JT NFL Chat, 3/29

NFL chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_11?Page=3

Jim – Whenever I watched the Fox pre-game show, I always thought Howie Long pulled his punches regarding the Rams. I always thought the Rams – Fischer, Snead, etc. – benefitted from that relationship. It seems as though he’s already speaking a little more freely about Chris’ team,career, etc. Do you think the networks will be more critical of the Rams on-the-field performance now?
by Simple.10 2:03 PM

Well, there was no doubt that Howie pulled for the Rams, for obvious reasons. It makes sense that that will change going forward.
by jthomas 2:05 PM

Do you see a scenario where we draft a CB or S in the second or third round. Then either keep Joyner at corner or move him to safety based off that?
by Jason 2:05 PM

I think there’s no doubt that Fisher would like to ad another cornerback to the mix via the draft, how early that happens is hard to say. Needs at WR, TE, QB, LB and perhaps FS would seem to be more pressing. As for free safety, it’s a little tougher call. I’m not sure they have a replacement for McLeod on the roster in Alexander, Davis, or Bryant. Reggie Nelson is still out there in free agency. Fisher hinted at the owners meeting that the team might consider playing Joyner at safety.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

Jim – any more word as deadline approaches for 49ers & Kaepernick? Broncos could surely use someone besides Sanchez on the roster with experience & draft seems risky at best
by ATL Rob 2:11 PM

The 49ers aren’t going to give him away, and I think during that early round of shopping him around the market didn’t develop as they hoped. So if I had to bet right now, I’d say he stays put.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

I know you think the St. Louis people want Rams coverage, we don’t. Take a poll only using local votes and see.
by LA RAMS SUCK! 2:12 PM

As I’ve said previously, there are some in St. Louis who do and some who don’t. I’ve heard from several readers who I know are from the St. Louis area, who have told me they still want to read about the team.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Hi Jim – has the “Riverfront Stadium” project been completely scrapped now that the Rams skipped town? From the start of the project it seemed as if the task force would pitch the project to another team if the Rams left.
by STL SQUAD 2:15 PM

I wouldn’t say it’s completely scrapped, but there really isn’t another team on the horizon that would consider St. Louis as a potential home at this point. I think all of the attention at this point is focused on an MLS team. Again, it’s puzzling to me why Mark Davis and the Raiders wouldn’t be interested, but he made that pretty clear to me at the owners meetings. Shad Khan of Jacksonville made it pretty clear to me the night of the vote in Houston, as well. There just don’t seem to be any options.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

Define several readers? I understand it’s personal to you. It’s your job. Most I know want noting to do with them losers.
by LA RAMS SUCK! 2:18 PM

Here’s what I’ll say to you: We have cut back on our Rams coverage considerably since the relocation vote. If stories about the Rams offend you, move on to something else.. Simple as that.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

How can you follow a professional sport whose owners have no integrity? Jerry Jones is a prime example.
by Randy 2:21 PM

Your prerogative, of course.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Will STL ever get another football team, preferably an expansion team? Thanks.
by Merlin 2:22 PM

I really don’t see it on the horizon unless the league decides to expand. And the league currently has displayed no appetite for expansion.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Why did we let Jared Cook go? I used to love yelling at the TV every time he dropped an easy pass!
by RamsFan 2:24 PM

The Rams decided he wasn’t worth $7 million a year. If you still want to yell at Jared Cook on your TV, I guess you can start watching the Packers.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

I want to hear about the Rams and dont even live in CA. Going to follow the Rams for at a few years maybe until the new stadium is built, hope for a little schadenfreude
by Mark S 2:27 PM

What’s schadenfreude?
by jthomas 2:28 PM

Do you still see LB as that much of a priority with Alec and Mark holding down the mike and will?
by Jason 2:28 PM

Yes I do. Where’s your depth? You’ve lost Laurinaitis and Bates, and Ayers is entering the last year of his contract.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Is it known what plans Kroenke has for Rams Park land if he does buy it?
by Dave 2:31 PM

Well, it’s still eight years down the road. And that’s if the lawsuit doesn’t go against him. But Kroenke already owns a parcel of land adjacent to Rams Park _ it’s a grass field that was used for parking in training camp. There’s be enough room for a Wal-Mart supercenter..
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Good Day Jim, Do you see the Rams starting a rookie safety or signing a FA at some point
by OzyRamsFan 2:34 PM

