JT, NFL chat, 4/5

NFL chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_12?Page=2

Jim, in this upcoming draft do you know of any franchise QB’s who don’t need blocking, can also kick field goals and play tight end? They have to be available after the third round because Jeff wants to stock up on defense. Need some help here……P.S. We are good with Hekker, as long as long as he doesn’t mind punting 15 or 20 times a game.
by Les 2:02 PM

Down on the team just a little, are we?
by jthomas 2:05 PM

How many WRs do Fisher’s Rams normally take into training camp? Do you know how many are on the roster, now?
by bfulton 2:05 PM

Usually it’s about a dozen when it comes to the 90-man roster. Right now I count 7 on the roster, and that’s including Stedman Bailey who’s status remains uncertain. Here’s my list, listed alphabetically: Austin, Bailey, Britt, Long, Marquez, Quick, Toon..I don’t think I’m missing anybody. In case you’re wondering, that’s Deon Long.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

Well, if I don’t get my TIF money I will hold my breath until my face turns purple, then you people in St. Louis will be sorry!!!!
by Stan 2:16 PM

Stan Kroenke checking in for the week. . . . .(He forgot to mention that it looks like his Avalanche will miss the hockey playoffs.)
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Fisher sucks as a head coach but he is no Spags. He has a good shot at losing 10 games this year but in the NFL there are no guarantees. The Rams need to extend his contract for at least one more year to give him the opportunity to secure this record.
by used to be a Rams fan 2:17 PM

Yes, another bitter Rams fan. Or I should say an ex-Rams fan. Don’t know what I’m supposed to add to this although the numbers are the numbers.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Do you believe the NFL is over expanding itself by wanting to play games in China and Berlin. Do you believe it will alienate the American fan base?
by Winningitall 2:19 PM

I wouldn’t think the fans in those cities that are losing home games would be too thrilled. After all, you only get 8 regular-season home games to begin with. As I’ve mentioned before, the league is obsessed with expanding its product overseas. I don’t see anything that will stop this trend, at least not in the near future.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

The LA trolls believe that the Rams they are getting has Roman Gabriel, Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen on the team. These trolls can pick out the worst team they had in LA and this current bunch is much worse than any of them, with no end in sight because they have lousy ownership and stumble bums in the front office who know NOTHING about how to build a winner.
by DrMizzou 2:21 PM

Well, I don’t think all of the LA Rams fans are afflicted as you say they are. They are inheriting a couple of marquee stars in terms of Gurley and Donald. Quinn, Ogletree, and Austin can be exciting players. But there are holes at several spots on the roster, and as we all know _ or I think at least most of us know _ QB is a major question mark. And _ all together now _ it’s hard to win consistently without good quarterback play in this league. The Rams went 23-57 their last 5 seasons in Anaheim; they went 29-50-1 their last 5 seasons in St. Louis. So I think any LA Rams fans still around from the early ’90s remember what bad football looks like.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Jim, I know KC Star will cover their team very well and one can go there to get news. Will the PD be doing articles specific to the Chiefs or any other teams?
by renostl 2:30 PM

Yes, we plan to cover several Chiefs games this season. I did a Chiefs story at the NFL owners meetings you might recall. The Star does an excellent job; I still know many of their writers. But sometimes it’s good to get a slightly different perspective or a different voice. And hopefully we will provide that when we write on the Chiefs. But we will also write about other teams. Maybe, I’ll head over to Indy to write a Brian Schottenheimer story. Or maybe I’ll head down to Tennessee to check in on the progress of Dorial Green-Beckham, or up to Chicago for whatever. Nothing is set in stone at this point, and I’m sure it will evolve as we go along.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

How do you rate this year’s draft class compared to other recent years?
by fred 2:35 PM

