram: ok i like the o-line should be good with potential 2 be very good. d-line is scary 2 me whats up with carriker i know coach spags like bigger dts does he fit the system is ryan ready to take the next step ? i know wroten is a screw up but we know as long as you have talent you be given 2nd and 3rd chances does this staff feel wroten pontetial is worth the risk ?

Jim Thomas: Carriker's first two seasons were slightly disappointing, but in his defense he was bouncing around fron NT to UT. He's more suited for UT, or 3-technique, it seems, and if he's left there, he might come around pretty quickly. Ryan has been pretty solid in the middle. The rest of the rotation is pretty much up in the air at this point. Rookie Darell Scott probably will be in there, and Orien Harris, too.
As for Wroten, I expect the Rams to release him as soon as he's reinstated. Of course, I could be wrong about that. But he doesn't seem to fit the Spags profile.