Here's a transcript of the
questions and answers from this week's live chat with Post-Dispatch
football writer Jim Thomas:
Hey Jim:
1)As union members ourselves,we WILL get that agreement! No way are the owners or players going to give up that sort of money when people like us fight for nickels and healthcare costs.Dont you agree?
2)Do you like Braylon Edwards or Santonio Holmes for wr help?
3)And what are your thoughts on Donte Whitner of Buffalo for one of our safety starters?
4)And I believe if we get a safety and wr in free agency,itll help us get a dt/de,scatback and linebacker in the draft.Your thoughts?
5)And with Stan Kroenke so scarce,who makes the financial calls at Rams Park?
Bring on free agency!!!!
1)As union members ourselves,we WILL get that agreement! No way are the owners or players going to give up that sort of money when people like us fight for nickels and healthcare costs.Dont you agree?
2)Do you like Braylon Edwards or Santonio Holmes for wr help?
3)And what are your thoughts on Donte Whitner of Buffalo for one of our safety starters?
4)And I believe if we get a safety and wr in free agency,itll help us get a dt/de,scatback and linebacker in the draft.Your thoughts?
5)And with Stan Kroenke so scarce,who makes the financial calls at Rams Park?
Bring on free agency!!!!
Jim Thomas: 1.) Well,
you'd think they'd be smart enough to avoid a lockout and/or
litigation.
2.) I like Holmes better.
3.) He's a possibility, but it's not like he's a star.
4.) You might throw corner into that draft list as well.
5.) It's still Kroenke.
2.) I like Holmes better.
3.) He's a possibility, but it's not like he's a star.
4.) You might throw corner into that draft list as well.
5.) It's still Kroenke.
Hi Jim,
Have the Rams shown any interest in DE Cameron Jordan? He would be a very good fallback option at #14 if Julio Jones isn't there. I know he played predominately in a 3-4 set while at California, but he played all along the line and can effectively anchor the run and rush the passer. He has the type of versatility and skills that would make Spags drool. Just wondering if you caught any interest on the part of the Rams while at the combine? Thanks
Have the Rams shown any interest in DE Cameron Jordan? He would be a very good fallback option at #14 if Julio Jones isn't there. I know he played predominately in a 3-4 set while at California, but he played all along the line and can effectively anchor the run and rush the passer. He has the type of versatility and skills that would make Spags drool. Just wondering if you caught any interest on the part of the Rams while at the combine? Thanks
Jim Thomas: Not sure how
much interest the Rams have, but I think he's definitely in that
mix at 14. He's got that versatility to play inside and outside on
the line that Spags likes.
Hello Jim,
Good day to you!
I heard that Aldon Smith had interviews with 28 teams at the combine...were the Rams one of those teams? After Julio Jones, do you see Smith as being a real possibility? He reminds me of a very unpolished Justin Tuck. Seems to have enormous upside.
Good day to you!
I heard that Aldon Smith had interviews with 28 teams at the combine...were the Rams one of those teams? After Julio Jones, do you see Smith as being a real possibility? He reminds me of a very unpolished Justin Tuck. Seems to have enormous upside.
Jim Thomas: I don't know
for sure if Smith talked to the Rams at the combine, but I'd be
surprised if he didn't. And yes, he is on the Rams' radar at No. 14
overall.
Jim, I haven't given up
but it appears we're not getting JJ at 14. Please tell me there'll
be a defensive lineman available that can play right away (that's
what 1st rounders are for). Last 2 years of 2nd rounders have been
awesome, is the talent deep enough for us to do it again? We need
our 1st and 2nd round draftees to contribute significantly. How is
Danario's health?
Jim Thomas: Between
Aldon Smith, Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Jordan could all be there
at 14. As for your second question, Billy Devaney thinks this draft
is strong enough at the top that there could be a strong player
avaiable in the third round. Obviously, it's a matter then of
picking the right round. Damario Alexander told me last Friday that
his knee feels 100 percent better right now than it did at the end
of the season. The time off of the knee has helped a lot (although
he is working out on his own).
