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.

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.

Steve B.: Bill:
Any word on whether there are any negotiations with Atogwe on a long term contract? It seems to me that the Rams could save some cap money this year by negotiating a deal. If nothing is happening, do you think the hold up is from the Rams or Atogwe?

Jim Thomas: Not sure whether they are actively negotiating at this point. But I know both sides have a desire to get a long-term deal done, hopefully before the start of the season. It always seems to get stickier when it goes into the season with a potential UFA.

paceram: Bill,
2 Questions - 1) Do you think Keith Null will win the battle with Brock Berlin and possibly others for the Rams 3rd String QB Job? And, 2) do you think the Rams had a plan to replace Pisa (Grant, Culberson, Draft, etc.) when they released him or did they do that mainly to save cap money? And, if they did do it to save cap money can we look for them to use some of that money to sign a targeted player in the near future or do you think the Rams FA signings are pretty much done for awhile?
Thanks!

Jim Thomas: 1) We've seen very little of Null so far, but the Rams are hoping he'll be the No. 3 QB this year. They wouldn't have spent a draft pick on him otherwise.
2) I think the Rams were convinced that Pisa was too small to play SAM. And they weren't going to pay him big bucks to back up. As for signing other FAs, doubtful that anything significant will be done in the near future. Kind of in a lull in that arena for now.

Rambel66: Looks like the KC Chiefs are going to try and use Glenn Dorsey as a 3-4 DE when this guy is clearly a 3 Technique DT. It seems doubtful that he will fit there, and could therefore be expendible for the Chiefs either this year or next year, given the Chiefs enormous salary cap space ($30 million). Given that the Rams were highly interested in Dorsey prior to the draft last year, and that he would fit into our defensive scheme pretty well, what are the chances the Rams would try to acquire him? Could an even swap of Carriker for Dorsey be done as well? Seems like it would be a win/win for both teams. Carriker is more of a 5 technique DE, not a 3 technique DT.

Jim Thomas: Sorry, but my crystal ball isn't working very well.
Seriously, that's pretty hypothetical. The Rams did like Dorsey, but he's been far less than advertised. And they certainly aren't ready to give up on Carriker. It'll be interesting to see how he does if he's kept at the 3-technique instead of bouncing around on the inside.

jdub: Hey I was wondering if the rams are looking to pick up another player in FA? My other question is giving all they have done in the off season what record do you think the rams will have this season?

Jim Thomas: They're always looking, just like the 31 other teams. Not much out there right now, though. FA activity will pick up later in the summer, when teams start formulating their 53-man rosters and practice squads.
I did the Rams preview for Athlon magazine and predicted a 7-9 finish.

Ben Alvord: Hey Jim,

Kind of a two part question. With the trade of Brian Leonard goign back to when he was drafted don't you think that Ryan Khalil was the better pick at the time?

Second question if we had Khalil then would we maybe have the Brown money to spend on a lock down corner? Will the rams ever spend the money to get a good corner in his prime? Speaking of that when does Darryl Henly get released?

Jim Thomas: Hindsight is 20-20, for sure.
Darryl Henly?

Dave (Sydney): G'Day Jim

Firstly I havern't heard anything regarding Ray Feinga since his contract was nullified, do you know whats going there? He sounded an interesting prospect. Also is there/should there be interest in trying to acquire Dorsey from the chiefs and what compensation would it require? (by the way do you know if they were actually tring to ship predraft?). Thanks for your time, I really love reading you answer each week as I'm starved of Rams news down under!

Jim Thomas: Feinga was re-signed, and he was on the field this morning for OTAs. The Rams like what they've seen of him.
Dorsey question answered previously.

biggame1190: Hey Bill!

I was wondering what RB was in the 2nd team offense at Rams Minicamp and who do you think will win the position battle for #2 RB

Jim Thomas: Darby and Pittman both took snaps with the second team today during OTAs. The winner of that position might not be on the roster right now. Lots of time to make that determination.

