Tucker: Jim,

I'm assuming your up in wisconsin at camp. Can you tell us what the general feeling is among the players? Are they upbeat? Anxious to get the season started? I'm hoping everybody is pumped up.

Thanks

Jim Thomas: I'm here in beautiful Mequon. mood is generally good. Players always look forward to the start of the season, but at the same time dread the grind of two-a-days.

Ram-Man: Hey Jim! Welcome back, we missed your insight.

First question. What is the skinny on how Long is doing in camp? Is he getting pushed around? Is he holding his own?

Second question. Whith Pittman getting the bulk of the reps with the number one offense, how is he progressing?

Last question. How is Leonard Little looking? As of right now, how do you rank the DE's in order?

I won't even ask you about Steven Jackson, since I know that will be covered by others.

Jim Thomas: Long looks like a rookie. At times he gets pushed around. At times he makes a play. Pace, even with limited reps, is having little trouble with Long in team drills. Then again, that was the case with Wistrom. For several years.
Pittman looks OK, and nothing more.
Little looks very good. As for ranking the DEs, right now, I'd say 1.) Little; 2.) James Hall; 3.) Long.

David Naglieri: Hey Jim,
I am looking forward to these chats the rest of training camp and into the 2008 season. I am curious to get your insights into recent comments from Marc Bulger about the departure of Isaac Bruce. He seemed to insignuate that it was difficult for him to assert himself with Bruce's presence in the huddle. Were you aware of Bruce hampering Bulger's growth as a team leader? Secondly, do you think we have a stronger recieving corps this year with Bruce gone?

Jim Thomas: You're reading way too much into Bulger's comments. He was kidding. I don't think Isaac Bruce stunted Bulger's growth.
As for receiving corps as a whole, right now, Bennett is the other starter and Dante Hall is the NO. 3. It depends largely on how quickly rookies Avery and Burton develop and are able to contribute.

bfulton: Aside from players returning from injury, how does the Oline look? How well is Loney meshing with the players?

Jim Thomas: Loney is a very good communicator.
The o-line did better Monday, but so far I would say the d-line has gotten the best of it _ to the point where one Rams official told me: "Is our d-line this good, or our o-line this bad?"
But before we all overreact, keep in mind, this was on Day 4 of camp.

Rich: Hey Jim,

We have been hearing a lot about the WRs, but I am curious on how the DBs are fairing - especially since veteran CB Brown is out for the remainder of camp and at least one game of the pre-season.

Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Bartell is with the starters in Brown's absence. He'll have play after play of solid or even great performance, and then he'll get beaten badly on a play. He needs more consistency.
Rookie Justin King has been a mild surprise so far. He looks pretty good. Speedy, aggressive, good breaks on the ball. I'm not saying he's ready to contribute on opening day, but right now, he looks better than second-year man Justin King.