Kevin: Any idea how many touches Rams are planning per game for Jackson?

Jim Thomas: Exactly 27 -- 22 carries and 5 catches.
Seriously, he figures to get plenty of work in Shurmur's offense.

cburn17: Bill,
Thanks for filling in for JT and holding the chats. Earlier I read an article on Fox Sports by Alex Marvez that deemed that the worst free agent signing in all the NFL this offseason was the Ram's signing of C Jason Brown. Mr. Marvez claims that the Rams overpaid and that Brown's limited althetism makes him a better fit at guard. What are your thoughts? Did the Rams over pay, and could we see him move to guard and if so would he be a better fit there? Thanks again.

- Bert (concerned but hopeful) Rams fan in IL

Jim Thomas: Brown has looked very good at center during the spring minicamps and OTAs. He's really a bright guy and is adept at recognizing defenses quickly, which is vital when making the O-line calls. The Rams are very happy with him right where he is.
As for overpaying, who's to know? If he can help solidify arguably the weakest link on the team, just what is his value? Pretty darn high, I'd say.

John: Bill,

Given the stadium issues and the current local and national economic climate it seems to me that the chance of the Rams remaining in St. Louis has diminished, especially with the second biggest market in the U.S. and the former home of the Rams currently without a team. What do you think the odds are that the Rams stay in St. Louis, and if they do relocate, is Los Angeles the only viable option?

Jim Thomas: I'm not sure that LA is a viable option. There are very large issues involved with that notion. Not going to go into details just yet, but the league would be a very hard sell for anyone wanting to move the Rams back to LA, for a number of reasons.

bowman1429: What's up with Chip's timing on this? In Bernie's article today it says that Dave Checketts clearly expressed his intent just last week. Is it a play to drive up the price?

Jim Thomas: I think it's more of a play to prod potential local ownership to come forward.

kiefer williams: Hi Jim.

I have a few questions for you today.

1) What is the word about Claude Wroten?
2) Any news about the strong side LB job?
3) What is the receiver line-up at this point?
4) What are the chances that Randy McMichael gets cut and the starting job is handed to Daniel Fells and we use the cap money to either trade for or sign LB or RB competition?

Jim Thomas: 1. No word on Wroten yet. He was eligible to apply for reinstatement May 30. I've checked with the league office and so far have received no reply.
2. No news. Draft, Vobora and Grant are the main contestants so far.
3. Avery, Burton, Robinson . . . then fill in the blanks. Too eary.
4. Chances of that happening are just north of zero. McMichael figures to play a big role in this offense.