Hi Jim, First time on
your chat but always look forward to reading it.
Question,I realize the Rams need every pick with all of the needs,but what is the chance of a trade up with Washington if J. Jones is still there? I understand Washington doesn't have a 3rd or 4th round pick. What would it take to move from 14 to 10? Thanks
Question,I realize the Rams need every pick with all of the needs,but what is the chance of a trade up with Washington if J. Jones is still there? I understand Washington doesn't have a 3rd or 4th round pick. What would it take to move from 14 to 10? Thanks
Jim Thomas: I wonder if
a fourth-rounder would do it. (Might take a third.)
I hear a lot of talk
about the Rams "need" at wide receiver. It's as if no one remembers
how good Mark Clayton looked when he arrived in St. Louis - and he
barely knew the playbook! Don't get me wrong, I don't see Mark as a
#1 WR, but he certainly goes to show that the majority of our young
guys can't get separation - or are not as good as we hoped they
would be. My question is this.....
Doesn't it seem that a WR corps of Donnie Avery, Mark Clayton, Danny Amendola, and Danario Alexander would suffice on this team and that finding a RB to spell SJ and beefing up our linebacker corps or O-line SHOULD be where the buzz is?
Doesn't it seem that a WR corps of Donnie Avery, Mark Clayton, Danny Amendola, and Danario Alexander would suffice on this team and that finding a RB to spell SJ and beefing up our linebacker corps or O-line SHOULD be where the buzz is?
Jim Thomas: The
assumption then is that Clayton, Avery and Alexander would all stay
healthy. And given their injury history, can we really say
that?
Now that OJ is gone,
any chance the Rams try to make a move for Asomugha and move one of
our current CB to Safety? Do we even have a CB on our roster that
could possibly make that tranisition? Am I just using wishful
thinking here? Thanks for your time.
Jim Thomas: Could be
wrong, but I don't think there's a guy like that on the roster (a
corner who could be switched to safety).
Joe:
Assuming a deal is reached this week, when would the NFL announce the national TV schedule? Do you expect the Rams to have a national game this year?
Assuming a deal is reached this week, when would the NFL announce the national TV schedule? Do you expect the Rams to have a national game this year?
Jim Thomas: If memory
serves, usually the league announces some of the national games, I
think maybe it's the opening week national games, at the annual
March owners meetings, March 21-23 this year. The rest of the
schedule doesn't get announced until about the second week of
April.
Jim: Thanks for
the chat. A couple of quick questions: (1) Do you anticipate the
Rams will attempt to upgrade the guard position currently manned by
Adam Goldberg either through the draft or free agency; (2) Is John
Greco a viable option as a starting guard or is he a career backup;
and (3) Has McDaniels and the rest of the offensive staff completed
the new playbook so they can at least get it in the hands of
Bradford and other offensive players before the inevitable lockout?
Thanks.
Jim Thomas: 1.)
Yes.
2.) I think so, but it's not like we've got a large sample size of him playing.
3.) The playbook remains a work in progress, but I think Bradford has enough info to get started on the offseason without McDaniels under a lockout scenario.
2.) I think so, but it's not like we've got a large sample size of him playing.
3.) The playbook remains a work in progress, but I think Bradford has enough info to get started on the offseason without McDaniels under a lockout scenario.
Jim- Thanks for the
time. Now I am all for Julio Jones- think he'll be BETTER than AJ
Green at the end. However- it looks like he may be gone before the
Rams= which brings me to my 3 questions...
1. Would the Rams consider trading up say with the Skins or even Dallas?
2. If the Rams re-sign Clayton wouldnt there be an overflow of WRS now with Clayton,Avery,Amendola,DX,and possibly Julio?
3. Any possible way the Rams take a shot (pun intended) at Plaxico?
1. Would the Rams consider trading up say with the Skins or even Dallas?
2. If the Rams re-sign Clayton wouldnt there be an overflow of WRS now with Clayton,Avery,Amendola,DX,and possibly Julio?
