jerry Cox: Why don't you report on details of activities at training camp? What is accomplished. What didn't go well and why didn't it go well. I am interested in that stuff. Even though think has no bearing on how the season will go.

Jim Thomas: Hello again everybody, hoped you enjoyed last week's chat with Rams exec Kevin Demoff. Starting a little earlier today because of some interview sessions in the 1 o'clock hour.

As for your question, Jerry Cox, That's kind of what we plan on doing. But training camp hasn't started yet.

Edwinrams: Is there an NFL study out there that can tell us overall which team has the bulkiest strongest players? Where do you think we would stand in that study? Thanks man.

Jim Thomas: I'm not aware of such a study. I don't think the teams share that information. I will be curious to see what happens under the Rams' new strength and conditioning coach Rock Gullickson. He's old school, and in the early going the players seem to have responded well to him. I'm sure the Rams hope that a stronger, better-conditioned team will lead to fewer injuries.

Plant the RamFan: Hey Jim


I been think bout the LBs corps and i still feel that we coulda just moved Pisa to the SLB and the LBs would have been really good and it still might be if Grant JL play really well what do you think?

Jim Thomas: There was a time when I thought that's exactly what would happen, but the Rams obviously felt he was too small at 220-225 pounds (his listed roster weight of 240 is pure fiction) to take on tight ends on the strong side.

Cory in Wentzville: Will Victor Adeyanju ever be a 3 down DE in the NFL?

Jim Thomas: Adeyanju has never developed the pass rush skills to be an every-down player in the NFL. But he plays non-stop and is a tencicious run defender (despite the Rams' overall lack of success recently against the run), and that's where his value lies.

28-blast: In effect, the Rams traded Brian Leonard for Ronald Curry. What's your take on the trade?

Jim Thomas: The word out of Detroit is that Curry has lost more than a step. If you don't have the quickness to gain separation on DBs, it's hard to catch passes in the NFL. So I'm interested in watching Curry wants camp begins later in the week. Curry at least has some track record of success in the league, he's got some size, and he's playing for the minimum wage. It's a no-lose proposition for St. Louis. If he turns into a serviceable player, great. If he doesn't, the Rams really haven't lost anything. If he's got anything left, he can certainly have an impact on this WR corps.

ram4life: Who, exactly, is working as the first team strongside linebacker? Vobora, Grant, or Draft?

Jim Thomas: The team doesn't have its first full squad practice of camp until Friday. In the spring, Vobora, Grant, Draft, and Quinton Culberson all had time on the strongside. I would think Draft will end up at the starter, but this certainly is one of the most wide-open position for the team entering training camp.

Mike B.: I really want the Rams to sign Vick. I think it is well worth the risk for a one year or two year low contract. What do you think the odds of signing Vick are and do you want to see the Rams have him in for a tryout atleast?

Jim Thomas: The Rams have consistently said they are NOT INTERESTED in Vick, most recently executive VP of football operations Kevin Demoff on this very chat last week.

Cory in Wentzville: What ever became of Az Hakim? Last time I heard he had a tryout with the Dolphins in 2008

Jim Thomas: It looks as if Hakim is done. He is not currently under contract with an NFL club.

ramsfaninia: Hi Jim, welcome back, hope you were able to give the mind and body a rest for the grueling season ahead. Now, for the important question. In a ten team fantasy football league, where do you take Steven Jackson, first round or second? Say you're picking number five in a serpentine league. I'm trying not to let my blind Rams homerism affect my picks, as I'm expecting a pretty good year. However, Jackson w/ a rebuilt line and a fullback...maybe my Rams homerism gives me a leg up on the non Rams fans in the room. What say you?

Jim Thomas: Boy, it's still July and you're putting the pressure on me already. I wouldn't take Jackson in the top 5. But if he's still there at the end of the first round? Sure.

Lanzo1380: Is their any chance of the rb from texas would be moved to TE if he is just a step to slow for the NFL? I am impressed with his ability to catch the ball and unless he has a little Brandon Jacobs in him at the goal line I don't see him being our 2nd rb.Tinny01

Jim Thomas: Too early to tell. Let's see what the kid does in pads.

Rich: Greetings Jim,

Now that the Rams have acquired an honest to goodness veteran receiver in Curry where do you see him ending up on the depth chart?

Personally I see him making a strong push for the number two slot opposite Avery.

Not to mention if the Rams want to give Bulger any chance of success they need to give him at least one veteran target at WR.

Thanks for these chats.

Jim Thomas: Depending on what kind of shape he's in and what he has _ or doesn't have _ left, I'd say Curry could indeed end up as the starter opposite Avery. Obviously, that would be an optimistic projection. He could just as easily end up cut.

Dave: How close are the Rams to having a deal done with their draft picks before camp opens?

Jim Thomas: As Bill Coats reported in today's P-D, everyone is signed or has agreed to contracts except the Nos. 1 and 2; OT Jason Smith and LB James Laurinaitis. We're running out of time before the start of camp, but Kevin Demoff remains optimistic he'll have both of them in camp on time.