I was told they had expressed interest in Cincy’s Reggie Nelson pretty early in free agency. But Nelson must be asking for a lot of money because it”s been quiet on him league-wide.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

What do you think the odds are the Rams trade up in the first round for a QB?
by Carolina Ram 2:36 PM

Doubt it.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Jimbo-I’m a fan of you. I think it’s time you get to cover a winner. Is the Boston Globe hiring?
by LA RAMS SUCK! 2:37 PM

Not that I’m aware of.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Anyone in FA left to consider/ Are the front office interested/talking to FA any more and if so who?
by D_Roks30 2:37 PM

Not in terms of impact players, or even solid starters. Plus, the Rams are down to $12.8 million in cap room. I would think for the most part, like the rest the league, they’re turning their attention to the draft.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

do you see the Rams moving up in the draft to grab a big name maybe a QB
by mdk 2:41 PM

Only if they thought Goff or Wentz could be a Day 1 starter.
by jthomas 2:41 PM

Jim, if the Rams could pick any player in the draft, who do you think they would choose?
by user10000000000000000000000… 2:41 PM

Ezekiel Elliott.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Andy Reid’s teams always have a competent qb and can score.
by Doug Pederson 2:42 PM

That is usually the case.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

In your dealings with the players, what % would you say value money over winning when looking to sign a free agent contract?
by Alan 2:43 PM

I don’t have a hard-and-fast percentage, but money usually wins out. With parity the way it is in the NFL and quick turnarounds happening everywhere (except the Rams, Browns, Jaguars, Raiders) most players feel they can help turn around a team no matter where they go. I do find that for veteran players switching teams, particularly veteran players who have been with the Rams, going to a playoff contender takes on more importance.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Do you know if the Rams are high on Paxton Lynch? They talked to him at the combine.
by Marky Mark 2:48 PM

Well, they talked to about 9 QBs at the Combine. I’m sure there’s some interest there. He has a very strong arm. Is he worth taking at 15 overall, knowing he probably won’t be ready in Year 1.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

ello Jim, As it stands right now the Rams are short one tight end. Is there anyone buried way down on the depth chart that you see them promoting or could they possibly start the season with what they have now in Lance Kendricks and Corey Harley?
by Tommydeeman 2:49 PM

The Rams have only 3 TEs on the roster right now: Kendricks, Harkey, and Justice Cunningham. Harkey is really more of a fullback than a tight end in terms of how he’s used. Cunningham is a blocking specialist who has been off and on the practice squad and active roster with the Rams since late in the 2013 season. This is a big need.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

People have been putting down Case but put on the Tampa tape and watch him against Famous Jameis. I think Case can play. What say you?
by RamsFan 2:54 PM

Yes, that was clearly his best game, but he threw only 17 times in that contest, and for a modest 234 yards. In three of his other four starts, he threw for fewer than 140 yards. So I think it remains to be seen if Keenum can be an effective 16-game starter.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

When KC needs a new stadium, do they expect state money, if they don’t get it, might we see the Las Vegas or London Chiefs?
by Rams Fan In STL 2:58 PM

It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out for sure. But having just completed a pretty massive renovation that’s not going to be an issue for a couple of decades.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Greg Robinson can’t pass block and he gets a few holding penalties every game. Will the Rams look at tackles and move him inside?
by Dewberry 3:00 PM

I know they’re looking at some tackles in the draft, but I think they’re plan still is to have Greg Robinson at left tackle.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

With the uncertainty behind our QB play.. Where do you think I am most productive next year? Receiving, rushing or returning punts?
by tavon austin 3:00 PM

All of it. Really liked the way you were used in the running game last season. Still would like to see you used more in the intermediate passing game.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

The Rams 2012 draft class was Michael Brockers, Brian Quick, Janoris Jenkins, Isaiah Pead, Trumaine Johnson, Chris Givens, Rok Watkins, Greg Zuerlein, Aaron Brown, and Daryl Richardson. Care to rate that draft class? I think only Brockers and Johnson are still with the Rams, with Zuerlein to be determined.
by George M. 3:02 PM

Quick is still there as well. I’d give it a C plus at this point.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

