JT chat 4/28

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_88?Page=0

Thanks for chatting Jim. Does the NFL’s forfeiture of their tax-exempt status allow for the league to operate officially as a “for profit” business, in turn allowing them to enforce league bylaws in the case of, I don’t know, an owner trying to move a team against league wishes.
by Ike 2:01PM

I’m not sure on this. But I do think it helps them when it comes to enforcing league bylaws.
by jthomas 2:01 PM

Jim – Any more rumblings that Austin might be on the move out of town?
by McGarrett 2:01PM

Have nott heard any inklings on that in weeks.
by jthomas 2:02 PM

Hi Jim, isn’t it a great time of the year? If you were the Rams GM who would you target at the #10 pick or would you trade down?
by john 2:02PM

I think I take the best offensive lineman available at 10. Or a WR if someone named Cooper or White is available at 10.
by jthomas 2:03 PM

Jim, I know I’m a week late and wrong sport but have you ever been dressed down like the Red’s manager did to the sports writer last week?
by Tex 2:03PM

If been at this for a while, so yeah, it’s happened a time or two.
by jthomas 2:04 PM

How much $ did Shane Ray cost himself?
by Steverino 2:08PM

The fifth overall pick a year ago, Khalil Mack, signed a four-year deal worth $18.7 million. The 9th overall pick, Anthony Barr, signed a four-year deal worth $12.7 million. So that’s a $6 million difference there. Even the difference between No. 9 overall and No. 10 overall pick Eric Ebron last year was $500,000. So I think Ray slides a few spots, but I can’t tell you that many.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

Why is Joe Barksdale waiting so long to sign, by waiting so long isn’t he costing himself money ??
by Anthony Mack 2:12PM

Pretty strange. I think at this point you need to sign a one-year “prove-it” deal and just make the most of it if you’re Barksdale. The money’s certainly not going to get any better. And after the draft, every team that drafts a tackle in the first three or four rounds is going to think they’ve addressed a need.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Hey Jim – With all of the positive news regarding Rams stadium financing, construction management team, land acquisition and positive feedback from presentation to NFL have your odds changed?
by Steverino 2:14PM

No. Still at 43-57. I need to see land acquisition completed and/or financing steps to change odds.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Any rumors of the Rams moving up to No. 3 pick since Snead is good friends with the Jags GM?
by john 2:15PM

Not sure why you’d move up to No. 3.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Just wondering how often is Stan Kroenke out at Rams Park?
by Dave 2:15PM

Not very often. I’m not sure if he’s been here 50 times since the building opened in 1996.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Hi Jim, Could you see a scenario where Snisher would consider taking a guy like Gregory or Ray probably slipping because of off field issues at 10?
by JM 2:16PM

Possibly. I think both could be there. Gregory has more issues than Ray, but I think most would say he’s more gifted than Ray athletically.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

If the Rams exercised the 5 year option on Brockers, why not on Barron? Brockers has not lived up to expectations.
by Tom 2:17PM

I think Brockers has played pretty well, actually. He was used more to do the dirty work a year ago, with the ascendancy of Aaron Donald _ that is, occupying blockers, playing almost in a nose tackle role at times, which hurts your tackling and sack numbers. Barron’s number would’ve been more than $8.2 million to exercise his option _ which I think explains why it wasn’t exercised.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

Hi Jim. How do you envision the Rams filling the 3 holes on the O-line? If they take other positions in the first and second round is that going to force us to over pay whoever is left in free agency?
by Ryan 2:20PM

At center, maybe it comes down to going with Barrett Jones, Tim Barnes, or even Demetrius Rhaney. It is still possible to add veteran free agents at guard (Justin Blalock) and right tackle (Joe Barksdale). Failing that you can find a starter or two in the draft.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Jim – Who do you see the Raiders taking in the first round?
by Ryan 2:22PM

Sorry, you’re on the wrong chat _ for 2015, anyway.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