39megaram: Bill,

What;s the status of the dome renovations. Have you seen the progress ? How's the hanger
looking if you have ?

Jim Thomas: The renovations are under way right now. Place is pretty torn up, I hear. Haven't seen what's going on, but hoping to get a "tour" in the near future.

Ineeda Hammer: Can you tell me how much $ the Rams have to sign the FA Running Back that we are obviously waiting for someone to cut loose?

Will we be forced to cut someone inorder to sign him, or do we have enough $ available right now?

Everyone seems to be more concerned about signing a WR... when our most glaring need is a 2nd NFL caliber RB.

Jim Thomas: I don't think it's a money issue re the No. 2 running back. I think it's more of, who's available? That spot might not be determined until late in training camp, when rosters really begin to shape up around the league.

william morris: Hey Jim,

Please answer this question for me. By the way you do a great job. But I was on NFL.com the other day looking at our roster and for some reason Leonard Little was listed as a LB. I'm very concerned about our outside linebacker position right now and it would be interesting to see Little at LB. Do you know anything about this because he has never been listed as anything besides DE far as I know? And if not, what do you feel we will do about our outside LB situation? As is? New guy? Thanks a lot!

Jim Thomas: No position move for Little. He remains a DE.
Witherspoon will man out of the outside spots. The other is up for grabs. Could be Draft, Culberson, Larry Grant or a yet-to-be-acquired LB. Again, might be a training camp answer for this one, too.

ncdc: Dear Jim,

Leading up to the draft, it was widely reported that the Rams wanted another big back behind SJax. The Rams were one of the teams that showed up for Rashad Jennings' Pro Day. I believe Jennings was one of the players the Rams brought in for a pre-draft visit. Every draft site had Jennings as a late second to fourth round talent.

He has the size (6-1 233), strength (29 reps at 225), decent speed (mid 4.5), and experience (one year starter at Pitt, 3 years at Liberty). His character was unquestioned. A strong Christian upbringing also led to his decision to leave Pitt after a great freshman season on a national stage, and enroll at Liberty so that he could be at home and help take care of his dad who had just lost a leg to diabetes. Add to that that he has been a RB since he was 6 years old!

So what did the Rams do on draft day? They took a converted WR with little RB experience, who is smaller, not as strong, and may or may not make the team.

Every draft site I went to that provided a pick by pick analysis basically said this about Jennings: "he WILL (emphasis added) be the #2 back behind Jones-Drew", and "he was an absolute steal in the 7th round". The same sites had this to say about the Rams Chris Ogbonnaya: "a converted WR who is still learning", "had limited touches as QB McCoy was the leading rusher", "might make a decent #3 back in the NFL".

Might? Excuse me?! #3 back? We already have that in Darby! So, basically, the Rams bypassed a reported definate #2 to draft a possible #3. Here is what the local press is Jacksonville has to say about Jennings:

"Seventh-round running back Rashad Jennings was that player on offense. Jennings flashed speed, quickness and pass-catching ability you usually don’t see in a player his size. He also displayed an element of poise and comfort you don’t often see in a player from a lower-division school in his rookie mini-camp. Jennings was sensational. He especially caught everyone’s attention on Sunday morning with a darting run up the middle that froze defenders."

And...

"Jennings, the Jaguars’ seventh-round running back who set mini-camp on its ear, was a high school football star at Lynchburg Christian Academy..."

And...

Q: "What players did the Jaguars pick with our 2009 compensatory picks?

Vic: The Jaguars selected Rashad Jennings and Tiquan Underwood. I genuinely believe Jennings and Underwood could turn out to be home-run picks for the Jaguars. Wouldn’t that be something?"

What did the P-D report about Ogbonnaya at camp? Not much!