Do you think the relocation vote would have turned out differently, if Chief’s owner Clark Hunt would have voted for Carson, making the LA Committee vote 6-0 in favor of Carson?
by Free Agent Fan 3:03 PM

I don’t. It as clear this vote was a repudiation of the so-called old guard of NFL owners in favor of the new wave. And the new wave is more interested in money, money, money, than the old guard.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Are you looking forward to shopping at the Earth City Wal-Mart after StanKroenke purchases the practice facility for $1?
by L Hamilton Pennysworth III 3:04 PM

My wife does all the shopping. I’m lucky if I get an allowance. She switched from Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club to Costco after the relocation vote..
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Do the coaches upstairs get to see replays even if a play is not challenged? Why are owners against allowing any play to be challenged but limit number of challenges?
by Dewberry 3:06 PM

Yes, I believe coaches have access both to the in-house feed and the television feed. The league is obsessed with _ among other things _ game length. And that means keeping games at as close to 3 hours as possible. Having more challenges and more plays subject to instant replay mean longer games.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

From everything I read it seems almost close to impossible that we can move up far enough in the draft to get Wentz or Goff. Lynch seems like too much of a project, we cant take another 3rd rd QB project, Are they really going to go with Keenum??? Any insight would be great
by Len 3:08 PM

Fisher likes Keenum a lot.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Jim, Thanks for the chats. As someone who survived the Big Red leaving and now the Rams, I appreciate your “life will go on attitude”. Silly question, it sounds like you’ve been one of the last to leave the Earth City facility, did they give you a key and ask you to turn out the lights when you left, or how did that work? Thanks.
by Ike in Kirkwood 3:16 PM

Hey, I know it hurts. And in this instance, I don’t think St Louis deserved it. I feel terrible for the fans here. And yes, I was one of the last ones out at Rams Park. I thought it was important to be there till the bitter end. I can’t remember if I turned the lights out or not.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

following up on the prior post, I would be interested if your Rams stories are getting as many views on STLToday as they did before the move. I would much rather see the space in the paper taken by you doing a general NFL column. I will be reading your Rams stories less (if, indeed, at all) than I will read your stories on other teams – certainly not more.
by arnezzi 3:19 PM

I’m sure they’re not. But if you’ve been paying attention, we are broadening our coverage. And will continue to do so.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Hi, Jim. If you were running the Rams, which would you rather have, La’el Collins on your team or a two year delay in appearing on Hard Knocks? Each one would cost you a 7th round draft choice. I would prefer Collins, probably why I’m not running the Rams. You are also invited to comment. Snark is acceptable.
by George M. 3:25 PM

Never understood why the Rams didn’t take a flyer on Collins for a 7th-rounder.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Jim — I am not normally a conspiracy theorist, but the story about the Rams drafting Michael Sam as favor to the NFL makes a lot of sense. Kroenke and others were deep into planning the move by that time. They were doing everything they could to curry favor with the league. If the NFL asks you to do it a solid with a late-round pick, why would you say no? I also don’t think it’s a coincidence the Rams are taking part in “Hard Knocks” this year and agreed to play a regular season game in China. These things were all worked as part of the plan to move, in my opinion. Your thoughts? One other thing: I heard several St. Louis media members in the past — not you, of course — talk about how they felt “sorry” for Demoff because he had to take all the slings and arrows for Kroenke. Shows how out of touch much of the St. Louis media was during this process. Now, they’re ripping him, but it’s late and talk is cheap.
by mjpinindy 3:26 PM

I’m not much on conspiracy theories either, and although I would put nothing past the Rams, I don’t think there was a Michael Sam/Hard Knocks tradeoff.
by jthomas 3:27 PM

What do you make of Treadwell’s slow 40 time? Would the Rams prefer more of a game breaker type?
by Jason 3:27 PM

It’s probably cost him a spot in the top 10. The Rams almost invariably under Fisher-Snead have been all about the stopwatch and measurable in general. That’s why I picked Baylor’s Corey Coleman over Treadwell in our first P-D chat.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Jim, will you be following the Chiefs, Colts, Titans, and Bears a little closer so we can choose some teams to follow. Rams are out for me. So is Walmart, Sam’s, any business in a strip center Kroenke owns, and any NFL product such as NFL Sunday Ticket, Game pass, or any licensed NFL product. Just my little protest. Will watch a game if it is on free over the air TV.
by Steve B O’Fallon 3:29 PM