MASS RAMS FAN: Hey Jim. Thanks for your time every week- as a Rams fan up here in Patriots Country it's almost like the rest of the NFL doesn't exist outside of Foxboro. Anyway- I was curious as to your thoughts on the WR corps right now. It looks like alot of these fans are ready to right off these guys and lobby for signings of guys like Toomer but in my eyes it looks like these guys will be more than adequate- especially with the more run heavy offense and shorter,quicker routes these guys will be called upon to run. Am I totally in the dark here? Thanks Jim

Jim Thomas: Even with the addition of Curry, I think the WR position remains the biggest question mark on the team. And I seriously wonder if the Rams are even close to having enough at the position to keep defenses honest. Yes, I realize that the return to health of TE Randy McMichael helps, and that Steven Jackson is a good pass-catching at RB. But has Avery shown you enough to convince you that he's a legit No. 1 wideout? Can Burton stay healthy enough to develop into a consistent pass-catcher? Will Curry and Robinson show up when it counts? There are a lot of questions about this group. Two or three of those guys will have to step up.

Steve M.: Looks like the Rams will have a decent offensive line to work with,but besides them and Mark Bulger and Steve Jackson they don't have much going for them.Can't see much in the receivers.Can we averaged more than 14 points a game?Maybe the defense could save the Rams.

Jim Thomas: Right now, there's only one difference-maker on offense (Jackson). Sure depth helps in the NFL; and you need role players. But you win games in the NFL with playmakers.

keithv: Jim, any news on the sale of the Rams? In your opinion, does Kroenke buy the Rams. Thanks

Jim Thomas: Pretty quiet on the sale front. Checketts sure has been quiet since his bold statements in early June. As for Kroenke, I still have my doubts that the league is willing to waive the cross-ownership guidelines that would allow him to buy a majority share of the team.

Ramfan since 74: Jim, Thanks for taking my questions: What is the motivation to keep Alex Barron at LT? As a free agent after this season, if he has a Great year he will then command LT money to keep him. If he really is part of the Rams long term plan wouldnt it make sense to keep him at RT and let Jason Smith learn the LT position as he will be paid LT money out of the gate? Are the Rams going to pay 2 players LT money not to mention the other money already being paid to J Brown and J Bell? It just seems like alot money being invested in an offensive line. Do you have any insight to what the long term plan might be? Thanks again

Jim Thomas: The NFL is a year-to-year proposition, and I'm sure if the new staff feels that playing Barron at LT gives them the best chance to win, that's what they'll do. Keep in my, too, that if 2010 is indeed an uncapped year, Barron won't be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He'll be restricted _ meaning the Rams can tender him at a first-round draft pick compensation level and have matching rights on any outside offers. Even at a first-round tender, they would have Barron for a bargain rate in 2010. Obviously all of this depends on how Barron plays in '09, too.

rob: Now that we traded Orien harris we are again thin at DT. Any word on who might come in to bolster the rotation?

Jim Thomas: Harris was traded because he was behind Garr Gibson, Antwon Burton, and draft pick Darell Scott on the depth chart. He wasn't going to make the club.

therickr: It seems the focus has been on our weak WRs, but I'm okay with this young highly talented group. Historically, WRs blossom in years 2 and 3 of their careers.

Now I believe the weakest position group is easily the linebackers! Will Witherspoon is the only NFL caliber starter in the group. Any interest in signing Derrick Brooks?

Also, if we could sign/trade for a backup RB to Steven Jackson, then I think our roster is set. Your thougths?

Jim Thomas: Hope you're right on the wideouts.

People I talk to that are familiar with the Tampa Bay organization feel that Brooks' play has declined considerably, and he'd be unwilling to go anywhere where he might not start or might be asked to play special teams.

I don't know about the roster being set, but it would be nice to see a bona fide backup behind Jackson, that's for sure.

soulardx: Jim,

What's with the seeming complete lack of a marketing campaign from the Rams? Why is this team so subpar at selling itself to St. Louis?

Jim Thomas: I've wondered this myself. Maybe they're waiting to wow us in August.

sean: i see the depth at defensive tackle being VERY shaky. can scott be relied upon as the third tackle? what if carriker or ryan go down? thats scary!

Jim Thomas: Agreed. Scott, Gibson or A. Burton might be fine in a rotation, but it is scary to think of them as starters if something happens to Ryan or Carriker.

joseph schober: With the Rams picking mostly def picks in the draft, do we have any hope of winning more than 2-4 games this year. Is Bulger back as the QB?

Jim Thomas: You know, I've been wrong before. But it's hard to see this team winning more than four or five. I think Bulger realizes he has to have a bounce back year in '09 in order to be back in '10.

NotMyHome: Jim,

Not that I am a proponent of mediocrity, but if the Rams go 8 – 8 this year, I hope that I am pleased and look forward to even more success in 2010. Other than staying relatively injury free, what are the three areas that should give me confidence that 8 and 8 is an achievable goal in 2009? In other words, it seems as if everyone is focused on our obvious weaknesses. What do you see as our three greatest strengths?