If I’m the Rams GM, I call Tennessee and offer them Foles, the 10 pick, and next years 2nd rounder we got from Philly,….just to spite Chip Kelly and draft Marriotta. Think the Titans would be interested?
by Tex 2:22PM

If they were interested in Foles, why wouldn’t Tennessee trade for him I the first place?
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Hi Jim, do you see tavon Austin or Chris Long being traded with all the rumors swirling around?
by john 2:23PM

I don’t at this point. But with Fisher and Snead this time of year, I don’t rule out anything. More often than not, they have been bold and unpredictable in the draft.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

GA. jim …..looking at this team this year there are no excuses… This draft is very important an should put the rams in the playoff…if we fail this year can we officially call the >Fisher regime a buss?
by roc 2:24PM

Well, I’ll put it this way: It’s hard to see Fisher returning in 2016 if the Rams have another losing record in 2015.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Jim, from what I hear and read it seems that if the Rams move to LA, most of STL fans are jumping ship and will quit following the Rams and find a new team. From all the bad rap that STL gives LA (including yourself) about LA being a bad football city/lack of real football fans, LA still has thousands of faithful Rams fans that have been loyal to the team even after 20 years of the team leaving the LA. If STL is such a loyal and passionate football town as all of you say it is, why are most fans turning their backs on the Rams if/when they leave? Thanks.
by Harky 2:25PM

What if LA had gotten an expansion team (which went to the Houston Texans) instead in 1999? (first year of play 2002). Do you think there’d be many Rams fans left in L.A. now?
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Are the Rams gambling on Jones being able to be an effective center this year? I wasn’t impressed with Barnes, and Rhaney is also a total unknown.
by Tom 2:26PM

It looks like that way at the moment.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

is Todd Gurley pick at #10 a Fisher type of RB? And would Fisher draft him?
by john 2:27PM

Hard to see that happening, especially since there are no guarantees Gurley would be able to go on opening day.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

Any news on the Barksdale front?
2nd- Will SK be slapped with a relocation fee should he carry out his move to LA? If I recall, the Raiders refused to pay the fee when they moved back to Oakland, while the Rams paid $40 million, if memory serves.
by JeffM 2:28PM

Nothing new on Barksdale. League will assess a relocation fee if Stan moves. Could be $500 million-plus I’m told. I think the league feels more confident about collecting one this time around
by jthomas 2:28 PM

JT, Mr. Peacok stated he’s 100 percent sure NFL football will be in St. Louis in 2016. Shouldn’t that give us St. Louis fans hope?
by Keith 2:29PM

I must have missed that one. I’ve never heard him say he’s 100 percent sure St. Louis will have team in 2016.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Are you high on White and how is his route running? I’d figure they could get a WR in the 2nd round if they really wanted a WR.
by john 2:29PM

I like him. I’d certainly draft him if he were there at No. 10. I think he’s a pretty good route runner. I do wonder a little bit, though, because he’s pretty much a one-year wonder. And I wonder a little bit about West Virginia wide receivers, since Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey put up similarly great numbers there, but haven’t taken the NFL by storm. But again, I’d still take him.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

Jim – If you were the Rams would you try and move up a little but in the second round to ensure getting a viable O-line starter. To me it seems like the cost would be less prohibitive there especially if we take someone at another position in the first round.
by Ryan 2:32PM

What you’re saying makes sense. But if there are several offensive linemen you like at the start of the second round that are still on the board, why not just stand pat? And if you take an O-linemen in Round 2, do you think you’ll get a decent QB in Round 3?
by jthomas 2:34 PM

my read is the Rams have to get an OL and QB with their first 2 picks…is there any other scenario that makes more sense – and do the Rams like Peat enough to get him at 10 if Scherrf is gone –
by Phillip 2:34PM

