Brian: LB has the be the top priority in the offseason, right? They make stars out of every opposing RB. Look for Forte to have a monster game on Sunday. I think Hightower has about 30 total yards in the two games since the Rams defense put him on the map. Julius Jones went over 100 yards earlier in the season and hasn't been close since.

Jim Thomas: I still feel o-line is the top priority (particularly OT/C), but LB certainly would be No. 2 or a close No. 3 behind running back.

Superram13: Jim, I am wondering what kind of cap "hit" the Rams would have if they purged the contracts of Bulger, Pace & Bennett and started fresh next year with a younger, hungrier group?

Jim Thomas: These numbers are if players are cut or traded by June 1:
Bulger: $8 million (unamortized signing bonus), plus $3 million of '09 salary guaranteed.
Bennett: $5 million (unamortized signing bonus).
Pace: $3 million (unamortized signing bonus).
Now keep in mind, the Rams would save some base salary by cutting or trading the three players, but the cap hits would still be subtracted from the overall cap for '09.

Andrew: If Haslett does comeback next year.. Do You see the Defense becoming a 3-4?
Maybe draft a middle linebacker. Have Long Witherspoon Rookie Tinoisamoa as the linebackers. With Carriker Ryan and Little on the Line.

Jim Thomas: No.

ADK Ramfan: Hi Jim,
trivial questions:
Who on the Rams is the strongest/toughest physically?

Who is the strongest/toughest mentally?

Any idea on why Culberson has taken steps backwards this year?

Are any of our Rams castoffs/cuts making an impact anywhere else.

PS - I want a big, hard-hitting MLB for Xmas!
Thanx

Jim Thomas: I wouldn't say Culberson has regressed. After all, he only started one game last year. That's not much of a sample size. I would just say he hasn't progressed.

RochesterRamsFan: I am not a Steven Jackson hater, I love him, but I can get where fans fet frustrated with him. I think the problem is we see guys on other teams toughing it out thru the year with injuries that sound much worse than a "thigh bruise". But then we have to watch Jackson on the sidelines and in some cases not even making the trip. Is it unfair to expect him to tough it out when he makes crazy jack? We watch other guys on other teams tough it out all the time!

Jim Thomas: Jackson stayed back because he was seeing a specialist at the request of Haslett.
In his six years as starter, Marshall Faulk played all 16 games just once.