1)Do the coaches and Billy D.really feel comfy with Butler and Dahl as our starters?
2)Does Darren Sproles excite you as a backup to Steven J? We liked him last year.
3)My Rams draft prediction is de/dt number 1 and linebacker or cornerback number 2.I dont see them drafting a wr high unless Jones is their.
4)And these owners who have made themselves millions,cant be that stupid to continue to fight in court when/where they NEVER,EVER win,can they?
Just get a deal done......geez!!!
Jim Thomas: 1.) They'll
add another safety into the mix at some point, be it draft are free
agency.
2.) I'd take him.
3.) Agreed, except they could go wideout in the 2nd round.
4.) NFL doesn't have a very good batting average here, do they.
2.) I'd take him.
3.) Agreed, except they could go wideout in the 2nd round.
4.) NFL doesn't have a very good batting average here, do they.
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Thanks for the chat.
If Jones and Smith are gone and the Rams want Liuget, why not trade down a few spots and grab a third or fourth rounder if they can find a partner? As it is, 14 is a bit high for Liuget, and the only 4-3 teams interested seem to be the Giants at 19 and the Colts at 22...So the Rams could feasibly trade down to San Diego(who has alot of extra picks) at 18, still get Liuget, and pick up an extra pick.
Jim Thomas: I think
that's a possibility.
From your knowledge of the Rams, if Aldon Smith is rated a 7.0 and Corey Liguet is a 6.8, and the greater need is DT, would the Rams tend to go need or BPA?
I know Devaney has talked about following his draft board ratings, but how closely do you think he would follow the board if it's DE vs. DT at 14?
Jim Thomas: That's a
great question, and I think you'd be right on the cusp of do we
take need (a DT) with a slightly lowly grade than (DE). And Devaney
has talked about going with a slightly lower rated player if the
lower rated player fills a greater need. But speaking directly of
your Aldon Smith example, I doubt if he's going to be there at 14.
It looks like Houston at No. 11 is targeting him.
Do you think the Rams
are looking for a thumper safety in the middle to late rounds of
the draft? Robert Sands of West Virginia seems like an interesting
option in the round 4 or 5...
Jim Thomas: Yes, I think
rounds 3-4-5 might be prime territory for a safety, Robert Sands,
Da'Narris Searcy, M.D. Jennings, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Jeron Johnson,
and even Marcus Gilchrist if the Rams consider him a safety have
all been scouted pretty heavily by the Rams.
lets say the rams go liegut in the first round and they go reciever second round, which reciever is the best choice torey smith,jon baldwin,titus young,leanord hankerson or anyone else you may suggest?
Jim Thomas: To me,
Torrey Smith or Randall Cobb would seem to be the best fits.
Do you think the
organization will attempt to shore up the defensive scheme rather
than the offense scheme in the draft and free agency selections?
Are the Rams close enough to lean on one side of the ball more so
than the other to carry the majority of the game? Sooner or later
they're gonna have to depend on either the defense or offense more
in winning games. Which one do you think it will be? van
Jim Thomas: I don't
think you can definitely tilt it towards one side of the draft or
another. The Rams have pretty obvious needs on both sides of the
ball.
Firstly.
A.How realistic is it to think the rams will spend big money in free agency to get someone like sid rice/holmes or any of the other top free agents?
B.Where are the rams leaning with the 14th pick? I know we desperatley need some weapons for bradford but id love to see the rams become a defensive powerhouse and with some deep talent at at de wouldnt it be wise to bulid the defence through the draft?
Thanks for taking the time out to answer these questions!
Jim Thomas: A.) If those
players are available and Devaney/Spags tells Kroenke we need to
get the is player to win, I think the Rams will try to make it
happen.
B.) I still think they take Julio Jones if he's there and then go defensive line if he's not.
B.) I still think they take Julio Jones if he's there and then go defensive line if he's not.
Any chance that
there will be free agency before the draft now that the lockout has
been lifted??
Jim Thomas: Let's see,
as we sit here now, we're a little over 53 hours before the draft.
I don't think so.
My question is
about Clifton Ryan--how did he fall out of grace so quickly with
Rams coaches. At one point it seemed that he was a guy the team was
planning to build around--then IR'd for migraines? Is there
something else going on here we don't know about? A work ethic
problem? A weight problem? Might the team be giving up on him to
soon or were their high hopes for him earlier in his career just a
little too, well, high?