Very deep on the defensive line, particularly at defensive tackle. Pretty good at cornerback as well. I would say just so-so at the other defensive positions. At quarterback, I can’t sit here and tell you there is a franchise player or two, but I think there are a half dozen or so prospects that could help a team in varying degrees. So-so at tight end and wide receiver. I really like Ezekiel Elliott at RB. Pretty good year on the offensive line. So while I don’t think it’s a class for the ages, like the Class of 2011 could be, it’s not a bad group. Maybe slightly above average heading in.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Any inside insight on the QB situation? Maybe a trade or draft day trade up?
by blocking fullback 2:38 PM

With only 6 draft picks, the Rams don’t have a lot of resources to move up unless they are willing to part with picks from future drafts as well. Yes, I know they have two seconds, but its hard to imagine them wanting to part with one of them. I really think the Rams have to get into the top 7 to get either Goff or Wentz. Lynch to me is kind of a wild-card _ not sure how high he will go or if the Rams would take him at 15. Keep an eye on Connor Cook.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Of the second tier (or later) QBs in this upcoming NFL draft, which ones, if any, do you think have a shot at being a decent NFL QB?
by bfulton 2:42 PM

For the sake of argument, I’m going to include Goff, Wentz, and Lynch as the first tier. So out of that second group, I would say Connor Cook, Kevin Hogan, Dak Prescott. Further down the line, Jeff Driskel is interesting; I think the Rams have shown some interest in him. I just don’t see it in Christian Hackenberg _ just don’t see the accuracy in him you need to succeed in the NFL.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

How bout on defense? I’m thinking Dante Hitner?
by blocking fullback 2:47 PM

The Rams really don’t need another strong safety.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Jim, outside of QB, what would be the most transformative positionfor the Rams?
by brent 2:48 PM

Would love to see an outside wide receiver, or a pass-catching tight end, that has the potential to be a No. 1 receiver.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

Do you think The Leg will be given some serious competition in camp and where will it come from, the draft? UDFA?
by Vito 2:48 PM

So says Jeff Fisher, and he’s said it on a couple of occasions. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think Josh Brown, Randy Bullock, Shayne Graham, and Brandon McManus are still available among veteran kickers. Unless they get extra picks via a trade-down or two, it’s hard to see the Rams expending one of their 6 draft picks on a kicker, even as good a John Fassel is in working with young punters and kickers.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Do you think the Rams would take two QBs in the upcoming draft, a la Washington when they drafted both RGIII and Kirk Cousins?
by bfulton 3:04 PM

Not with just six picks.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Hi Jim,
Will you be in LA during the draft?
If not, where will you be covering it from?
by Jeff 3:04 PM

I think, I’ll be in Chicago for Day 1, and in St. Louis for Day 2 and Day 3.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Doesn’t bother me that the Avalanche will miss the playoffs….as long as the fans keep paying for tickets.
by Stan 3:05 PM

I think they drew only 15,000 their last home game.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

An LA idiot commented on NFL Talk board yesterday that the Rams days of losing are over since they are back home where they belong. LOL! Their last 5 years in Anaheim were all losing seasons, best record in that stretch was 8-10. Was that St. Louis’ fault, too because Georgia was ‘contemplating’ a move?
by DrMizzou 3:06 PM

I would think there might be some early fan-fueled momentum, just from the “joy” of having football again. In 1995 remember how fast the Rams got out of the gate in StL _ 4-0 start? But sooner or later it’s about the talent on the field, and as we all know, there are some holes on this roster.
by jthomas edited by Mike Smith 3:09 PM

What’s the status of Benny Cunningham? Is he secure to be a Ram next season?
by Jeff 3:10 PM

So far it looks like Cunningham is safe. He made the 1 trip to New England _ wasn’t it? _ but so far has yet to receive an offer sheet. But there’s still a little ways to go. The deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets from other clubs is April 22 _ or 2 1/2 weeks away.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Aside from the top three QB’s in the draft, what is your opinion on the others? Namely-
Cardale Jones
Connor Cook
Cody Kessler
Do you think any of the above have a shot at being a successful NFL Starter?
by Jeff 3:12 PM