Yes, on Chiefs, Bears, Colts, Titans.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

This is one area fan who could care less the rams moved i root for the team and players not the owner ,if the area wanted to keep them they should have ponied up to improve the dome . I had season tickets since they got here but would not have bought tickets for an outdoor stadium which i think would have been a disaster for the rams. I enjoy your coverage of the rams there are more rams fans in st louis than any other time. Its a business as is all sports and if it bothers someone that much dont read the article.
by bobo 3:30 PM

Here’s one opinion . . . .
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Hey Jim, thanks for continuing these chats. With Demoff’s public admission at the high school recently, I’m still amazed no local politician or group (like the stadium task force) is making any noise about anti trust investigations of the NFL. Any idea why nobody is taking this up? The NFL seems to sit up and pay attention whenever anti trust is mentioned. Thanks in advance for your answer.
by Alton Ken 3:31 PM

I’m not an attorney. Just exactly what are you suing them for. Can you sue someone for lying? Does that hold up in court.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Have the Rams told Savard & Farr if they’ll be a part of the announcing team this season or have they officially cut ties with them? If they won’t be back, have the Rams announced who will be taking their place?
by Greyhound 3:31 PM

That’s a good question. I would guess the Rams will go for a fresh start in LA in this area.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Has there been talk of still developing the site where the new stadium was going to be built? Or, will it remain dormant because if we were to get a team down the road, that is where the stadium would be built?
by Dave 3:32 PM

I’d still bet on it as the MLS stadium site.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Do you think Luke Joeckel will be the Jags starting left tackle come opening day this September?
by L Hamilton Pennysworth III 3:33 PM

Well, they did add Beachum, so it looks like there will be a competition there.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Since you say free agency is over for all practical purposes, would you say that the Rams are a stronger team than they were a couple of months ago or a weaker team? In my opinion, they are significantly weaker. I know that the draft is yet to come, but last time I checked other teams get to draft also, so the idea that the Rams could gain significant ground on other teams through the draft seems to be whistling in the dark.
by George M. 3:35 PM

The Rams _ I repeat _ the Rams, think dumping Long, Laurinaitis will result in addition by subtraction. Retaining players was important this year, and getting Hayes, Barron, Harkey, Sims, and Johnson back was important. But they still need a quarterback, they still need an outside wide receiver, they now need a free safety, they need depth at linebacker and defensive tackle.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

Do you agree that Fisher has sacrificed roster spots of guys with potential to develop over special teamers? I get that special teams is important but it just seems like every year we have depth issues but the good teams have a guy who they have developed to step in.
by Jason 3:38 PM

I don’t think so. It is possible to have both _ a young developing position player who also excels on special teams.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Jim – the article in today’s Post about Jack Buck brought tears to my eyes. I think it’s safe to say that Stan doesn’t have one drop of that spirit in him. As you said below – it’s money, money and money.
by Simple.10 3:39 PM

Mr. Buck was a local treasure.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

Do you think it’s a good idea for me to throw at first pitch at a Cardinals home game?
by Stan Kroenke 3:40 PM

We would love to see you. Wear a batting helmet.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Hi Jim. I don’t get a lot of the seemingly vindictive news & opinion articles coming out of SL concerning the Rams. Every player that has signed with a new team is somehow portrayed as blunder for the Rams. I don’t get it. If you rooted for the team in the past, why change now. The players had nothing to do with the move, and in the end all we’re really doing is cheering for the uniforms.
by mr 3:43 PM

I don’t quite see it that way. For example, how was McLeod, who was undrafted, seen as a blunder for the Rams? But I think you can understand why fans here in St. Louis might still be upset about the team _ and anything that has to do with the team _ following the relocation to Los Angeles.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Dave Peacock is a remarkable man who probably hasn’t experience much failure in his life, the fact that there has not been some type of lawsuit against the NFL by the Task Force is a huge surprise to me. Have they made a secret deal with the NFL, is there a lawsuit in the works or was the NFL justified in the way they handled the mess?
by S Polychronopolis 3:46 PM