3. Any possible way the Rams take a shot (pun intended) at Plaxico?
Jim Thomas: 1.)
Possible.
2.) Don't think so. The Rams probably will take six wideouts into the regular season.
3.) Haha. I would think they'd at least consider it. But when's he released? June? By then, barring a long lockout, free agency should basically be done, plus the draft, so the Rams might already have filled that need.
2.) Don't think so. The Rams probably will take six wideouts into the regular season.
3.) Haha. I would think they'd at least consider it. But when's he released? June? By then, barring a long lockout, free agency should basically be done, plus the draft, so the Rams might already have filled that need.
Unless the Rams
are really lucky, I think it is safe to assume that Green &
Jones will be gone by the 14th pick. Who of the WRs that you think
will be there in round 2 standout and are they any different/better
from the guys we already have on the roster?
If both WR are indeed gone I would think its best for the Rams to trade down a few spots pick up extra picks and still get a valuable defensive player in round 1. What is the likely-hood that the Rams trade out of their spot?
If both WR are indeed gone I would think its best for the Rams to trade down a few spots pick up extra picks and still get a valuable defensive player in round 1. What is the likely-hood that the Rams trade out of their spot?
Jim Thomas: Leonard
Hankerson, Titus Young, Jonathan Baldwin, Torrey Smith are all
possibilities for the Rams in Round 2. Maybe Vincent Brown of San
Diego State. Now, some of these guys could go late first or early
second (before the Rams), but some of them should be there. As for
trading down a few spots, Billy Devaney is already on record saying
he would be willing to trade down under the right set of
circumstances.
Hi Jim,
From various sources I have been reading, it seems that Webster Groves HS and Iowa star Adrian Clayborn's stock may be on the decline a bit placing him past the midway point in Round 1. Conversely, I have heard reports that Wisconsin's DE J.J. Watt's stock has been on the upswing. Watt initially had been mentioned as best fitting a DE in the 3-4 scheme. Now I am reading and hearing that some feel he has the quickness and pass rush to play right end in the 4-3. Have your heard this and do you have any sources that suggest the Rams at 14 could have interest in J.J. Watts should he be available there ?
Thanks for your answer.
From various sources I have been reading, it seems that Webster Groves HS and Iowa star Adrian Clayborn's stock may be on the decline a bit placing him past the midway point in Round 1. Conversely, I have heard reports that Wisconsin's DE J.J. Watt's stock has been on the upswing. Watt initially had been mentioned as best fitting a DE in the 3-4 scheme. Now I am reading and hearing that some feel he has the quickness and pass rush to play right end in the 4-3. Have your heard this and do you have any sources that suggest the Rams at 14 could have interest in J.J. Watts should he be available there ?
Thanks for your answer.
Jim Thomas: You know, I
haven't heard that about Clayborn or Watt. And Watt is regarded as
a prototype 3-4 end. Not sure about Rams interest in Watt.
Jim:
Probably a popular question today - but will they get it done? Also, will the Rams bring back any of our own free agents? What is the latest on clayton's return?
Probably a popular question today - but will they get it done? Also, will the Rams bring back any of our own free agents? What is the latest on clayton's return?
Jim Thomas: The Rams and
Clayton are close, and I think it gets done once there is a new
CBA. During this extended negotiating period, teams can talk to
agents of their own players, but no league transactions can be
done. So Demoff and Clayton's agent can talk but they can't
finalize the deal. Off the top of my head, I think the Rams would
like to re-sign TE Fells and DT Gibson and there are a few others
as well.
If the labor situation
sorts itself out before the draft do you see the rams being
aggressive? Do you see the rams going after any 1st tier free
agents? Or will they focus more on 2nd and 3rd tier
Jim Thomas: I think I'm
as curious as the next guy to see what the approach will be under
the new ownership. (Kroenke) I think he will do what is necessary
to improve the team, but it's not like he's going to just throw
money around.