As I mentioned previously, I think Cook is the best of the rest (beyond the top 3) and certainly has starter potential. Can’t see it with Jones or Kessler at this point.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

Jim, what are your updated odds on the Rams staying/leaving?
by Just Returned From Mars 3:15 PM

99.5 to 0.5 that they stay in Los Angeles.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Do you think the Rams take a chance on Greg Hardy?
by Jeff 3:15 PM

Can’t see it, With the signing of Coples and the re-signing of Sims the Rams are set with their top 4 DEs.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Are you surprised the Rams haven’t shown any interest in Reggie Nelson, Safety from the Bengals? Especially since they would need one now that Mcleod has departed…
by Jeff 3:16 PM

I was told early on that the Rams had expressed some interest in Nelson. But from afar this looks like a classic case of a player and/or his agent misjudging the market. And according to the San Francisco Chronicle from earlier today, Nelson is expected to sign with the Raiders.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

What do you see as the end game for the Rams at QB this season?
by Winningitall 3:20 PM

There sure don’t look to be any options in terms of veteran QBs. So maybe the Rams stand pat and see what the draft brings. They’re sitting at just under $13 million of salary cap space, and might just sit there until the draft because if they take a QB they still could cut or attempt to shop Nick Foles.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Some head coaches have reputations that don’t reflect their records, going both ways. Fisher has a reputation as a top tier coach when he was in Tennessee, despite having only modest success while he was there. Do you have ideas why? Do media people just like him?
by Mike Martz 3:22 PM

He was very popular with the media there by all accounts, which never hurts a head coach. And to be fair, the move to Tennessee was brutal, with stops in Memphis and Vanderbilt before the Titans finally got their own stadium. (Plus, a cheap owner didn’t make the move any easier.) And after the ’99 Super Bowl season, the Titans did go through salary cap hell a few years later, in effect gutting much of the roster and re-building again.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Stan has LA fans believing that leaving St. Louis makes them an automatic contender. Bill Bidwill told his team the same thing in 1988 – it took them until their 11th season in the desert to post their first winning seasn. So much for becoming a winner just by changing your zip code
by DrMizzou 3:27 PM

It’s hard to win in the NFL with an absentee owner. Maybe Stan will be around more with the team In LA but that’s hard to imagine given his far-flung interests.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Can you explain the colin kirkpatrick, deal, the 49ers wants to trade him but the Broncos wanted him to take a pay cut. Why would he do that?
by colin kirkpatrick 3:28 PM

Well, yeah, that’s exactly the point. Why would he do that _ take a paycut of nearly $5 million according to what’s been written on the subject. That’s the hang-up, and in addition, I don’t think compensation has been worked out either. This thing could play out all the way until draft day, when the 49ers must decide if they want to take a QB with the No. 7 overall pick.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

What is your prediction on the draft? Stay put or trade up?
by Jeff 3:31 PM

I say Rams are more likely to trade down.
by jthomas edited by Mike Smith 3:32 PM

Do you think Jared Cook will become an All Pro catching balls from ARod? I can’t see it with all of the drops and lazy play from the past few seasons here…
by Jeff 3:32 PM

I wouldn’t call it lazy play. I’d call it inconsistent play. But unless something happens with his hands, where he becomes more consistent catching the ball, it’s tough to see any kind of breakout season taking place. And if it doesn’t happen in Green Bay, Cook is pretty much out of excuses, because I think we all would agree that Rodgers is one of a handful of elite QBs capable of making those around him better.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

I think college football is a lot better to watch than NFL. So I’m glad NFL is gone, and maybe we can get Mizzou to play a game in STL every so often.
by STLFAN 3:36 PM

I love college football as well. But then what do you do on Sundays?
by jthomas 3:36 PM

Please tell us that you will move to LA to continue your great coverage on the Rams! The LA writers can’t light a candle to your knowledge…
by Jeff 3:36 PM

Thanks. Are you a relative? The LA writers will be just fine. I’ve had some feelers from the West Coast, but I’m almost certain I’ll be staying put.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

