Rich: Hey Jim,

Do you see Staley having a shot to make the team?

Hall may be a better return man; however, in my mind Staley is going to be a far better option at WR in the long run.

Not to mention, Hall has had a penchant for ankle injuries two seasons running now.

Thanks for hosting these question and answer sesssions.

Rich

Jim Thomas: I see Stanley on the practice squad. He has really had some shining moments on the practice field, particularly in Mequon, but he simply hasn't done much in games.

djjr11854: Jim,

We never/rarily hear from Haslett about how the defense is doing. Does Linehan have a gag order on all the coaches? Since I'm a fan from Connecticut I don't get to see any games, just what I read in the paper. How does the defense look so far? I read that both Carriker and Long are taking longer to adjust. That concerns me not so much in Long's case as he's a rookie but more so in Carriker's case.

And as always thanks for you insight.. the St. Louis Today paper is my only lifeline to the RAMS.

Jim Thomas: I have used a few quotes from Haslett from time to time and have talked to him a few times during camp and the preseason. But you do make a good point. A Haslett state-of-the-defense article might be a good thing after the final preseason game.

Ian Roberts: Bennett is useless and Hall is injury proned, what are the chances of one or both of these are not on the final roster.

Also, do you have an update on the LB competition. Thanks.

Jim Thomas: They both make the final roster.
I think the Rams keep 7 LBs and that Chamberlain, McGarigle, and Vobora are in. Vobora susprises me a little, but that's what I'm told. But also, I would certainly think this is a position where the Rams scan the waiver wires on final cuts to see who's available.

Buzz: Jim,
I'm not that worried about depth at Guard with the Rams having drafted Greco and Schuening. Tackle is a different matter. With Brandon Gorin done for the year, who would be the top backup Tackle after Adam Goldberg? Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Tackle is a different matter. Right now, Greco is the tackle after Goldberg, and he's not really ready to play tackle. This will be a prime position where the Rams scan the waiver wire after final cuts for a tackle with at least some experience.

bjsgolf: Jim,
What do you think are the Rams biggest weaknesses right now? I would say LB, OT, and SS. I think a worse case scenario for the Rams would be Pace not recovering, Pisa getting hurt again and Chavous having to make open field tackles. Also, can Greco play tackle?

Jim Thomas: There certainly are depth issues at OT, LB, S (overall, not just strong), and CB. Chavous, in his defense, has been very solid in camp and the preseason.