The most logical thing to do is just what you suggest: OL in Round 1, QB in Round 2, and maybe another O-lineman in Round 3. As we all know, logic sometimes goes out the window in the draft. I don’t know if the Rams like Peat well enough to take him at 10 overall. But I did have a scout tell me that Peat should go much higher than where he has been projected to go in many of the media mock drafts.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Do you see the Rams trading up for Mariota?
by Grant 2:37PM

As Fisher put it at the NFL owners meetings late last month: “highly unlikely.”
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Is there an Offensive Lineman that you really want the Rams to get?
by john 2:38PM

Brandon Scherff makes a lot of sense. I think he’s better than his tape showed last season (because of the knee injury). He’s exactly what you need on what’s shaping up as a very young O-line: a tough, physical run-blocker. But you almost certainly will have to play him at guard. But do you take a guard that high in the draft? And I can see the attraction of Andrus Peat and La’El Collins.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

Jim, As always thanks for the chat, I never miss one and look forward to it every week. I think the Rams should go the route of the Cowboys and finally put our O-line issues to rest….whatever it takes, period. I’d have no problem (in fact, I’d prefer it) if we traded back and picked up an extra 2nd, 3rd or 4th rd. pick and used our #1 on Florida St. C Cameron Erving or South Carolina G A.J. Cann…two “plug and play” players for the next 10 years. I know a lot of this is contingent on re-signing Barksdale, but I think the Rams will since it seems that he’s overvalued himself in FA. I know most will disagree with my line of thinking but I think that if and until we get our O-line issues fixed it won’t matter who we have at QB, RB, or WR. I remember most people laughed when the Cowboys used their #1 pick (granted it was pick #31 overall) on Wisconsin C Travis Frederick back in 2013…well, they’re not laughing now. I’d then go QB in the 2nd (Petty or Hundley)…but resolving our O-line issues once and for all should be the paramount goal of this draft. What do you think Jim?
by Ron 2:42PM

I think you’ve stated the perfect case for trading down. But not too much. I don’t think you want to be behind Houston (No. 16 overall), because the Texans could take Erving. But then you still need a tackle. If it’s Barksdale, then OK. I don’t know if trading down from 10 to say 15 in the first round is enough to get an extra second-rounder.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Behind the top two QB’s there seems to be a lot of differing opinions on the best of the rest. What are your thoughts on Brett Hundley and who would fit best with the Rams?
by Gladdy 2:47PM

I’ve heard from a scout _ on another team _ who thinks that the Rams really like Hundley. I think Hundley projects pretty good leadership skills, cares about his craft, and provides mobility for when the pocket breaks down. But his pocket presence looks like an issue, and I’d have to make sure in my mind that he has the discipline to go through his reads without cutting and running at the first sign of danger. I like Petty a lot but another scout that I talked to thinks it could take him a couple, three years to be ready to go in a pro style offense. And lastly, I’ve heard from another source _ someone who has access to the front office _ that the Rams like Sean Mannion, who is more NFL ready because he played in pro style offense at Oregon State, but threw a lot of interceptions last season and has a long delivery.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Why is Pead still on the roster? He is not playing and has zero value.
by fred 2:53PM

We’ll see if he’s still on the roster in early September.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

As I recall, Congress granted the NFL an exemption to the anti-monopoly laws in echange for the league’s promise not to act like a monopoly. However, it seems to me that forcing fans to buy PSL’s violate that arrangement. What do you think?
by Tom 2:54PM

You don’t have to purchase them if you’re offended by the concept.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Does the CBA agreement that makes the 5th-year option on top-10 picks more expensive than the other 1st-rounders make the #10 overall pick less attractive to teams that the Rams would like to trade down with? Or is the 5th-year option too far in the future for a GM to care much?
by Eric 2:55PM

I think it could be a small factor. But if you really want the guy at No. 10, I don’t think it stops you.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

Any chance that the drafting of Sam last year was a move to generate favor with the league so that the Rams will be allowed to move without issues?
by Len 2:56PM