What will you miss most at Rams Park?
by Tim 3:37 PM

There was very little that I didn’t like at Rams Park. But if I had to pick one thing, it might be the camaraderie of the media room. It was kind of like our locker room, where no good deed went unpunished and everything and everybody was subject to ridicule. That was especially the case when my dear friend Bryan Burwell was alive. Lots of hours spent there, lots of good times.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

Hi JT. Seems like the Colts would be a good team for the post to adopt and cover the most. KC and Chicago are rivals of STL and Nashville is a longer drive than Indy. Let me know your thoughts. thx
by scott 3:40 PM

Again, everything is fluid at this point. But I’m pretty sure we’ll get over to Indy every now and then. And the little-known secret about Indy, it’s actually a few miles closer to St. Louis than Kansas City.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Do you think the Chiefs would have any interest in trying to schedule a game in STL?Chiefs VS Colts or Chiefs VS Titans maybe. Preseason game? NFL could at least throw us a bone after they crapped all over STL fans.
by Jiffy Jeff 3:42 PM

Don’t think the NFL cares about throwing any bones our way. But I do wonder if down the line, the Chiefs would consider a preseason game here. I like your idea of Chiefs vs. Colts, with St. Louis being midway between the two spots. But I know the Chiefs wouldn’t want to do anything to alienate their great fans in KC. Do you think the game would draw well enough here to merit a game here? I don’t know.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

Let’s see…5 straight losing seasons for the Rams to finish up in LA, 17 losing seasons out of 21 in STL – that’s 21 losing seasons out of 26. The Big Red had 12 winning seasons in 28 years here, they look like the Lombardi Packers compared to Enos’ bunch.
by DrMizzou 3:45 PM

Yes, they do. And the Bidwill’s don’t look nearly as villainous, do they? After all, they never really had a viable stadium plan from St. Louis in ’87 either, as the Rams did in ’16.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Good Day Jim,
Which Rams FA that was not resigned are the Rams going to miss the most McLeod ?
by OzyRamsFan 3:53 PM

It could be McLeod. Free safeties are hard to find. But it could also be Janoris Jenkins, especially if E.J. Gaines doesn’t regain his form from his rookie season of 2014.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

As a former Ram/NFL fan but a continuing fan of your work how can I help to show your worth to the P-D? I’ve been coming to these chats for a while but am finding it very difficult to pose a question about a league that is okay with me being collateral damage in their battle to increase the value of a Billion-dollar empire. If I’m being honest, I’m only here to help pump up the participation numbers to justify the continued existence of this event.
by H Merriwether Castlebury III 3:55 PM

Well, thanks for the kind words and the continued participation. The biggest thing I continue to take away from the Rams’ relocation is a great sadness for St. Louis Rams fans. You didn’t deserve this. Maybe once the 2016 regular season rolls around, you will feel it a little easy to watch games. Football is a great game, no matter how corrupted at certain levels. If you just can’t get back to following the NFL, trust me, I understand. As the weeks, and years go by, we will continue to broaden our coverage.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

Thoughts on Lovie Smith moving to college ball?
by bh 3:59 PM

He seemed to get a raw deal in Chicago and Tampa Bay. Maybe he just decided to try college ball, where success can lead to more stability. And between his time with the Rams and the Bears, he has spent a lot of time in this part of the country, so Illinois makes sense on that level as well. I’ve heard more about Illinois football in the last few weeks than I have in years. So I think it was a good move. Potentially a great move. As you know, it’s all about recruiting and player development in college. That’ll be the key for Lovie.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Jim, what is your read on the situation with Kaepernick. I understand his reluctance to take a $4 million paycut this year….didn’t the Broncos think enough about him to make it up in other ways (like guaranteed money in future years or attainable bonueses, etc.)? Or does Kaep believe that he has a future with SF?
by Matt 4:02 PM

