FMulder: Jim: I realize the year is only half-way over but I would like to get your initial views on the following:

1) Barron, Bell, and Incognito will ALL on the team or starting at OL next year.

2) Bulger and Boller are unlikely to be on the team next season?

3) The Rams need playmakers and their top-3 needs are: QB, WR, DE.

4) Wade is not a Spags-type CB.

5) OJ may not be resigned due to high contract commands and/or how he fits into this defensive system.

6) Schurmur has improved as a playcaller as the year as progressed but has a ways to go.

7) The Rams will draft a QB in the first round.

Jim Thomas: 1.) I think Bell will be back. (And remember, his contract isn't up). He's playing pretty well this season. I don't think both Barron and Incognito will return. Maybe neither. (Both of their contracts are up.)

2.) Good question. Boller's contract is up. If the Rams were going to make a change with Bulger, there will not be the financial constraints cap-wise that there were last season. Funny thing, I don't get a sense, though, that this coaching staff is frustrated with Bulger.

3.) Don't forget DT. Another solid corner wouldn't hurt either, especially with Fletcher expected to miss part of next regular season.

4.) Wade rarely plays any more unless somebody gets hurt. He's obviously rubbed some one the wrong way.

Len: Hey Jim,
This isnt going to be pretty. We may give up 60 this week.

Jim Thomas: Haven't we said that before about Indy and Minnesota? (Oh yeah, the Rams lost those two by a combined 80-16.)

jnumber05: Now that the Chiefs released Larry Johnson for his off the field problems, what are the chances the Rams will claim him? They have been looking for a running back to compliment Jackson. Is Johnson the running back that could make the Rams running game that more potent?

Jim Thomas: Don't hold your breath. I believe Dick Vermeil had a word for players like Johnson: Turd-birds.

dominic zappia: Hey Jim:
1)I have listened to you on the radio and have read your work for several years now,and my impression from you is that this team cannot win with Mark Bulger,and I agree! Would you sign Chad Pennington for the mentor for the qb we draft and start the year until hes ready?
2)I like the direction that Billy D and Spags are building this team and I cannot wait until free agency because I feel they will be very active.Bring on 2010!!

Jim Thomas: 1.) Well, regardless of everything that's going on around bulger, and he's got a lot going against him, it's hard for any team to win when your QB has a passer rating of 68.2. Pennington has some limitations but is interesting. Is his contract up after this season? And would he be willing to come here on a caretaker basis.

2.) They have made some good moves and some puzzling moves. And they will try to make some things happen in free agency, but they seem committed to building this team through the draft.

D-Nice: There was talk about a new buyer for the Rams on Sunday night football do you know who or whom that may be?

Jim Thomas: There have been a lot of names floated out there; some are real some are not.