Uh, no. Don’t think that got them any votes among the league owners.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Jim–do you think Philly trades Bradford to Cleveland?
by Bopat from SoCal 2:57PM

No. But a part of me will only believe Chip Kelly doesn’t want Mariota when I hear another team call his name.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

Jim, we have heard about the new stadiums in LA, how about an LA version of Rams Park. Any idea where that would be or would they practice in the new stadium?
by stratis 2:58PM

As I understand it, the practice facility wouldn’t be in the same area as the Inglewood stadium.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Jim we really like the new QnA format did you design?
by RAMSRAMSRAMS 2:59PM

I didn’t know we had a new Q&A format.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

If Kevin white falls to 10 do you immediately take him?
by Cammy 3:00PM

Yes.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

When Mariota falls to the Rams at #10, we probably trade the pick to Philly for Bradford, right?
by c_good 3:00PM

Bingo! You’ve cracked the case.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

It seems like the Chargers and Raiders going in together on a stadium would give them some advantage with the league over the Rams going it alone, as it would solve two problems instead of just one. Do you see it this way?
by Rodger 3:01PM

Yes. Financially having two teams in one LA stadium is better in terms of making the stadium work.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

It’s there an OT worthy of a top 10 pick ?
by RAMSRAMSRAMS 3:02PM

Sure. Peat. Some mocks have Flowers in the top 10.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

How do you rate the top five QB’s in the upcoming draft? I don’t understand the Rams reluctance to pay Barksdale starters money if they intend to start him. Your take?
by fred 3:03PM

As to the top 5 QBs in the draft; I rate them in this order: Winston, Mariota, Petty, Hundley, Garrett Grayson. As for the Rams’ reluctance to play Barksdale starters money; they feel they’re offering him what he’s worth.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

The Rams play on national TV only once–against Tampa Bay. The networks showing no love for the Rams.
by Bopat from SoCal 3:05PM

Your assessment is accurate.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Any chance, if the NFL approves the Carson deal, that Stan thumbs his nose and builds Inglewood and moves the Rams anyway?
by fred 3:06PM

Three teams in LA? Wow. Would Stan go rogue? That’s an interesting scenario. I guess he could try.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

Please give me your opinion… Would you rather have Chase Daniel (I still think he can be a starter in the NFL, and he’s more of a “known quantity.”) or would you rather have ANY of the 2nd tier QB’s in this draft? (Petty/Hundley/Grayson/Manion). Thanks.
by MarkBlackGold 3:06PM

You’d have to trade for Daniel because he’s still under contract. I don’t think it would take a lot for Daniel, but you’d still have to give up something. And you’re picking up a player who’s scheduled to make about $3 million I believe in base salary in ’15. Wait. I’ll look it up. . . . .Daniel is due $3.75 million in base salary in 2015, and then he’s a free agent in ’16. Plus, he’s thrown only 75 regular-season passes since entering the league in 2009. So I’m going second-tier.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Jim–other than Lawrence Phillipps, who is the biggest draft bust in St. Louis Ram history?
by Bopat from SoCal 3:12PM

Jason Smith in my mind. . . .By the way, we have a list of both the 50 best and 50 worst St. Louis Rams draft picks on our stltoday.com web site.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Do you think Dave Peacock would ever consider trying to put together an ownership group to try to by the Rams from Stan if the Rams are blocked from moving?
by STLFootball 3:13PM

Yes.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Has anybody done an assessment or evaluation if LA can support a football team? Or does nobody care?
by STL45Fan 3:13PM

The league is doing a market assessment study in LA, just like it has with St. Louis, Oakland, and San Diego.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

Do the Rams feel that Barrett Jones, Tim Barnes, or Demetrius Rhaney can play center in 2015 and in which order?
by 28-Blast 3:14PM