Again, I’m not sure on exactly what grounds you sue the team or the NFL.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Hi Jim. No comments or questions. Personally, I’m fed up with the NFL (but I know that will wear off ) Just wanted to thank you for all of your time and efforts with these chats. Have always enjoyed them and your work at the PD. Thanks!
by Jim S 3:47 PM

Thank you.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Tell mr that the reason I cheer for the uniforms is because of what city they’re located in and what they’ve done for the community. In fact, tell every LA troll that. And I feel like I can say that because I’m an Arsenal fan, despite the fact that Kroenke owns a majority of that team.
by David L 3:48 PM

I think the LA fans might feel differently about that if they had gotten another team in the interim.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

I understand that Treadwell ran a 4.6+ 40. Does that change his draft status? More importantly, does that knock him from #1 WR to #2 or #3 in the NFL?
by Bfulton 3:49 PM

It can’t help. Now it doesn’t mean he won’t still be an effective WR. Look at Anquan Boldin, who was a 4.7 guy coming out. But I think it’ll definitely knock him out of the top 10, maybe out of the half of the opening round.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

What did you think of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice? I personally enjoyed it.
by R Mortimer Farnsworth III 3:52 PM

I like Batman, almost all the Batman movies in fact. I like Superman, but not as much. But I don’t know about Batman vs. Superman. I guess I’ll have to see it.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Jim, what do you think the long-term future of the NFL is if the concussion fiasco is even worse than it appears to be now?
by Roy Earl 3:53 PM

People keep watching the games. And as long as that’s the case, it won’t matter.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Jim, One play that I kept looking for but never saw was a pitch to Tavon Austin where he then throws the ball dowfield. But there was never even a pump fake to keep the defense honest. Did you ever see the Rams practice that play with him or Todd Gurley? They can’t throw any worse than Nick Foles.
by Tommydeeman 3:54 PM

Yes, they practiced that play with some degree of regularity. Tavon doesn’t have much of an arm.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Jim, really has the been the same with the Rams over the last 10 years or so. It amazes me that we cant field a competitive team. It seems like there is enough blame to go around, but why do teams like the Rams always seem to be bad? Is it ownership? GM? Coach? Players? All of the above?
by Len 3:55 PM

If I had to give you one answer _ and just one _ I’d say it’s very hard to win with an absentee owner.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

I thought the MLS site was being discussed somewhere near or attached to Union Station?
by Dave 3:58 PM

That’s been mentioned as a possible site. But from what I hear, north riverfront is still the frontrunner.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Did you read Will Brinson’s article on CBSsports about the Rams approach to the QB position? I hope he got something monster in return for writing that piece because nothing they have done in the past 4 years indicates they have any idea what they are doing at QB.
by Tackleberry 4:01 PM

Do you have a link for it. I’d like to check it out.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Surprised you picked Corey Coleman. Don’t you think the Rams prefer the bigger physical receivers?
by Dewberry 4:02 PM

They also like speed.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

Which member of Rick’s group will meet a grisly end in this weekend’s season finale of The Walking Dead?
by R Mortimer Farnsworth III 4:03 PM

Haven’t really watched that show.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Hello Jim, I see the Rams being very active come draft day. Continuing on building through the daft. With no impact players at positions of need why stand pat. Instead I see us trading back n collecting more picks. Our roster is better top to bottom but still not where it needs to be to compete with the “elite” teams. Thoughts?
by Jgib 4:04 PM

Hard to win without at least good QB play. Hard to win big without 5 to 7 difference makers.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Really, Jim. Do you somehow think SK is worse than Georgia regarding both moves? They both tore the hearts out of the fans. I think we just have more social media these days for fans to vent.
by mr 4:05 PM

Once more with feeling: LA didn’t have a stadium plan. St. Louis did.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Hi Jim, Is there a QB in this draft better than what the Rams have on their roster? Can Sean Mannion develop into a start for 2016?
by DRDavis1981 4:06 PM

I haven’t really see enough of Mannion to give you a for sure answer. He has a strong arm. He has very little mobility.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

I bet they keep Farr, he was an LA ram to begin with
by Alzo 4:07 PM

True, but there are plenty of former LA Rams still on the West Coast.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

I went out and watched the Rams in Anahiem the year before they moved to St Louis. The stadium was half full. St Louis will have the last laugh.
by Dewberry 4:08 PM