What happens to the
Rams schedule if the season is locked out? Does the current
schedule rollover to the next season or do they change the
divisions we play like the previous season was played?
Jim Thomas: Wow, now
that's a doomsday scenario. Don't know the answer to that
one.
Jim,Thanks for the
chat,
Two big questions assuming Jones is off the board, what are the chances the Rams would take Mike Pouncey ? To give the Rams some inside game. And if they
tried to move up in the Draft, What would it take to get to 8 or 9 ?
Two big questions assuming Jones is off the board, what are the chances the Rams would take Mike Pouncey ? To give the Rams some inside game. And if they
tried to move up in the Draft, What would it take to get to 8 or 9 ?
Jim Thomas: I think
Pouncey's in play only if the Rams trade down _ and trade down
about 10 spots. No. 14 is definitely too high for Pouncey. To get
to eight or nine, it might take a third-rounder.
How many draft
picks do we have?
Will we get any comp picks?
Is there a prospect worth trading up for?
What is our current salary cap?
Will we get any comp picks?
Is there a prospect worth trading up for?
What is our current salary cap?
Jim Thomas: The Rams
have seven picks: their original pick in Rounds 1 through 5 and
Round 7, and Baltimore's 7th rounder from the Mark Clayton trade.
(The Rams have no sixth round pick _ that went to Baltimore for
Clayton.) The Rams don't have to give Chicago any compensation for
the Kevin Payne in last spring's trade. It was a conditional pick
and Payne was waived/injured so he didn't play enough to get the
pick.
As for comp picks, it's doubtful.
As for trading up for prospects, in the first round Julio Jones might be a possibility. Or A.J. Green falls (but I don't see that happening). Otherwise I don't think so.
The salary cap obviously isn't set yet. But I think the Rams will be in pretty good shape when all is said and done. But as I sit here, I don't know how much money the Rams have committed to contracts in 2011.
As for comp picks, it's doubtful.
As for trading up for prospects, in the first round Julio Jones might be a possibility. Or A.J. Green falls (but I don't see that happening). Otherwise I don't think so.
The salary cap obviously isn't set yet. But I think the Rams will be in pretty good shape when all is said and done. But as I sit here, I don't know how much money the Rams have committed to contracts in 2011.
2 quick
questions:
Assuming there is a lockout and rookies can't sign or have contact with the coaches, does that make a pick like Ingram more beneficial since there is less of a learning curve for rookie RB's?
Assuming the Rams address the Guard position in the draft, would you prefer they drafted someone who played guard in college or the best lineman available and move a tackle to guard? I have no idea how difficult the transition is.
Assuming there is a lockout and rookies can't sign or have contact with the coaches, does that make a pick like Ingram more beneficial since there is less of a learning curve for rookie RB's?
Assuming the Rams address the Guard position in the draft, would you prefer they drafted someone who played guard in college or the best lineman available and move a tackle to guard? I have no idea how difficult the transition is.
Jim Thomas: On Ingram,
perhaps. But we're talking short term. I don't think you make a
draft pick, particularly a first round pick, based on the
possibility that there may be a month or two of offseason workouts
missed. You base it on the long-term projections that you have for
a player.
Interesting question on the guard/tackle, because that is one switch that isn't all that uncommon _ college tackle to pro guard. But projecting players at different positions in the pros is always risky, so I guess I'd rather have a college guard.
Interesting question on the guard/tackle, because that is one switch that isn't all that uncommon _ college tackle to pro guard. But projecting players at different positions in the pros is always risky, so I guess I'd rather have a college guard.
Last week you said
that the fans will most likely be let down by the Rams' free
agent/draft efforts regarding a wide receiver. Could you expand on
that a bit? Did you mean that Clayton re-signing will be the
highlight of the off-season (asssuming he does) or did you just
mean that they aren't going to go out and acquire an arsenal of
weapons? If Devany can't make a move for an "upgrade" than that
will look pretty weak.