It’s looking that way. And I think right now it would go 1.) Jones; 2.) Barnes; 3.) Rhaney.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Any thoughts on the Rams schedule? It’s been pretty tough in years past but this time around I see plenty of winnable games (given a solid o-line).
by Ryan 3:15PM

Tough opening stretch with Seattle, Pittsburgh, Arizona and Green Bay in the first five games. I think all four can be considered Super Bowl contenders. But there aren’t many soft spots in the entire schedule. The AFC North and NFC North are pretty tough. In fact, I think you can make the case that next to the NFC West, the AFC North has been the toughest division in the NFL the last few years. I like the fact that the Rams don’t have to play more than two consecutive weeks on the road at any time. If they’re still kicking late in the year, it’s a plus to have three consecutive home games to start December.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

If the Rams move was blocked, do you think Kroenke stays owner, or sells?
by Brad 3:19PM

Stays but tries to sell and by another team.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

Your chats are great. Where will you watch the draft from?
by Ramdave 3:19PM

Rams Park as always.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

kroenke goes rogue, nfl pulls his franchise just as mcdonalds would with one of its franchisees, due to cross-ownership violations. litigation follows, but rams play in st louis in 2016 and until the litigation is resolved. players show up where checks are issued. kroenke’s going no where anyway because there is no financial model that allows him to make money in a 100 percent privately financed $2 billion stadium. none. so, on to my question: in every presentation that peacock/blitz has made, there has been no mention of naming rights money as a component of the funding sources. naming rights money was used in levi stadium (49ers) and tim romer of goldman sachs (reps the chargers) said that naming rights money would go to financing in carson city. what is peacock/blitz doing by trying to hide the naming rights money? do they really think that kroenke can continue to put that money in his pocket as he does now rather than use it to finance the stadium, while asking taxpayers to “extend the bonds”?
by branford76 3:20PM

Interesting question on naming rights. Will try to ask. In this market, though, not sure if naming rights puts much of a dent in a billion-dollar stadium price tag.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

If Dorial Green-Beckham was sitting there in the second round, and the Rams had drafted Schreff or Peat in the first round, would the Rams seriously consider drafting DGB?
by SBC34 3:22PM

Maybe. But I’d think under those circumstances the Rams would got for a QB instead.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Any change Rams Park may move to the city or another county more willing to help pay for the stadium? It could be part of a nice regional development, like the Blues training rink at the Mills.
by ZGare 3:23PM

The building is still in pretty good shape. Can’t see that happening.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Hey,Jim I know we need a or but I think the rams should take Todd Gurley .
by Rodney 3:23PM

There you go _ one vote for Gurley.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Hello Mr. Thomas. Thanks for chats as always. I was at Rams Park within the last couple of months and it could certainly use a facelift. The roof in the large room with the turf was leaking and the turf is really worn. Obviously not important if we lose the Rams, but any idea if a plan to refurbish if the Rams stay? Thank you.
by Mike 3:24PM

Don’t think a new indoors turf, or patching up the roof will take much money.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

I’m going on record that it’s gonna come down to 2 scenarios: Either the STL gets a new team or StanK gets a new team, and in both cases that team is the Raiders! Your thoughts?
by STL45Fan 3:25PM

Raiders do seem to be in the most precarious position of the three.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

It’s certainly looks like the Rams will take a OT with the 10th pick. But what are the chances of drafting Gurley, Gordon, Cooper, or White: I think they are offensive difference makers and The Rams could definite use more of that.
by Joel C 3:25PM

Don’t think Cooper or White will be there. And it sure seems high for a post-surgery Gurley or Gordon.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

Hear alot about possible move from Oakland to STL. What about Chargers?
by Brad 3:26PM

Think they’re less likely, because they have more financial wherewithal to make something happen in southern Cal. And if Raiders left, there would still be a team in the Bay Area.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