I don’t think it’s all about getting the last laugh. I’m sure St. Louis would just rather have a team.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

understand we need solid to good QB play and difference makers but what difference makers does this draft offer at positions we need (QB, WR, TE)?? Why draft a guy (Lynch, Goff..) to sit and develop when we did the same thing last year with Mannion. There’s no top tier WR in this draft n the QB’s will need time to develop
by Jgib 4:09 PM

I can’t argue with what you’re saying. It doesn’t look like a banner year at either quarterback or wide receiver.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

And no Jim, the STL plan was not viable. You were only made to think it was… smart thinking.
by Super Stan 4:10 PM

You can’t always believe the league or the Rams’ spin. It wasn’t a perfect plan, but it was a viable plan. I had a couple of high-ranking team execs tell me that last week in Florida.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Mr. Thomas, Sent you an email after last weeks chats, just FYI.
by JR 4:11 PM

Under JR? I’ll look for it.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Is 2016 the year Army finally beats Navy?
by dgt 4:12 PM

It’s great to have Keenan Reynolds gone at Navy. It seemed like he was at Annapolis for about 8 years.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Yes sir. Re the Broncos QB from last week. Agree that Elway needs to find an upgrade to Sanchez. Interesting to read you were at Kubiaks table during the meetings. Appreciate the chats.
by JR 4:14 PM

Yeah, I hit Kubiak, Mularkey, O’Brien, and Hue Jackson during the AFC coaches breakfast.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

They are only telling you that Jim so that you guys can “feel” better. There was NO PLAN that was ever going to work from STL. Unless that can bid higher than I did. Which we know was never going to happen.
by Super Stan 4:15 PM

I think it’s a dangerous precedent turning your back on $400 million in public money, not to mention a $158 million naming rights deal.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

Ok so do you agree that it’s possible the Rams will trade back n try to strengthen the defense? There seems to more difference makers defensively than offensively this year..who is the highest rated safety in this class? I also believe fisher/Snead will draft multiple WR in order to bolster the unit..gotta have more than one bite at the apple
by Jgib 4:16 PM

Of course it’s possible. Fisher and Snead have not been shy about trading down or up in their time with the Rams. It is said to be a deep defensive draft at both defensive tackle and in the secondary. Not a banner year at safety. Not sure if there’s a first-round safety in the draft pool this year.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

Team execs from the Rams or another team? In reference to the viability is stadium plan.
by Todd 4:26 PM

From other teams.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

Mannion was drafted in the third round. Is a backup qb worth a third round pick? If not, did they whiff on Mannion?
by Rusty Lisch 4:26 PM

Way too early to say if Rams whiffed on Mannion. But I agree, if you take a player in the third round, regardless of position, you do so with the expectation that he will be a starter.
by jthomas 4:28 PM

Have you ever had an Offensive Coordinator show you how he designs a play? I’d be curious to know the thought process behind a play’s creation.
by Andy 4:28 PM

Well, to a degree, Mike Martz did so back in the day. That was about 2003 I believe.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

Chances Case finishes the season as starting QB?
by OzyRamsFan 4:29 PM

40-60.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

Have the Rams moved completely out of Rams Park yet? Have they found a permenant practice location in LA seems like it would be hard for players to buy a house until they know where they will be practicing?
by Free Agent Fan 4:29 PM

All of the people are out of the building. And I would say at least 90 percent of the stuff. As for a permanent practice facility, the team is still looking but I believe they want to make it in the Thousand Oaks area. I think the best thing for players to do for the next couple of years is rent.
by jthomas 4:31 PM

Regarding the “Glory Days at the Dome” photo essay from the weekend, what is it about the Superdome that continues to make it popular for hosting events that the Edward Jones Dome doesn’t have (besides the fact that the Superdome is in a party city)? If the Dome at America’s Center is dark, drab, and dreary, I would think the Superdome is pretty much the same, except at least the TWA Dome has its electrical bills paid, plus it’s never had to suffer through hurricanes, and it looks better from the outside. And yet, the Superdome keeps getting Final Fours and Super Bowls, and it continues to get to house an NFL team. What gives?
by David L 4:31 PM