Jim Thomas: I don't
recall saying this or writing this. Maybe you have me confused with
another chat. But in general, fans that are expecting the Rams
under Kroenke to just throw money at the Rams' problems through
free agency will be disappointed. Sure, the Rams would like to add
a starter or two in free agency, plus some depth help. But from
what he's told me, Kroenke isn't going to be the next Dan Snyder in
terms of free agency _ that is, a big spender. Devaney has said
repeatedly that he'd like to build the Rams through the draft
primarily. And I think that will be the overall philosophy.
Jim-some of the draft
comments are starting to worry me .This team was a very weak 7-9.At
pick no.14 we need a starter playing every or nearly every down
i.e. wr,lb,cb not another de who may or may not pan out who plays
situationally ,we have enough de now ,sometimes need has to be
worth something and another de in the first round makes no sense
especially one that may play 20% of the time at best and especially
now that we already have another hole at safety to fill in fa or
draft.
Jim Thomas: OK, let's
look at the first round. There shouldn't be a CB, LB or WR at No.
14 overall worth taking. (That's assuming WRs Green and Jones are
gone _ as they should be _ and corners Peterson and Amukamara are
gone _ as they should be.) Once Von Miller goes, and he could be a
top five pick, there won't be any LBs worth taking at 14. So where
does that leave you? There are no safeties worth taking there, in
fact, there may not be a safety taken in the first round. Even if
you felt TE was a big need, there are no TEs worth taking there and
may not be a TE taken in the first round. So that leaves us with QB
_ don't need one _ OT (don't need one), RB (maybe Ingram) or
defensive line (where there should be plenty of ends and a couple
of tackles that could be in play at 14.) So why not take an end?
James Hall just turned 34 in February. And the hallmark of Spags'
defenses has been plenty of defensive linemen who could rush the
passer. Why does this sound so far-fetched? It makes a lot of sense
to me actually.
Hi Jim,
It seems an NFL work stoppage is looming. It seems the labor problems will hurt the Rams or any other team trying to rebuild more than the established teams. I think both sides have their points. Most of my friends would agree with college players not getting big money before they've even played one down in the NFL. If they capped these bonuses and gave the money to veteran players...? Why would the players union oppose that?
It seems an NFL work stoppage is looming. It seems the labor problems will hurt the Rams or any other team trying to rebuild more than the established teams. I think both sides have their points. Most of my friends would agree with college players not getting big money before they've even played one down in the NFL. If they capped these bonuses and gave the money to veteran players...? Why would the players union oppose that?
Jim Thomas: The union
actually proposed a rookie wage scale that would save $200 million
a year. According to the players association, they asked the owners
to use $100 million of it for retired players benefits and use the
other $100 million for increased pay for veteran players. But
according to the union, the league said it couldn't guarantee that
it would use the money as requested by the players union, so the
proposal was rejected. But by the end of the day, I think there
will be some form of rookie wage scale.
The players union, overall, really isn't asking for anything more. They like the current deal. It is the owners who want concessions. Not the players.
The players union, overall, really isn't asking for anything more. They like the current deal. It is the owners who want concessions. Not the players.
So by releasing
Atogwe, we saved $11.5 million in payroll this season, right? Would
you expect that $11.5 million to be spent on replacement veterans,
or just stashed away in Mr. Kroenke's already deep pockets?
Are we asking too much for that money to be spent?
Are we asking too much for that money to be spent?
Jim Thomas: Great point.
If the Rams use that money to address other positions, are even the
safety position, I don't think anyone will have any complaints. I
think the complaints come if that money isn't spent
elsewhere.
Good afternoon
sir
What are the chances of :
a) Plaxico our #1 WR next year
b) Rams drafting Jones (either at 14 or trading up)
c) Randy Moss our #1
Just wondering if the Plax talk is speculation or is there real interest on the part of Spags and BD.
