Rambunctious: Do you think the Rams would consider signing Deuce McCalister or S. Alexander if they checked out ok medically? Deuce is apparently willing to embrace a backup role, don't know about Alexander in that regard. Thanks in advance!

Jim Thomas: Highly doubtful. The Rams seem committed to bringing in FAs that they believe are "ascending" players, rather than other teams' castoffs.

YoMurphy: Hi Bill,
Do you have any suggestions as to how to keep from being bored during this post-draft, pre-training camp time period? Is there really anything happening with the Rams that is worth following right now? I only ask this because it seems I don't have a choice in the matter. I check to see if something new has happened nearly every day, even though I am disappointed with a lack of news. Don't say NBA playoffs... that's not going to work.

Jim Thomas: OTAs start today at Rams Park, so we'll be reporting off those practices that are open to the media (two per week). The last of the three minicamps is June 4-6, followed by a few more OTAs. Then, the entire league basically shuts down until training camps get under way (late July).
This definitely is a slow time in the NFL.

chaban: Thanks for taking the questions this week.
1) Don't you think the Rams would be better served in using Draft as a b/up LB to all 3 spots considering his age, than as a starter at the SAM spot? Do the Rams think they have a potential starter in their other LBs or are they hoping to pick one up off the waiver wire?
2) Also, in relation to Will Franklin, we know they put in a waiver request for him the first time he was cut by the KC but Detroit had the higher priority. Since Detroit has now cut him and we have the highest priority, do you know if we have a request in for him?
3) I saw we picked up OT Eric Young from Cleveland. Is this an indication that we need more depth, or is Spags unhappy with what we have at that position?

Thank you,
Dean from NC

Jim Thomas: 1) The Rams probably would be better off with Draft as the backup at all 3 LB spots. But right now, they have no one to plug it at SAM. If Quinton Culberson re-emerges, he could be a possibility. And, yes, I think they'd like to add a LB at some point. Might not happen till late in training camp, through.
2) Answered in a previous question.
3) Depth. Barron and Jason Smith will start.

Loren: I think our defense can be much improved this year but I also believe there is two people that really have to stay healthy for us to have a chance and that is long and little. Pressure from the ends makes up for a lot of mistakes. What is your take.

Jim Thomas: Absolutely. Under new DC Ken Flajole, the Rams are going to play more "press" coverage, with the CBs challenging the WRs at the line and the safeties covering deep. So, pressure on the QB is going to be very important. Little had a pretty good year last year before he got hurt, and Long should be better in his second season. James Hall is a good pass-rusher, too, and I expect he'll be used quite a bit situationally, as will Victor Adeyanju vs. the run.

LA Rams: Hello, I'm really high on Bradley Fletcher... What are the chances that he starts opposite of Bartell?

Jim Thomas: Fletcher looked pretty good at minicamp. But that's a long way from starting. Tye Hill will be given every chance to win that job, but if he falters, it's an open competition that will involve Justin King, Jonathan King and possibly Fletcher.