John Scott: How is the rams linebacking corps looking right now?

Jim Thomas: As I mentioned earlier, starting unit looks good. Grant looks like he could have an impact as a fourth LB and on special teams. Chamberlain and Vobora have had their moments. Depth still is questionable, but overall this until so far looks better than I thought.

Time to go--afternoon practice starting.
One quick answer to a question from last week. Jacob Bell said his weight is right at 300 which is heavier than last year, and that he plans to stay at 300 all season. See you next week.

cappy660: Is Carriker going to step it up this year? The D-Line needs to get some semblance of a rush defense.

Jim Thomas: He needs to get back on the field in order to step up.

Cory in Wentzville: As the injuries start to mount up already, I believe a lot of Rams fans have the feeling of "here we go again." There has been a lot of injuries over the past 3 years. Do we attribute that to poor strength and conditioning? Soft players? Unsafe practice conditions?

Jim Thomas: Actually, the injuries are less _ still significantly less _ nearly two weeks into camp than they were a year ago at this time. Bassey and Avery are the only significiant ones so far and it's still possible that Avery may not miss a regular-season game.

Steve B.: Jim:
I'm interested on your take on the defensive tackle position. The coaches seem concerned, based on their personnel moves. First Hollis Thomas, which makes some sense given the weak run defense last year; still, signing an elderly vet at the end of his career goes against the grain for Devaney, who has generally avoided such signings. (I guess Thomas is playing at or near the veteran minimum, so that it isn't really risky.)
Then they apparently were considering adding Sean Smith, a guy who may be a pillar or so short of four, even though he signed elsewhere.
Given that the kids Scott and the undrafted rookie Ian Campbell are having pretty decent camps, my thought is that it can't exactly be a vote of confidence for Carriker abd Ryan. Your thoughts?

Jim Thomas: Thomas still working himself back into shape; Spags admits he's not the player he once was but still thinks he has something to offer. Overall, I think there's some concern about the overall depth and talent level at the position.

ctramsfan: Any chance the Rams add another running back or receiver soon? Thanks for your time Jim.

John

Jim Thomas: Nothing seems imminent, and I think a lot may depend on how those units look in the first couple of preseason games.