Luke: Jim-
Besides the receivers, could you please give us a quick run down on how the drafted rookies have looked?
Thanks,
Luke

Jim Thomas: I've already mentioned Long and King. John Greco looks very solid in one-one-one pass-blocking drills. Both young LBs (Chamberlain and Vobora) have had their moments. Chamberlain, in particularly, looks pretty good in coverage.

YB85: Welcome back. Football's almost here!
I'm concerned over the lack of depth of our defensive tackles, i'm aware that it is still early but we should start looking for viable depth. What unsigned veterans are available? Are you aware if management is looking on other teams?

Jim Thomas: I don't think Rams are worried unless severe injuries hit. (And I don't count Adeyanju as severe, since he should be back in plenty of time to play a couple of preseason games and be ready for opening day.)
Ryan-Glover-Carriker are on the final 53 at DT; Little, Hall, and Long are on the final 53 at DE Adeyanju is a swingman (as, obviously, is Carriker). That's seven guys, and they may keep only seven. If they keep 8 d-linemen, No. 8 probably is Eric Moore.

zn2003: Two questions. First,why did the Rams offensive players dislike the Linehan offense and why do they prefer the Saunders offense? Obviously it's possible to guess a lot of the answer to that, but still, it's informative to see it spelled out. Second, since you've seen so many training camps, in your opinion, what kinds of things tend to translate well from camp to the regular season? For example, if you see Player X stepping up and performing well during camp, does it tend to translate into regular season performance? In short, basically, what kinds of things can you safely predict about a team's regular season from watching camp practices?

Jim Thomas: The short answer on the offense is that it was too simplistic, lacked creativity, and didn't use all of the field.
As for training camp, bad habits or trends that take place in camp (and the preseason) usually carry over to the regular season. And good habits or trends as well. I also look for intangibles such as confidence, energy, enthusiasm. But saying all that, sometimes you get fooled. Drew Bennett looked very good last year during camp, then hurt his quad, and well. . .you know the rest of the story.

Rich: Are the Rams looking to bring in any veteran defensive lineman? Are there any out there even worth considering?

Jim Thomas: The Rams are in the process of signing Henry Smith, a nose tackle, from Texas A&M. He's 6-3, 315, and was with New England earlier this offseason as a rookie free agent.
DT Josh Thompson is expected to be waived-injured to free up the roster spot.

Buzz: Jim,
How football smart is Donnie Avery? I ask this because Avery played without a playbook in college, and now must master Al Saunders' massive book here. Also, there is some question about whether he had to run any pro style routes at Houston. I know it's early, but do you have a sense that he can run a route now and achieve separation? At least Torry Holt seems willing to help. Thanks.

Jim Thomas: I don't think the Rams have any reservations about Avery's ability to grasp the offense. As far as route-running, he doesn't look as polished right now as fellow rookie Keenan Burton, but his speed is legit, which in itself is a great way to get separation.