Ed Papin: Looking at the draft, is Macland from Missouri a first rounder? Would the rams be interested - Holt will probably be gone due to signing bonus? What position would yoou draft for in rounds 1-2-3 ?

Jim Thomas: From what I've heard from scouts and personnel people, Maclin looks like a sure first rounder and a potential top 10 pick. I'm sure the Rams would be interested, with or without Holt on the roster, but they have a greater need on the offensive line, particularly at tackle.
The Rams have so many needs, I don't think you can pin them down in rounds 1-2-3. To a large degree, they need to take the best player available in the early rounds, and not reach for need. Saying that, what they do in free agency prior to the draft will have some effect on their draft.

jlaue: in the history of sports, has any team had to fire 2 coaches in one season?
also 2 years ago bulger questioned the heart of the team and playing for paychecks, kind of ironic now isn't it?

Jim Thomas: Fire two coaches in one season? That might be a first.
Two years ago, Bulger didn't question the heart. He questioned the effort and preparation. Say what you will about Bulger, I don't think you can question either his effort or his preparation.

jason: any thoughts on Donovan Mcnabb? before you say anything about his lack of knowledge on overtime i would love for the rams to get to overtime.

Jim Thomas: Yeah, the Rams are a long way from overtime.
It's surprising that McNabb apparently didn't know the rule. I'll just leave it at that.

donsods: Jim,
Looks like Orlando Pace may be done. Sad to see a Ram great at the end of his career. I wonder if Torry Holt is at the same stage of his career. I listened to sunday's game on Sirus, which had the 49er radio broadcast. Their annoucers repeatly talked about how Nate Clemens had Holt covered and he was a non-factor. 2 years ago, Holt would have owned Clemens. I know we hate to see a long-time great past his prime and their has been a lot of whining on the various boards about the failure to get Holt the ball. Could it just be that he near done? Both Pace and Holt have given us plenty of awesome football. I'll miss them both.

Jim Thomas: Well, Holt did catch five passes for 60 yards, and at garbage time _ the final couple of Rams drives _ he was taken out of the game, so he could've padded his stats even more in the final quarter. I don't think Holt is done.
But it is sad to see Pace and Holt near the end. They have been great performers for the Rams over the years, and have been first-class citizens, and a pleasure to deal with from a media standpoint.

ramsfan80: Jim,

Four questions:

1. Will Chip own the team in 2009?
2. If so, when will he decide to hire a team prez, general manager, etc.?
3. When will these people be hired? Are there any names being thrown around?
4. Will Haslett coach this team in 2009?

Thanks.

Jim Thomas: 1. Yes
2. He's working on that now.
3. At the end of the season. Devaney sure looks like the front runner for GM; not sure on team prez.
4. To the best of my knowledge Chip would like to retain Haslett, but a couple of victories sure would help.