And here I thought the Rams brought in a highly thought-of RB coach in Sylester Croom. It has been reported in the P-D that it was Croom who was vocal about Ogbonnaya from Round 5 on. Sounds like he doesn't know talent when he sees it, and that would explain the lackluster record of Miss State under Croom. They should have grabbed Jennings who was there in round 5, 6 and 7. This is the ONLY pick in the draft that's concerning, and it says a lot about the much-critizized Rams Day 2 decision making process! Your thoughts?

Jim Thomas: Well, you seem to have decided on this already. I would say, let's see how it all plays out. The draft was less than a month ago, for crying out loud. Nobody has even been in pads yet.
By the way, the PD did a pretty comprehensive feature story on Ogbonnaya during minicamp.

RamDodger: Bill, Do you think the Rams will answer the need for a veteran receiver (Carter not the answer)this year? Or, do you think that Devaney and Spags are content to stay with the short game and not use the deep threat? Potentially looking to free agency next year for a premier receiver?

Jim Thomas: Sure, they'd like to add somebody. But, who? I don't believe they think WR is as much of a concern as some fans do.
By the way, Donnie Avery certainly ranks as a deep threat.

Markus: Hello Jim!

I have 3 questions:

1) Who do you think will be our 2nd WR?

2) Who do you think is a better LT and should start at LT? Jason Smith or Alex Barron?

3) How is our offense gonna be different from last year?

Thank you and have a good day
Greetings from Finland

Jim Thomas: 1) Keenan Burton.
2) Barron.
3) West Coast style, more reliance on Jackson and shorter, under-coverage passes.

Odell in L.A.: Any Mike Vick interest from the Rams brass?

Jim Thomas: None.

rambart: Hi Jim, thanks again for your "discussions". I keep reading from various fans that our new recievers are "So small" .Would you please compare Bruce & Holt in their prime to Avery & Burton----size wise of course. Thank you Jerry Bartels

Jim Thomas: Holt and Bruce were nearly twins size-wise, each 6 feet and about 190. Avery is 5-11 and 184; Burton is 6-0, 202.

cburn17: Are the Ram's happy with what they have done this off-season, assuming they are done (aside from adding depth bodies)? Is the new regime targeting a specific free agent for next year or an area/position that they want to upgrade next off-season?

Jim Thomas: I don't think they'll give much, if any thought, until next offseason until they deal with the upcoming season first. As for their offseason moves this year, I think they believe they've upgraded significantly by adding five new starters: Butler at SS, Brown at C, Smith at RT, Laurinaitis at MLB and Karney at FB.

RamsFan#39: hey bill

just wondering do you think the rams should go for derrick burgess...or are you hearing anything about that at all?

Jim Thomas: I haven't heard anything about the Rams having any interest in Burgess -- assuming the Raiders are serious about moving him anyway.

CARam: I think the Rams building process will not be ready to win in the playoffs until after both the 2010 and the 2011 draft, and along with some key postion developments of people we now have. That's a way to go.

So the question is, is it reasonable to expect earlier team progress/development to reach the playoffs in 2009 with the present talent?

Jim Thomas: Well, the Rams do play in the NFC West. So, sure, the playoffs aren't out of the question this year. I doubt anyone would've expected Miami to be in the postseason last year.

Jason: Hey there, just wanted to get your thoughts on this...Why didn't the rams take Curry? They still could have gotten an OT in the 2nd round that could be just as good as J. Smith. Curry was one of the few elite players in this draft....looks like a top 5 pick again next year too...

Jim Thomas: Way too early to judge anybody's 2009 draft. The Rams loved Curry, but they filled two starting spots with Smith and Laurinaitis. Until we see them in full pads and vs. real competition, we really can't evaluate with any accuracy.

playmaker: With the recession hitting the St.Louis area (and entire United States) hard right now, is there any chance the NFL will change the blackout rule regulations for the 2009 season?

Jim Thomas: I doubt it, but that's an interesting thought. Would be a great PR move by the league, IMHO.

rxc999: hey bill,

just wondering if rams are looking ahead at qb position for next years draft? or it is too early at this time?