Jim Thomas: OK--here is the "height of optimism" scenario:

1.) Steven Jackson stays healthy, the rebuilt offensive line clicks, and SJax puts up 2006-type numbers.

2.) The West Coast controlled passing game also clicks. The combination of that and a big year by Jackson allows the Rams to control the clock, shorten games, and keep their defense off the field.

3.) Several "mid-range" veterans _ such as Adam Carriker, Clifton Ryan, Ron Bartell, Tye Hill, etc. _ blossom, leading to much-improved play by the defense.

sean: why do we call klop a bust if he hasnt had the ball thrown his way? i get the feeling that if you throw the ball to him, he might just catch it. is it his route running, or is it that he's sucked in practice, so the ball doesnt get thron his way on game day? if it's the latter, then i think we should just try sending him down field and throwing him the ball, he at least deserves that before we cut him

Jim Thomas: In the past, Klopfenstein has dropped a lot of footballs on the practice field. Although he displays good weight room strength, that hasn't translated into the kind of toughness, the kind of physical presence you need on game day in the NFL, even for a so-called "receiving" tight end.

sean: the depth at free and strong safety worries me, what happens if a starter goes down?

Jim Thomas: Well, there's Todd Johnson and. . .
I'm sure the Rams are hoping that Craig Dahl or David Roach or even Eric Bassey steps up.

Ron: Will there be a true open compitition for the Quarterback position. I am not a fan of Mark Bulgers

Jim Thomas: Not really. Bulger's the starter. I think Spagnuolo has been very clear on that. Of course, if Bulger struggles once the regular season starts, all bets are off.

STLFAN314: What is your prediction on the Rams season....record and all

Jim Thomas: 5-11, but more competitive in the losses than '08 or '07

Long Time Rams Fan: How much media coverage will be allowed in training camp by the stltoday crew? I was hoping to get at least a weekly update on how camp was going (from a first hand account - ie, how people are looking in scrimmage and one-on-one drills.)

Also, has there been any new information on Leonard Little's health? I am hoping he can stay healthy and productive for one or two more years, otherwise the line will be very thin on true pass rushers...

Jim Thomas: We'll do our best in terms of coverage.
Nothing new on Little for now. The players don't report until Weds. and Thurs.

Chocolate Thunder: Jimbo,
Can you tell me who has the best team in our division? I agree the Cardinals. Can you also tell me who has the best QB in our division? Nicely done, again I agree it's Kurt Warner. Can you also tell me how are we going to stop Arizona? Again I have to agree, we can't.
I guess we are looking for a goal of 6 wins this year. Thanks

Jim Thomas: Agreed. . .agreed. . .agreed.

FLRAMFAN69: Hi Jim, Well it's that time of year again. Since camp hasn't started, I'm not going to ask you a player question, all those questions will be answered in short order. I am wondering about Spags and his two-a-days. Didn't Coach Vermiel find out the hard way that two-a-days in July & August can be a killer in the Missouri summer?

Jim Thomas: Although the weather has been great here lately, we'll see what happens if we get our typically soorching August weather. It's a much younger team entering camp, so maybe that will help. But it's not just the two-a-days, there are no night practices other than the Lindenwood scrimmage. If it's a blast furnace August, the second practice will be in the heat of the day.

Bob Alexander: Coach,

How do you feel about reducing the number of preseason games?

Go Rams,
Bob

Jim Thomas: I'd be in favor of just two preseason games, preceded by one scrimmage.

Joe: Jim, Seems to me that in the past few years one of the Rams main defensive problems (and, I know there were many!) was stopping (or slowing) the opponents running game. Do you think they have the proper personnel to do a better job defending the run this year? I always thought they needed that Big 340lb DT to plug the middle.

Jim Thomas: I guess they're hoping that Darell Scott (who's about 315) can help fill that role. But you're right. They really didn't do a whole lot to get bigger in the front seven.

Crazy_Legs: Today's Washington Post Sports section listed the Rams as a potential suitor of Vick. From 1 to 10 what are the chances the Rams go after Vick? And why does the media keep mentioning us as potential suitor if the Rams are not interested as they have previously stated?

Jim Thomas: Either Devaney, Spags, and Demoff are lying to us about the lack of interest in Vick, or some of the national media is woefully uninformed. Maybe they're making the Vick-St. Louis connection simply because Devaney once worked for Atlanta.

tc: Hi Jim,

Who starts on the OL (and in what position) in Week 1?

Also, thoughts on the cornerback opposite Bartell?

Jim Thomas: See no reason to think it won't be (barring injury): LT Barron; LG Bell; C Brown; RG Incognito; RT J. Smith.

At CB, Tye Hill remains as the best option opposite Bartell. Hill obviously needs to step it up.

That's it for this week. I've got to go to an interview session. Talk to you all next week.