Jim Thomas: Interesting
point. But hard for me to say. Remember, Ryan had lost his starting
job in training camp. And I do wonder if the Rams were frustrated
that it took Ryan so long on the migraines. I don't know if this
current regime ever had tremendously high hopes with respect to
Ryan.
I dont think the rams
need a reciever early in this draft. What is Donny Averys status
these days? He was a good deep threat even when bulger couldnt hit
the broad side of a barn. Someone like Rice would be a nice option
in free agency. I would go defense early and often in this draft
and maybe o-line. What do you think??
Jim Thomas: Avery is
continuing his rehab and expects to be OK in time for the 2011
campaign. But we won't know for sure until they start practicing. I
think the Rams have a huge need at wide receiver.
1 Julio Jones
2 Robert Quinn
3 Corey Luiget
4 Daquan Bowers
Jim Thomas: 1.) Julio Jones,
25-75
2.) Robert Quinn 15-85
3.) Corey Liuget 35-65
4.) Da'Quan Bowers 5-95
2.) Robert Quinn 15-85
3.) Corey Liuget 35-65
4.) Da'Quan Bowers 5-95
If Julio Jones is not there, do you expect the Rams to trade the pick and move down?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but since the lockout has been lifted, can they trade players for picks or players and picks to move up?
And what is your opinion on LB-Bruce Carter of North Carolina and RB-Jordan Todman of Connecticut, as I like them both and hope they are in a Rams uniform this coming season.
Thank You Very Much
Jim Thomas: Until the
judge rules on the motion to "stay" Monday's ruling, we don't know
if the lockout will be officially lifted during the draft.
I think Carter's a first-rounder if he doesn't have the knee injury. I think he might be someone under consideration for the Rams in the second round. Don't know about Todman _ it's hard to overlook his numbers however.
I think Carter's a first-rounder if he doesn't have the knee injury. I think he might be someone under consideration for the Rams in the second round. Don't know about Todman _ it's hard to overlook his numbers however.
Who in the top half of
the draft are considered the best "Hybrids"? Can play DE or LB?
Quinn, Smith, Clayborn, Jordan, Kerrigan, etc.......? Best for the
Rams?
Jim Thomas: I don't know
about hybrids, but I think Quinn and Smith are the best prospects
in the bunch.
Hey Jim thanks for
taking this question it seems nobody has talked about.. watched
some highlights of Colorado CB Jimmy Smith and I am wondering if he
would upgrade our D as much as a project D end with the 14th pick?
His playing style matches Spags reqs for corners and I get the
character issues but watching every game last year I thought our
secondary was alot more susceptible to giving up the big plays
(with AND without a pass rush) especially in nickel and dime
packages.. I would hate seeing another Revis type corner taken a
couple picks behind us. Your thoughts?
Jim Thomas: There are
reports of significant substance abuse allegations related to this
prospect. Why go there?
What are your thoughts on Ryan Kerrigan - he seems to be one of the DE's who is getting less attention than others. Would he be a reach at #14? He seems a high character guy and fits the profile of the Rams recent picks.
If we go DE or DT in the first round, is it a given than we will take a WR in the 2nd?? If so, do you think the perceived lack of interest in Hankerson is a smokescreen??
How do you rate the second tier WRs?? Please rank Smith, Baldwin, Hankerson in the order you think they will be picked, plus any other wildcard possible second rounders we should keep an eye on.
Thanks for your time,
Rich
Jim Thomas: I have no
problems with Kerrigan. He's a highly productive effort guy. He had
12 1/2 sacks last year. And forced 14 fumbles over his career. I
just don't have a bead on whether the Rams like him. So I'm
certainly keeping him on my radar at No. 14 overall.
No, it's not a given that the Rams will go WR in the second round under that scenario. They could go corner, or LB for example. Or maybe even running back or offensive guard if the right one is available. As for Hankerson, I know some soouts who really really like him, who think he's the best "big" WR in the draft once Green and Jones are gone. Myself, I guess I'd rank them Smith, Cobb, Hankerson, and Baldwin. Scouts I talk to question Baldwin's passion for the game and say the only thing he does well is use his size to catch balls. And they think he has zero special teams value if he's not high in the rotation.