What are the chances of :
a) Plaxico our #1 WR next year
b) Rams drafting Jones (either at 14 or trading up)
c) Randy Moss our #1
Just wondering if the Plax talk is speculation or is there real interest on the part of Spags and BD.
Jim Thomas: a.) 10-90
(he's not a No. 1, not after what it is -- a couple years in
prison.)
b.) 40-60 (because I don't think Jones will be there, and wonder if the Rams will be able to trade up or willing to)
c.) 20-80 (yes, there is the McDaniels tie with Moss, but do you really think Moss is a true No. 1 receiver at this stage of his career.)
b.) 40-60 (because I don't think Jones will be there, and wonder if the Rams will be able to trade up or willing to)
c.) 20-80 (yes, there is the McDaniels tie with Moss, but do you really think Moss is a true No. 1 receiver at this stage of his career.)
Hey Jim.
IF we ever get to FA... what kind of intrest would you speculate
the Rams to have in Brandon Mebane... Charles Johnson... Kiwi? Oh
how great it would to swipe Mebane from the Seattle.
Jim Thomas: Could be
wrong but I thought Mebane has only 3 accrued seasons which would
make him a restricted free agent.
Hey Jim:
1)Would Manny Lawson be a good fit for the Rams at outside linebacker? Read where he excels at 1st and 2nd down and comes out on 3rd.
1)Would Manny Lawson be a good fit for the Rams at outside linebacker? Read where he excels at 1st and 2nd down and comes out on 3rd.
Jim Thomas: Lawson is a
3-4 linebacker, and I don't think his coverage skills would be good
enough to be a 4-3 outside 'backer.
Hello Jim,
Thanks for taking the question!
DT Barry Cofield of the New York Giants is a free agent. If and when the CBA deal is done, would the Rams have interest in him? The Spags connection is there and it seems to make sense given that most Defensive Tackles not named Ndamokung Suh take 2-3 years to develop.
Thanks for taking the question!
DT Barry Cofield of the New York Giants is a free agent. If and when the CBA deal is done, would the Rams have interest in him? The Spags connection is there and it seems to make sense given that most Defensive Tackles not named Ndamokung Suh take 2-3 years to develop.
Jim Thomas: Makes sense.
And you can't overestimate the Spags factor.
With the many areas of
need on the Rams roster and your infinite knowledge of the opcoming
free agent market. What would be your plan of attack for the,
coordinated draft/free agent, needs that the rams have
Jim Thomas: Obviously,
it starts at WR and depends who's out there. Sidney Rice is worth a
look. Malcom Floyd, Santonio Holmes. DT (Cofield, Cullen Jenkins)
is a possibility. Also outside linebacker, although I haven't
really studied the names there yet.
Just saw that Tiki
Barber is returning to the game. This is from Jay Glazer. Think the
Rams may have interest?
Jim Thomas: He turns 36 this
spring and hasn't played since 2006. Doesn't make much sense.
Im not panicking like
everyone else over O.J., but i would like to know what the plan is?
I assume they like Dahl at ss. I think they want to give Stewart
the first crack at fs...am I right?
Get rid of Butler's salary and re-sign Lewis as your cheap back-up ss.
Incognito re-signed with Miami, by the way. Not as good as Bell and Goldberg, but i guess he isnt too bad.
Get rid of Butler's salary and re-sign Lewis as your cheap back-up ss.
Incognito re-signed with Miami, by the way. Not as good as Bell and Goldberg, but i guess he isnt too bad.
Jim Thomas: Not sure
about Stewart getting the first crack. Let's see what happens in
free agency (whenever that takes place) and the draft.
As for Incognito, too bad he couldn't control his temper in stl. There's no doubt he's a physical player and a good run blocker.
As for Incognito, too bad he couldn't control his temper in stl. There's no doubt he's a physical player and a good run blocker.
I have heard in a few
articles Julio Jones is moving up draft boards. Do you see any shot
that a team would decide on him over AJ Green as the #1 reciever in
the draft?
How do you feel about rodgers out of oregon state as a possible later round speed back to complement SJ39?