Jim Thomas: WAY too early.

RAMBLE: How did the QB's rank in arm strength and also in accuracy in mini-camp? I understand it's hard to get a good read off mini-camp.

Jim Thomas: Arm strength:
1. Boller
2. Null
3. Bulger
4. Berlin

Accuracy:
1. Bulger
2. Boller
3. tie, Null and Berlin

eternalramnation: Bill,

Will the Rams resign Barron if he has a monster year at left tackle or is this a one and done type of arrangement with Barron with Smith sliding over to LT next year regardless of what Barron does?

Jim Thomas: A monster year at LT? Well, they'd certainly try to re-sign him if that were the case. There's no one-and-done arrangement.
Also no guarantee that Barron won't be at RT and Smith at LT on opening day. It's only May, after all.

Robert Holbrook: Have the Rams tried Campbell or Pittman at Strong Side Linebacker. Campbell played a year in college at Strong Side Linebacker.

Jim Thomas: No, both are on the line for now.

midnighter67: espn.com has a rumor that says don't count out the Rams possibly signing Plaxico Burress. Do the Rams actually have interest in him?

Jim Thomas: No.

28-blast: The St. Louis Rams have some problem areas in their line up. I suspect that several of the problem areas can be addressed by the use of one UDFA and a very old Ram strategy.

In the 50s the Rams used the following ‘Bull Elephant’ backfield:
Dick Hoerner: 6-4 and 220 pounds.
Paul ‘Tank’ Younger: 6-3 and 225 pounds.
Deacon Dan Towler: 6-2 and 225 pounds.

Now the Rams can use the following ‘Bull Elephant’ backfield:
Steve Jackson: 6-2 and 231 pounds.
Mike Karney: 5-11 and 255 pounds.
Jerome Johnson: 6-0 and 258 pounds.

The Rams can then send Karney and Johnson into the line, freezing the linebackers, then pitch/pass to Jackson around either end. The small, fast Ram wide receivers can force the defense to use small, fast cornerbacks. Small, fast cornerbacks aren’t going to work well against the ‘Bull Elephant’ backfield. If the Rams want to run a power sweep, they have the beef to do so and the defensive line has to pretty much stay in two gap mode to stop a quick ‘halfback dive’ by Karney or Johnson.

The Rams have four tight ends and are a bit understaffed at wider receiver. They can huddle with 12 men and then send off a wide receiver or tight end, as the defense dictates. Also, at least Karney and Jackson can function as pass receivers. The two fullbacks can provide pass protection for Bulger, when he throws. The two fullbacks also provide a ‘#2 running back.’

The ‘Bull Elephant’ backfield solves the problems at #2 running back, wide receiver and tight end. Also, the ‘Bull Elephant’ backfield is a ball control offense that allows the defense to operate with fewer defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs on the roster, because the offense will be on the field more.

Why not?

Jim Thomas: The Bull Elephant, eh? This probably would be better directed to OC Pat Shurmur.
By the way, Jerome Johnson is a long-shot to make the team anyway.

Joos: I think the Rams have far better talent than what has been shown over the last couple of years because of the previous coaching regime. Guys like Carriker, Hill regressed after pretty solid rookie years. I think this shows an inability of the coaching staff to coach players up. Typically players dont decline after their rookie years.

Do you think they have the raw material to turn the defense around quickly under coach Spags? He seems to be able to coach players up and make solid players good and talented players play great due to his system.

Jim Thomas: Hill and Carriker both had injury issues, so it's hard to judge them. But you're right, if the Rams are to made significant steps on defense, both will have to be better.
I think the additions of Butler at SS and Laurinaitis at MLB will help, along with the move of Witherspoon to WLB. Also, Long in his second year should improve, as you noted, and if Little can stay healthy, that'll make a big difference, too.
So, to answer your question, yes, I think a turnaround is possible. Not necessarily probable, but possible.

That's all for this week. Thanks to all who participated.