There are no guarantees obviously to how things might shake out in San Fran, but if I were Kaepernick I would be intrigued by the idea of playing with an offensive mind such as Chip Kelly, someone who could potentially make the most of both your running and throwing talents. Don’t know why the Broncos don’t throw in some incentives to make this worth Kaepernick’s while. (Maybe they have discussed such things.) As you probably know, cap issues have complicated all this for the Broncos.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Afternoon Jimbo! How would you grade Goodell overall? I say as a businessman he gets a B. As a commissioner, I would give him an F-. I know being a commissioner is a unpopular job, but this guy don’t seem to get it unless it’s growing.
by LA RAMS SUCK! 4:06 PM

Maybe I give him a D on matters other than making money. For example, the handling of the Ray Rice and Deflategate controversies certainly were far from stellar. And he certainly wasn’t an advocate of St. Louis at crunch in the relocation process. But I think as long as the league keeps making money, he’ll keep getting pay raises from the owners.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

How do you see the QB situation in Denver panning out?
by Winningitall 4:09 PM

Not very complicated. It looks like either Kaepernick or the draft.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

Gotta go…….I have 400 cheerleader candidates to interview. Life is VERY good.
by Demoff 4:11 PM

Thanks for checking in Kevin..
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Tell Roger Hensley we appreciate the Lams talk is gone. Now if he can get rid of the LA trolls we would be better off. We want to talk about winners, you know, any other team than the Lambs.
by LA RAMS SUCK! 4:11 PM

Roger Hensley and on-line editor Mike Smith.
by jthomas 4:11 PM

Hi Jim. I recently watched the movie concussion. I think it really showed just how low the NFL brass can truly be. I did check out the stories on Mike Webster and the others and the league did try to cover their butts. Did you see the movie and what were your thoughts?
by Gary in pennsylvania 4:12 PM

I planned to see the movie, but didn’t have time when it was out. It sure didn’t seem to be in theaters here very long. Maybe my 19-year-old can show me how Netlfix works.
by jthomas 4:13 PM

How far do you see the Blues going this year? O/U cards wins 88.
by LA RAMS SUCK! 4:13 PM

I see the Blues going 3 rounds. And I’ll take the over on the Cardinals and 88 wins.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

Do you believe Calvin Johnson will stay retired?
by Winningitall 4:14 PM

Yes.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

Any insight on Percy harvin or any other ace in the hole the front office may be considering? Rumors??
by Arm tackler 4:15 PM

Not many aces out there. I certainly wouldn’t consider Harvin one.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

Jim, Is Fitzpatrick still unsigned? Would that second tier of QB be any upgrade over Kennum and Mannion?
by LA Troll 4:16 PM

Yes, he’s still unsigned. And yes, he would be an upgrade over Keenum and Mannion. I advocated signing him last year.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

If the Rams do move up in the draft which QB do you think they will target. I cant see them sticking with CS as the future.
by Gary in pennsylvania 4:18 PM

Not sure on whether it would be Goff or Wentz. But I don’t think they move up for either guy anyway.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

Do you think in the long run we (STL) will do better financially because we didn’t build the 1 Billion dollar stadium that will be used 10 times per yr? I see reports from AZ that they are having funding shortfalls, etc.. with their new stadium. It just makes you wonder, do the new stadiums really need to cost so much? Ever since Jerry built his stadium, that seems to be the trend cost wise.
by scott 4:19 PM

It was a trend even before Jerry built his playpen. I know others will disagree, but I don’t think you can put a price tag on the prestige that comes with being an NFL city. And in the case of Arizona, it has also brought the Phoenix area Final Fours, Super Bowls, and college football title games.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

Follow-up question on Kaepernick – do the Rams have the cap space to get him? Would the 49ers let him go to a team in the same division?
by Matt 4:22 PM

It would be tight from a cap perspective, particularly since that would mean you’d have to cut Foles and absorb that cap hit. But there are ways that it could be done.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

OK, Jim. Here’s the big question. Are you still a Rams fan?
by Jeff 4:24 PM

As a sports writer, I never was a Rams fan. I’m a St. Louis fan.
by jthomas 4:24 PM