How do you feel about rodgers out of oregon state as a possible later round speed back to complement SJ39?
Jim Thomas: I still
think the consensus is that workout outside, Green is a more
polished receiver and a better pro prospect, although Jones has
narrowed the gap.
As for "Quizz" I think that's a possibility. Wouldn't that be something _ 2 Oregon State Beavers in the Stl backfield?
As for "Quizz" I think that's a possibility. Wouldn't that be something _ 2 Oregon State Beavers in the Stl backfield?
Hi Jim. I live
in New England and come to St Louis once a year for a game, What do
you think would be the game to see? Thanks
Jim Thomas: Let's look
at the home games: Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington and
Philly, Baltimore and Cincy, and New Orleans. I'd say either New
Orleans or Philly. Watching the Rams chase Michael Vick around for
three hours might be fun, eh? Plus, it's Spags' first game against
his old team _ the Eagles.
Do you think
it's a co-incidence that the Rams decided not to hire Josh
McDaniels' brother as QB coach, knowing that labor disputes would
be coming? What I'm getting at, I guess, is that we have a
situation now where someone who is very familiar with Josh's
offence is not currently employed by an NFL team, and would, in
theory, be free to work out with Bradford during any possible
lock-out...
Jim Thomas: Nice Oliver
Stone there. We'll see how that plays out. If Ben McDaniels shows
up in Texas with Danario, Avery, Onbobun, etc., we'll see.
Given
the weakness of the draft field, does it make more sense to trade
for established wide receivers?
Jim Thomas: I don't know
if I'd call it a weak WR field. I think there are some second- and
third-round options that could help although not the prospects on
paper that Green and Jones are.
Jim,
Some talking heads are implying the Rams have an interest in Plaxico. Shoot, I don't think they should go that route. Burris just doesn't seem to be the calibre of player the Rams should be looking at. I just think he would be a pistol to handle. Drafting a player could be a shot in the dark as well, but still, I think the Rams should be aiming higher than Plaxico. Am I way off target here?
Some talking heads are implying the Rams have an interest in Plaxico. Shoot, I don't think they should go that route. Burris just doesn't seem to be the calibre of player the Rams should be looking at. I just think he would be a pistol to handle. Drafting a player could be a shot in the dark as well, but still, I think the Rams should be aiming higher than Plaxico. Am I way off target here?
Jim Thomas: Shoot, I
think you've hit the bull's eye.
Are the Rams showing any
interest in for UK players Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb. I feel
if Jones is taken early the rams could trade down and get Cobb who
should be a incredible can do all slot. I'm sure mcdaniels would
love a player like Cobb. He has history throwing the ball as well.
As for Locke we could get him in deeper rounds and he can catch and
was the third fastest back at the combine. Your thoughts?
Jim Thomas: Don't know
if the Rams are tracking these guys, but I think they both have
potential. Locke didn't run as fast as maybe he thought he would at
the combine, but was still one of the fastest backs there.
Hey J.T.
According to Rotoworld, since signing Atogwe, the Skins may not be interested in retaining Reed Doughty SS. Seems like he would be a good fit in Spag's system. Really good run defender and holds his own in pass coverage. Shouldn't break the bank and still young {28}. 184 tackles in the past 2 seasons. What do you think?
According to Rotoworld, since signing Atogwe, the Skins may not be interested in retaining Reed Doughty SS. Seems like he would be a good fit in Spag's system. Really good run defender and holds his own in pass coverage. Shouldn't break the bank and still young {28}. 184 tackles in the past 2 seasons. What do you think?
Jim Thomas: Yeah, but it
does make you wonder. If Doughty's such a good player why would the
Redskins let him go. (I know, I know. You can say the same for
Atogwe and the Rams, although there was that not so little matter
of an $8 million signing bonus with Atogwe.)
What do you think the
plan is to replace Atogwe?
Jim Thomas: Nothing
mystical. I'm sure they're looking at free agents. And possible
draft picks. Even if they think Stewart can potentially compete for
the starting job, they still need a fourth safety in the mix.
