donsods: JIM, I know it is early, but can give a quick rating of the 2 drafts under the Linehan era? I know the 07 draft is different becuase of Softi. It seems to me in reading the STL Post coverage that you and your colleagues are more excitied about this year's class with the No. 1 pick (Carriker)being a starter and the next top 3 getting real playing time.

Jim Thomas: I think it takes two to three years to get any kind of reading on a draft class, so it is early. But. . . .in '06, Setterstrom and Hill look like they will be solid NFL starters; jury still out on Wroten and Byrd _ talented, but could be coach killers in part due to off-field issues. . . .McGarigle could be a good special teamer and backup. . . .Klop a little bit of a disappointment to me. Looks a little stiff. As for '07, so far Carriker has made a very impressive transition to DT, but let's see what happens now that the real games start. . . .I think B. Leonard will be a valuable role player. . . .I think Wade had a lot of potential at DB, but may not be ready to contribute much more than special teams this year. . . .Clifton Ryan will be a decent backup. . . .Stanley (now on practice squad) has some potential. . . .Dustin Fry (practice squad) didn't show me much on the practice field during camp.

donsods: OK Jim, I only have one more question (I promise...for this week). The keeping of an extra running back (Rich Alexis)seemed odd. The claiming off of waivers of Pittman seemed even odder. Why are the Rams keeping so many backs and what does Pittman bring to the table? Barring injury to Jackson or Leonard, will he ever see the field?

Jim Thomas: Lots of teams keep four RBs, although the Rams opened last season with only three. But since they kept only one FB this year (they opened '06 with 2), they could keep an extra RB. Pittman is an intriguing back. A very productive college back playing for a big-time program (Ohio State). Doesn't fumble. More of a straight-line runner, not much wiggle. Needs to work on pass protection and pass catching. I do concede that barring injury, it doesn't look like he will see the field much. But I think he was worth a look. The Rams, I know, liked him a lot coming out of college.

Art Pineda: Well the Rams go after Simon Rice or will they just let Denver sign him?
What is the plan to stop the run/
Why did the Rams cut Alston?

Jim Thomas: You saw what happened with Rice.
The Rams are very pleased with Carriker and Ryan (backing up Carriker). And RE James Hall is better against the run than anything the Rams had their last year.
Alston made too many mistakes.

sam: Not sure if you have answered this or if is a dumb Q.
Is ankiel in the rookie of the year running? doubt he has enough at bats but really wondered if pitching carrer would count? thanks, either way he is my rookie of the year.
Sam

Jim Thomas: Pls. send this to the Chatmeister at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Dave: Jim,

Thanks for being on and answering questions. Like most Rams fans I feel very confident in the offense and am not worried about that side of the ball. However, the defense really scares me, in particular, Brandon Chillar at SLB. I've read that we shouldn't be worried about him because he's a perfect fit for Haslett's SLB. What does that mean? Chillar is rarely able to get off blocks whether it be straight up or a cut block. He's big but doesn't seem overly athletic. What am I missing here?

Jim Thomas: Chillar actually played better last year _ and was more productive _ when he was playing less. He did not play in the nickel package a year ago, as he did as a rookie in '05. He has some liabilities in coverage, so I think the Rams are using him more wisely. Is he a star? No. As for perfect fit, I don't know. I just know, the Haslett defense _ or so I'm told _ doesn't ask for a lot out of the strongside LB. It's designed to have the middle 'backer and weakside 'backer make all the plays.