What kind of year do you see Todd Gurley having?
by Winningitall 4:24 PM

1,400 yards if he stays healthy.
by jthomas 4:24 PM

On this beautifully sunny day in St. Louis it feels nice to be free of the burden of caring what the Rams do in their eternal quest for mediocrity. The flip side, I feel very disconnected from free agency and the draft.
by Tackleberry 4:25 PM

Interesting viewpoint. I’m sure many feel the same way.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

How long before Gurley leads the league in rushing? Do you think he could overtake AP as soon as this season?
by Cody 4:26 PM

Very possible he could overtake AP if he plays in 16 games and the Rams develop any kind of a passing game.
by jthomas 4:27 PM

Is there a weekly Rams chat in the LA Times?
by Fred 4:27 PM

You’ll have to ask them.
by jthomas 4:27 PM

Jim I am also a Penn State fan. I would not want them to draft Hackenberg. I believe he would be a bust in the NFL.
by Gary in pennsylvania 4:28 PM

Yeah, it’s hard to succeed at QB at this level if you’re not at the very least a 60 percent passer.
by jthomas 4:28 PM

mentioned earlier about the over seas games, do you think the players union can use this as leverage in their labor negotiations?
by Bob H. 4:29 PM

I certainly think so, especially if the number of overseas games keeps increasing.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

I heard the NFL might expand the number of playoff teams. The Rams might actually sneak in at 6-10
by Trevor 4:29 PM

I love the system as it is; don’t know why the league would want to expand the format. Oh yeah, money.
by jthomas 4:30 PM

This is not intended as a shot, but you really should consider relocating to LA. You already have a huge advantage in regards to knowledge of the team and familiarity with the people in power. I’d think one of the papers would be gad to have you.
If the opportunity arose would you consider a move
by Wes in WestCo. 4:31 PM

Again, I’ve talked to some people out there. Can’t see it happening.
by jthomas 4:31 PM

You should consider renaming this chat Jim and Jeff talk Rams football.
by Wes in WestCo. 4:32 PM

‘Sorry I don’t keep score on whose questions I answer.
by jthomas 4:32 PM

Hi Jim – Why isn’t there a link to the NFL section in the Sports section? The only links shown are: CARDS BLUES FORUMS CHATS PREPS. Why not an “NFL” one? As far as I can tell, the only way to get to the NFL section is to scroll down to the bottom of the page. Thanks.
by abiRam 4:34 PM

There was an NFL link in the early days of the re-design. Then it changed. I’ll see what I can do.
by jthomas 4:35 PM

Could St. Louis offer Mark Davis a financial package that might allow him to maintain ownership of the team long-term, thus making it very attractive to come here?
by Tackleberry 4:35 PM

I think there was a pretty good offer on the table in terms of the stadium deal that was made available to Kroenke. And let’s not forget the $158 million naming rights deal. But I think Davis has made it pretty clear he doesn’t want to be in StL.
by jthomas 4:37 PM

Jim – thanks for the chats. Is it possible Foles was playing hurt last year? He took a beating early on
by RansFan 4:37 PM

In the final days of Earth City, I asked someone in the football “department” about that and was told Foles was not hurt.
by jthomas 4:38 PM

You should check out the movie concussion. It is worth watching. I usually run behind in seeing the recent movies also.
by Gary in pennsylvania 4:39 PM

I’ll try.
by jthomas 4:39 PM

Do you think the Rams will try to go after Center in the draft. That seemed to be a major problem in the line for the past few years?
by Showmemoney 4:41 PM

Can’t see it as a priority, particularly with needs at other positions. And this may surprise you. but at least one evaluation at Rams Park had Tim Barnes as the team’s highest-rated offensive lineman in 2015. Even so, I should mention that the Rams did have formal interviews scheduled with two centers at the NFL Scouting Combine _ Mizzou’s Evan Boehm and Alabama’s Ryan Kelly.
by jthomas 4:47 PM