No, it's not a given that the Rams will go WR in the second round under that scenario. They could go corner, or LB for example. Or maybe even running back or offensive guard if the right one is available. As for Hankerson, I know some soouts who really really like him, who think he's the best "big" WR in the draft once Green and Jones are gone. Myself, I guess I'd rank them Smith, Cobb, Hankerson, and Baldwin. Scouts I talk to question Baldwin's passion for the game and say the only thing he does well is use his size to catch balls. And they think he has zero special teams value if he's not high in the rotation.
Afternoon Jim, with the
14th pick the St. Louis Rams select???? Anyone but a defensive
tackle. I don't think I can stomach this again. We all know we need
WR ( Green / Jones gone , ) but I would prefer a thumper SS or LB.
Anyone around 14 worth the pick? Thanks for your time.
Jim Thomas: There's no
safety or outside linebacker worth taking at 14, unless (hah!) Von
Miller is still on the board.
During
Mizzou's Pro Day, a receiver named Jamorris Warren caught passes
from Gabbert. He seemed to have opened some eyes with his
abilities. Does the Rams have any interest in later rounds or free
as free agent signee?
Jim Thomas: I was at the
Pro Day and watched Warren. He was very impressive. I'm not aware
that the Rams have any interest.
Round 1 (assuming julio is gone):
Liuget or Smith.
Round 2 (assuming leshoure is gone):
RB or WR?
Round 3:
FS or OG?
Who is your most under-the-radar draft pick in the later rounds?
Thanks!
Jim Thomas: Don't fogret
OLB as a potential option in Rounds 2 or 3. My late-round sleepers:
LS Jake McQuaide, Ohio State, WR Raymond Webber, Arkansas-Pine
Bluff; safety M.D. Jennings, Arkansas State, TE/h-back Mike
McNeill, Nebraska.
What do you think the Rams are looking for in a defensive lineman? Is it pass rushing ability or run stopping?
Do you think that the comparisons of JJ Watt to Adam Carriker are valid?
My own opinion is that they are similar athletes with very different styles. Carriker always seemed to be trying to bull rush his opponent and the result was frequently a standoff at the LOS. Watt seems to avoid getting tied up, strikes with one arm and gets off and is usually free to react to the ball. Neither has the speed I would like.
Jim Thomas: Pass rush
mainly. As for Watt and Carriker, I can kind of see the comparison
but haven't watched Watt as closely as you seem to have watched
him.
I understand the
court's ruling to lift the lockout means the Rams can start doing
business, including signing free agents. Assuming the court's
ruling is upheld, do the Rams have any plans to start signing free
agents?
Jim Thomas: As I
mentioned earlier, the league is waiting to see how the judge rules
on their "stay" request before free agency starts. There is no free
agency as we sit here now.
When it comes to the receiving corps, the team seems to see the glass as half-full, while the fanbase clearly sees the glass as half-empty. As fans, there is nothing we can do but hope that they come to their senses. But that and a token will get you on the bus, just ask the "we need a back-up running back" faction of 2008-2011, they are still on pins and needles this off-season. What accounts for the difference in team and fan perception of the WR situation?
Jim Thomas: Interesting
question. The only thing I can say is we're not making the
pick.
Do you think you have
ever been intentionally misled by a member of the Rams' coaching
staff or front office since the team moved here? Even if you can't
share names or details, can you tell us how you dealt with
it?
Jim Thomas: Of course,
this is the real world, isn't it? You just keep trying to do your
job and don't take it personally.
Hey Jim thanks for
the time, I was hoping you could give me 3 or 4 names to keep in
eye on in the 5 or 6 round that the rams might have strong interest
in? Thanks
Jim Thomas: I don't know
about "strong" interest, but I mentioned some potential
late-rounders in an earlier post -- here are a few others: Jamiie
Harper, RB, Clemson; Daniel Kilgore, OG, Appalachian State; Jason
Kelce, C/G, Cincinnati.
National Football Post
article mention small school OT David Arkin from Missouri State as
someone creating some buzz among scouts as a rising mid round pick.
I'm not from the St Louis area, so I know nothing about him. What's
the local buzz? Is he worth a look/ see from Rams?