How much improvement do you expect to see from Robinson this year?
by Tom 3:27PM

Hard to quantify. And I’m sure there will still be ups and downs. But you would expect improvement in terms of picking up stunts and blitzes.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Seems like Zac Stacy got in the dog house for a minute last year.. Does he have more of an expanded role in 2015? I’d rather take Gruly at 10
by CaliSteve 3:28PM

He does if he beats out Mason for the starting job and Cunningham for the backup/third-down job. It’s hard to work 3 RBs into a rotation.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

That second rounder next year from philly might be a nice leverage pick to move up in the second or possibly jump into the late first if need be.
by eman 3:29PM

Yes indeed.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

What are the odds of Steven Jackson finding a team?
by john 3:29PM

Maybe someone picks him up post-draft. I have my doubts.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Do you feel for Chris Long. He might get cut after next season at the same time the Rams lose. He would have never been on a winning team and his legacy would cease to exist. That is depressing.
by john 3:30PM

Or Chris Long could play on a formidable 2015 defense that helps the Rams finally break through, and then signs a more cap friendly contract extension.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

If Jackson gets no contract, may he sign a 1 day contract to retire a Ram?
by Brad 3:31PM

Very possible. But the whole one-day contract thing is kind of gimmicky. I think Rams most Rams fans will always identify Jackson as a Ram.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Would you take Cooper or White over Scherff at 10?
by AzRamsFan 3:32PM

Yes.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Hey Jim,
What are the chances the Rams take another “developmental” player in the first round that’s not on anybodys radar? Rather than a safe pick that can produce in week 1?
by Matt 3:32PM

In general, they like potential and measurables over production. And sometimes they think a little outside the box. But when you say someone that’s not on anybody’s radar, I don’t see that.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Jim, it may be I’ve misunderstood, but both you and Bernie M. seemed to me to be implying some knowledge of things going on behind the scenes that makes it more likely Oakland ends up in St. Louis while the Rams head to L.A. I’ve followed your chats enough that you needn’t rehearse what you’ve already stated; I’m wondering if you do indeed know more, as sometimes happens, but cannot reveal anything. Care to comment?
by um 3:34PM

No comment.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

How are ticket sales for 2015?
by PSL-er 3:34PM

Demoff said the other they were “slow.”
by jthomas 3:35 PM

I would trade our first rounder this year, Tavon Austin, and my autographed Kurt Warner (1999 colors) football helmet for a new owner. Do you have anything to add to help sweeten the pot?
by Dan 3:35PM

I’ll ask my son, U.S. Army Captain Tim Thomas, to throw in his Isaac Bruce jersey.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

The Taylor Family – Enterprise Rental car has more money than SK. Any chance to approach the Taylor family for funding – offer a higher return on their money plus give them naming rights to the stadium. Enterprise Rental Car Stadium – would solve the issue of fiancing
by Charlie 3:36PM

I don’t think the Taylor family is that into sports.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

Ok so Mark Davis was invited to Inglewood a week or so ago. Why? Do you see Stan and Mark Davis as co-owning the Raiders once he sells the Rams to local ownership. Then the league approves the Chargers and Raiders to move to Inglewood
by Terry 3:36PM

Maybe Kroenke is trying to woo Davis away from Carson (and the Chargers).
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Hi Jim!
I have a hard time viewing your chats from my phone 🙁 worked this time but often doesnt
by BEERGOD 3:37PM

Now, don’t go all high-tech on me. I have no idea what you’re talking about. My youngest son had to show me how to text.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Did you ever try a bowl of the Kurt Warner Krunchtime Flakes cereal? I have a box but refuse to open it so that I can one day get it appraised on Antiques Roadshow.
by The Ghost of Jason Sehorn 3:39PM

Never had a bowl. Yeah, I wouldn’t open it.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

After trading for 2 young QB’s and having a decimated OLine, do you really think that the Rams can afford to draft another project QB? I would have thought that picking up Foles would buy them some time.
by STL45Fan 3:40PM