You make a good point. I’ve never thought much of the Superdome as a venue. It’s certainly not anything close to a first-tier facility. I do think it has to do a lot with the French Quarter, etc.
by jthomas 4:32 PM

Please inform Laramssuck that we don’t need or want him speaking for us. I still want Rams coverage in the PD, mostly because I want to enjoy reading about them losing, but nevertheless, I still want coverage. Anyway, thanks for the good reporting as always Jim.
by rj 4:33 PM

Thank you. I think St. Louis fans are all over the map and will continue to be all over the map on this topic.
by jthomas 4:33 PM

Lets say the MSL comes to StL and they build a downtown stadium on the riverfront. Where would a future football stadium be built for the next StL football franchise?
by Brian 4:33 PM

I’m sure you could always find land, including that Kroenke land in Maryland Heights. 🙂
by jthomas 4:34 PM

So, who was the Rams executive who said, “Another day, another riot in St. Louis.”? P.S. Did I put the question mark in the right spot? I can never remember if I should put the question mark inside the quotation marks if I’m asking a question, but the quote I’m using isn’t a question. I don’t have my AP Stylebook handy.
by Andy 4:34 PM

Not for me to say.
by jthomas 4:35 PM

Has anybody in a position of power in the NFL told you, either on or off the record, that St. Louis got a raw deal? League execs, owners, team execs, coaches, players? Or are they all playing the company line? Anybody you can name?
by David L 4:35 PM

In terms of league execs, no.
by jthomas 4:35 PM

Jim, I was surprised to read an article about John Shaw working out of a little office in L.A. with one secretary all these years after stepping down as President of the Rams. Being a lawyer, what behind the scenes work do you think that he played in creating the original loophole clauses to get out of St. Louis and to move back to L.A.? Or what role does he still have in the organization. He’s a lot smarter than Kevin Dumbhoff.
by Tommydeeman 4:35 PM

Yeah, the Rams have kept a small office on Pico Blvd. since the move. We’ve mentioned it in the past in print although not recently. John had a big role in the first-tier clause _ there’s no doubt. He has no role with the Rams anymore. Had a falling out of sorts with Kroenke a few years back. He had been working with Spanos and the Chargers on basically a consultant’s basis recently.
by jthomas 4:39 PM

Who, in your opinion is the best GM as far as drafting talent?
by Bill 4:40 PM

Obviously it’s hard to argue with Ozzie Newsome in Baltimore, and over a pretty long period of time. And I really like Steve Keim in Arizona.
by jthomas 4:41 PM

You have the Browns and Niners taking QBs in your mock draft even though Browns just signed RGIII and it looks like Niners will keep Kap and Bottles. Any chance the latest news bring revisions to your mock?
by Bfulton 4:41 PM

Do you really think RGIII is a long-term answer in Cleveland? I don’t. That’s why I had the Browns taking Goff. And even if Kaepernick stays, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a long-term solution in SF either.
by jthomas 4:43 PM

Are you sure Rampage is moving west with the team and not shacking up with Fredbird or Louie?
by Ted 4:43 PM

I think he’s already in LA.
by jthomas 4:43 PM

Which current Mizzou player has the most upside for this years draft?
by Willie 4:44 PM

I would say Connor McGovern as an NFL guard. Very strong, had good combine workout, and played out of position at tackle last year for Mizzou.
by jthomas 4:45 PM

Yes I have been in LA for months, but still love St. Louis no matter what.
by Rampage 4:45 PM

OK, here’s Rampage checking in. I’ve always been a fan of his standing backflip. Very impressive.
by jthomas 4:46 PM

Will their bungling of this relocation drama ever come back to bite the NFL or the Rams in the butt?
by David L 4:46 PM

Doubt it.
by jthomas 4:46 PM

Jim who are the 9 QBs the Rams spoke with at the combine n whom do you know the we’ve schedule private workouts with?
by Jgib 4:46 PM

Sure, I’ve mention it a couple of times on this chat recently, but here are the QBs that the Rams had scheduled for formal interviews at the Combine. Keep in mind, each team is allowed only 60 formal interviews at the combine. Carson Wentz, Paxton Lynch, Connor Cook, Christian Hackenberg, Cody Kessler, Jared Goff, Cardale Jones, Kevin Hogan, and Jacoby Brissett.
by jthomas 4:50 PM