Jim Thomas: Yeah, I
wrote about him at the combine. He actually has relatives from the
St. Louis area. He played tackle last season at Missouri State and
played very well. I'm sure the Rams have looked at him, I don't
know if they're interested.
Jim: Did any of
the players actually show up at Rams Park this morning and, if so,
how were they treated. On a related note, how many of the Rams
players actually live in St. Louis year-round. I get the impression
it is a very small percentage.
Jim Thomas: The only
player I'm aware of was LB James Laurinaitis. He's the "player" I
mentioned in a blog late this morning who said he was thinking of
coming over. But he didn't stay long, and I believe he left right
around the time the Spags and Deavney draft press conference
ended.
How far do you think Adrian Clayborn will fall. He would have been a top 10 pick last year. After watching him sucking wind in the 4th quarter of Iowa games there has to be some doubts.
Jim Thomas: I still
think Clayborn will be a first rounder. I think teams are concerned
about the nerve condition in his shoulder.
And thanks for asking but the tornadoes missed my family.
And thanks for asking but the tornadoes missed my family.
In percentage
terms, please assess the odds of the Rams (1) trading up in the
first round, (2) trading down in the first round; and (3) staying
pat at 14. Thanks.
Jim Thomas: 1.) 15
%
2.) 70 %
3.) 15 %
2.) 70 %
3.) 15 %
1. Will any team try trading current players with the latest ruling from the judge?
2. Do you think the Rams will trade up to either get a WR or target a Defense player (Patrick Peterson)they think will fit better then the ones projected to fall to them?
Thanks again
Jim Thomas: 1.) Not
until the new league year starts, and it hasn't started yet.
2. My sense is the Rams would only trade up for Jones if he falls to around 8 or 9.
2. My sense is the Rams would only trade up for Jones if he falls to around 8 or 9.
Hi Jim...A
couple of questions. First, with the ruling by Judge Nelson
"lifting" the lockout, can the coaches talk to the players legally.
Second, if the coaches do talk to the players and the lockout gets
reinstated is it possible that those conversations can have
repercussions for either side. In other words can the players or
coaches get in trouble for having those conversastions.
Jim Thomas: I think
that's all still getting sorted out. At the pre-draft press
conference that concluded about 2 hours ago here, Spagnuolo said he
hadn't talked to any players yet. Other than not being able to bar
the players from entering the building, I think the Rams and
basically the rest of the league are operating as if lockout
conditions were still in force.
A.) You have suggested in the past the Rams do not like Leonard Hankerson WR, the "U" Miami Why? All i see are big plays and touchdowns.
B.) Do the Rams have any interest in Kansas State RB Daniel Thomas? I saw him rip up UCLA last fall, I think he'd be great in 2nd or 3rd round.
C.) RB DeMarco Murray from OU has a lot of talent, but gets injured, Is he on the Rams radar in the later rounds?
D. Is WR Randall Cobb from Kentucky that good (2nd rd?) I can't help but think of the oft-injured Keenan Burton when I hear about WRs from that school.
Jim Thomas: A.) I know
some scouts that feel the same way you do. I don't know
specifically how the Rams feel about him, but some teams question
his attitude and his drops.
B. Yes. They brought him in for a pre-draft visit.
C. Don't know on Murray. But I'm sure the Rams are looking at tons of backs.
D. I think he's pretty good. Just like you can't blame Torrey Smith for Darrius Heyward-Bey at Maryland, I don't think you can blame Randall Cobb for Keenan Burton's knee problems.
B. Yes. They brought him in for a pre-draft visit.
C. Don't know on Murray. But I'm sure the Rams are looking at tons of backs.
D. I think he's pretty good. Just like you can't blame Torrey Smith for Darrius Heyward-Bey at Maryland, I don't think you can blame Randall Cobb for Keenan Burton's knee problems.
Thanks for the chat! I have not given up on Julio Jones falling to the Rams at 14. Remenber a couple of years ago with the Rams having a huge hole at MLB I watched with glee as James Laurinitas, whom many considered a sure first rounder fall to the Rams in round two.
If Jones is gone the Rams should grab C Mike Pouncey, Florida. If he is 75% of the player his brother Maurice is with the Steelers, he will be an instant impact player for the Rams for a variety of reasons.
Then the Rams should pick WR Leonard Hankerson, Miami, in round two. He has all the tools and is an ascending player from a big time program.