Remember, Foles, Keenum, and Davis all have contracts that expire after the 2015 season.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

got your choice of picks except winston and marriota, who is it?
by eman 3:41PM

You’ll have to wait until our final mock comes out on Weds night/Thurs. morning.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Why did Philly give up Nick Foles 27 touchdowns 3 interceptions, pro bowl?
by Coleman 3:42PM

I think only Chip Kelly knows for sure. But as good as Foles was in 2013, he was so-so and then injured in 2014.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

If Barksdale resigns with the Rams, what do you think of a one-year “prove it” type deal? So far he hasn’t been that good.
by Tom 3:42PM

I think that’s the way to go at this point _ a one-year prove-it deal.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

Hey Jim Do you think that Shane Ray and Randy Gregory messed up the Rams draft? Whereas the Rams would have had somewhat of multiple choices at 10 with these two knuckleheads being taken in the top 10. Now with players shifting upward, could even the best OL projected picks be gone, Cooper and White gone aswell? Your thoughts
by Dwayne 3:43PM

You make a very interesting point. If both Gregory and Ray fall out of the 1op 10, it could cause some of their potential options to rise. We’ll see soon enough.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

Jim – do you think the NFL is at all concerned with an alleged rapist likely the 1st overall pick given the PR situations they’ve had lately. As I recall Big Ben wasn’t convicted of anything and still had a suspension. Is there any possibility of the league reprimanding Winston?
by Ryan 3:44PM

Don’t think so at this point.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

Rumor has it, that The NFL Draft is this Thursday…??? Haven’t heard much about it…(Sarsacm)…!!!
by Roman Gabriel 3:46PM

Not a whole lot in this town anyway. But we’ve done are best in this outpost.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

With everything the St.Louis Reps have achieved on the proposed Riverfront Stadium wouldn’t a Stan Kroenke move to LA be absolutely without a doubt be labeled as a purely for profit move?
by Shackleferd 3:46PM

If St. Louis can reach the finish line on its riverfront stadium project, I think you’d have to say yes.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Mayweather-Pacqiano. Who ya got?
by Rock15 3:47PM

I’m not really a boxing guy.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Do you think Ray wanted to fall to the Rams? Everyone says we have a fun defense to play in.
by Cardsfan 3:47PM

Ha.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

If you have the Rams at 43-57 in STL for 2016, what about the Raiders in STL in 2016?
by Rock15 3:47PM

45-55.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

I can understand the temptation to take a top WR or DE at #10, but this regime still hasn’t spent much draft capital (outside of Robinson) on the offensive line. They’ve spent the last 3 years fixing the mistakes of the Spags and Linehan eras. Don’t you think they’ll take an OT or OG in the first and complete that process? There will be a new Cooper/White/Gregory/Ray/whomever next year.
by Eric 3:48PM

Eric, you’ve made a very convincing argument for an OL. But if Cooper or White is there, I turn in the card. Draft an OL in Round 3 and Round 4. (I’m taking a QB in Round 2.) I sign Barksdale and Blaylock in free agency, and off we go.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Percentage there’s NFL football in St. Louis in 2016?
by Keith 3:50PM

44-56.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

If Peacock gets the land and financing locked in by kickoff weekend, your odds of the Rams staying go from 43% to ?
by Terry 3:50PM

I don’t like hypotheticals, but I think we’re in the 50-50 range at that point, maybe more than 50-50.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Alright- I’ll even throw in my Mark Bulger lightup backpack, Tood Kinchen goal punching gloves and my Trung Candidate rookie card. I need my Rams to stay!
by Dan 3:51PM

Dan, this just might put it over the top.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

How is the Riverfront plan better than what the Farmer’s Field plan was?
by Vaadwaur 3:52PM

This one costs Kroenke only $250 million.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Am thinking of taking my family (wife+2 kids) to our first game this year. Driving from Dallas. Looking at the schedule can recommend a game later in the year that’s appears to be a “fun” one?
by ClevelandGary 3:52PM