Just heard Tiki
Barber is coming out of retirement. What do you think about a
S-Jax/Barber backfield??
Jim Thomas: Would've
been awesome...in 2007!
What are you odds a
CBA deal gets done before the Draft?
Jim Thomas: 60-40
Your best gut
feeling % for the deal to get done by Friday.
Jim Thomas: 40-60
All the RB discussion has
concerned a back complementary to Jackson; a third-down "scatback."
And I know you have questioned what Jackson might think about the
Rams drafting Mark Ingram(Jr.).
But having watched Ingram at Alabama, his style -- often compared (rightly it seems to me) to Emmitt Smith -- seems distinctly different than Jackson's, although not a fast scatback. Like Smith, Ingram may be able to give you 4, 5, 6 yards ever carry rather than 2 or three followed by a 25 yard burst (sort of the Emmitt Smith vs. Barry Sanders debate). Given Jackson's age (28 at the start of the regular season) and the loss of production by age 30 that often happens to NFL running backs; and given Jackson's injury troubles; would it make sense to draft Ingram as the future running back of the Rams, pairing him with Bradford? Any chance, at all, the Rams are thinking this?
But having watched Ingram at Alabama, his style -- often compared (rightly it seems to me) to Emmitt Smith -- seems distinctly different than Jackson's, although not a fast scatback. Like Smith, Ingram may be able to give you 4, 5, 6 yards ever carry rather than 2 or three followed by a 25 yard burst (sort of the Emmitt Smith vs. Barry Sanders debate). Given Jackson's age (28 at the start of the regular season) and the loss of production by age 30 that often happens to NFL running backs; and given Jackson's injury troubles; would it make sense to draft Ingram as the future running back of the Rams, pairing him with Bradford? Any chance, at all, the Rams are thinking this?
Jim Thomas: In an ideal
scenario, particularly with a new pass-oriented coordinator, I
would say not likely. But I do know the Rams think Ingram is a
really, really good prospect.
Which of these RB
prospects do you think will fit the Rams best?
1. Hunter
2. Quizz
3. Locke
4. Vareen
5. Murrey
1. Hunter
2. Quizz
3. Locke
4. Vareen
5. Murrey
Jim Thomas: Interesting
question. Hunter didn't catch as many passes in college as some of
the other so-called "scatbacks" and doesn't have much return
experience, but he is a fiesty player. Locke has the speed and big
play ability, but you wonder about his durability. Murray has lots
of production on his college resume, but was he really a dynamic,
explosive player in college (particularly later in his college
career). I guess there are plusses and minuses to them all. How's
that for a copout answer?
If at 14 you have
Julio Jones, Von Miller, or Robert Quinn still available who do the
Rams pick? And yes I know this won't happen but just curious who
you think is the best of this bunch.
Jim Thomas: Geez, under
that scenario, I might have to go Von Miller. Quinn scares me a
little because he didn't play last season.
Thanks for the chats. Did
the Rams not tender Clifton Ryan, or was he not in a RFA or FA
year? If they did not- why? What's going on with Ryan?
Thanks!
Jim Thomas: Under the
traditional rules, Ryan is scheduled for unrestricted free agency
as a veteran of four accrued seasons. The Rams could've tendered
him under last year's rules (6 years to be a UFA in an uncapped
year), but didn't. Even though doing so is pretty much a waste of
paperwork, because everyone expects the new CBA to have
unrestricted free agency after 4 years, the Rams did tender Daniel
Fells, Gary Gibson and Laurent Robinson, all of whom are in that
4-to-6 year no-man's land. And again, they didn't do so with Ryan.
So I guess that's a pretty good hint that he doesn't fit in their
plans for 2011.
If there is no football
this season, how would they determine the draft order the following
year or whatever year football comes back?
Jim Thomas: Please, can
we worry about that in September or October??? (At the earliest.)
Talk to you all next week.