In round three the pick should be RB Demarco Murray, Oklahoma. A productive back with home run speed and an excellent receiver. He is also a former teammate of Sam Bradford.
These are my top three if Jones is indeed gone. But again I would not be surprised to see Julio Jones in a Rams uniform one way or another. Stanger things have happened.
Best Regards,
Mitch from SD
Jim Thomas: Mitch, I
just participated in a mock draft and Jones was there. I think a
key is if Cincy takes Gabbert, then Cleveland takes A.J. Green,
giving Jones a chance to drop to the Rams. I haven't seen anybody
that thinks Pouncey is worth taking that high in the draft. And I
just have a hard time seeing the Rams take another high pick (or
pricey free agent) from the offensive line.
I favor quality over quantity. I would trade a third and 6th round pick to Buffalo to switch first round pics and get Julio Jones. Jones would immediately upgrade the wide receiver and quarterback positions, force opposing teams to respect the pass and thus not crowd the box to stop the run and open up opportunities for our other wide receivers. Steep price I know, but worth it. Your thoughts? Thanks!
Jim Thomas: I'm not sure
if that would be enough to move up from 14 to 3.
How can the NFL have a
draft without a CBA? Why can't any new player coming out of college
simply sell his services to the highest paid team? If there was a
union or CBA rules could be established but without one why not a
free market?
Jim Thomas: It was kind
of grandfathered into the just expired CBA, that even if it expired
a draft would be held in 2011.
Absent of a union, and collective bargaining agreement, during a lockout......does the NFL have any jurisdiction over player conduct; ie Marshall, Aqib Talib, etc?
Jim Thomas: Sorry to
dsiappoint you, but the "expert" doesn't know.
I asked you this question recently, and you answered Raymond Webber, WR. But now 3 days before the draft, I'll ask once again. Given all your homework, the whispers, the invitees, your gut feeling, etc. can you give us one name that you just have a hunch is a Ram come this weekend? It can be a first rounder through seventh rounder, but try and give us a name that will cause us to say "wow, JT nailed that", when the name is called.
Thanks
Jim Thomas: What you
didn't like the Webber name? Just kidding. If you could ask me this
about five picks into each round, I could give a better
answer.
Okay Jim, you are on the clock. The Rams have taken a defensive lineman in the first round and Torrey Smith, Randall Cobb, Jonathan Baldwin and Leonard Hankerson are available when the Rams pick in the second round. Who would you choose? I like Baldwin because he is 6' 5". That sounds good to me.
Jim Thomas: Torrey
Smith.
Thanks
Rich
BTW..a shout out to your sons for serving in our military. (retired SFC here)
Jim Thomas: It's not
that he has glass hands, he's just not a natural catcher like
Green. Thanks for the shoutout.
There has been a lot of chatter about Da'quan Bowers' draft stock slipping. Would the Rams take him if he slides down to him even with his knee trouble? He would definitely bolster the Rams pass rush if healthy...
Also, Corey Liuget seems like the most predicted choice for the Rams at #14. What are the chances that the Rams get another Illini player (Leshoure or Wilson) with their 2nd round pick? The Rams have a need at RB and OLB.
Jim Thomas: That's a
good question. I'm hearing -- and others have heard as well -- that
Bowers' knee is in bad shape and he may need microfracture surgery.
I think Leshoure would be very tempting in the second round. Don't
know about Wilson, I think he projects more as a middle linebacker.
And the Rams are pretty well set there.
Is this Corey Leugit guy worth a 14 pick?
So there will be NFL football in 2011 right?
Thanks Jim
Jim Thomas: It would
depend on how much Dallas wants.
I'm hear differing opinions. I talked to three former scouts yesterday and one was lukewarm about him, but two thought he was an underrated player and could be a steal for the Rams at 14. So I guess in a sense, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Yes we will have football in 2011.
That's all for not. Got to write for the newspaper. Next week, we can talk about how the Rams drafted.
I'm hear differing opinions. I talked to three former scouts yesterday and one was lukewarm about him, but two thought he was an underrated player and could be a steal for the Rams at 14. So I guess in a sense, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Yes we will have football in 2011.
That's all for not. Got to write for the newspaper. Next week, we can talk about how the Rams drafted.