I’d say Chicago on Nov. 15. Be prepared for a lot of Bears fans.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

What are the odds you’ll be asked ‘what are your odds’ for every chat until Dec?
by jjwalker 3:53PM

99.9 to 00.1.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

If the Rams go at least 9-7 we probably try to re-sign Foles. What do you think his contract looks like?
by Tom R 3:53PM

I think you’d have to see how he plays because I think the Rams could have a defense capable of winning some games.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Why only 50-50 Rams stay under those circumstances? That seems low.
by Brad 3:54PM

I’m not locked in on 50-50; I teased the fact that I might got in the 50s.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Hi Jim, skip if you already got this one. Best case scenario: We fill up the dome this year, get the financing ready on new stadium from our side, do everything we can, etc., etc. Is the NFL still going to let Stan tell us bu-bye?
by ihtnep 3:55PM

Under that scenario, they will try to prevent it.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

If a wr is at the top of the Ram’s board at 10 is there any chance they would take the wr and trade Austin? Could they get a 2nd rounder for him?
by shedrow 3:55PM

A second-rounder> Kind of doubt it.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Did Brandon Scherff ever make a pre draft visit?
by Gladdy 3:56PM

None that I could confirm.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

I assume that Kroenke will not agree to his portion of the monies for the new stadium if the financing goes through locally. How would the NFL handle this because at that moment, all eyes are on them to do the right thing per their own rules?
by Vern 3:56PM

That my friend is the question, isn’t it.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

If league force SK to stay and accepts it, do you him throwing in more money on the river front deal? Obviously, owning the stadium, etc would bring him more money and control.
by eman 3:57PM

That sounds very optimistic.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

You didn’t like my Fisher and his offense or the GM-Fisher questions and comments–or are you flooded with questions?
by About Fisher 3:58PM

Always flooded, and running out of time. Send one of them again real quick.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

What will be the story of the draft that everyone’s talking about next week?
by Gladdy 3:58PM

How did Kelly pull off that trade up for Mariota. 🙂
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Do you think the Rams should only draft offensive players this year? Defense seems pretty set except for maybe a couple depth guys
by bdefreitas20390 4:00PM

I would do as you say.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

So, do you think Davis would even want to come here if the Rams bolt for LA? Davis just seems like a CA guy.
by Ram Man 4:00PM

Maybe not. But his options in Oakland _ for a new stadium _ don’t look that promising.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

I question Fisher’s ability to develop an effective offense, and that his agreement to come to St. Louis has given him considerable authority over the draft, more so than in other GM-coach circumstnaces, which given what I see is a mediocre record beyond 1st and second round picks spells long-term problems. I’m acutally more optimistic about the Raider’s GM McKenzie if Davis gets out of the way (a big if, I suppose); so I wouldn’t be unhappy with the Raiders in St. Louis as a long-term bet.
by About Fisher 4:01PM

Well, the Rams did draft Isaiah Pead in the second round in 2012, and trade up for Tavon Austin in 2013. So it’s not as if Fisher hasn’t tried to draft potential playmakers. Obviously he does have a lot of say over the draft. As for mediocre record for draft picks after Rounds 1&2, I’m not sure I agree with your premise. T.J. McDonald, Tre Mason, E.J. Gaines, Greg Zuerlein, Zac Stacy have all been taken after Round 2. As for McKenzie, I’m not really well-versed on his track record as GM, and right now, I don’t have to be.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

Am thinking of taking my family (wife+2 girls) to our first game this year. Driving from Dallas. Looking at the schedule can you recommend a game later in the year that’s appears to be a good one to get us started?
by ClevelandGary 4:07PM

Thought I answered this: Chicago, Nov. 15.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

Top 3 politicians who need to receive letters from St.louis Ram fans?
by Terry 4:07PM

I’d start with the county executive.
by jthomas 4:08 PM