JT chat 4/7

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_85?Page=4

I assume Warner, Faulk, and Dierdorf live in LA now. They seem to be parroting the LA party line that they are disappointed St. Louis is doing too little too late. Is that your perception?
by ZGare 2:07 PM

I think Faulk has been on that track for a while now. Haven’t really heard Warner and Dierdorf say that. I think the whole too little/too late thing is a crock. It takes a while to get new stadiums built, especially when you’re talking about a second stadium in less than 25 years. But I guess the work by Peacock and Blitz doesn’t fit Kroenke’s timetable because he’s trying to beat everyone else out to LA.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

Jim-When will the schedule with dates and times be released?
by ramswinbig39 2:10 PM

I’m thinking some time next week.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

Jim, what is the plan on the offensive line? Thanks.
by Tom 2:11 PM

Hard to tell at this point, especially with Barksdale visiting Tennessee later this week.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

Hi Jim, we know your percentage take on Rams staying/leaving. What are the odds that Peacock and Blitz come up with a compelling funding package?
by StLouisRams_fan_in_Chicago 2:12 PM

OK, I’ll play along. 55-45.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

Jim- One of my favorite relo-theories is Kroenke buying a piece of the Chargers. It eliminates the Carson project, and gives him sole possession of SoCal. I know Alex Spanos was looking to sell shares as recently as 5 years ago. Do you have any insight on the current state of affairs within Chargers ownership? Seems to me like Dean would love a deal that kept the franchise competitive control with his sons long term, and Kroenke doesn’t seem to meddle in the day to day.
by Try Again 2:13 PM

If I understand correctly, you’re asking about Kroenke buying a minority share of the Chargers. Don’t see that happening. He likes to run the show.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

I hope Fisher doesn’t try to fill the OL with “Projects” in the draft! We really need to win now!
by Tom 2:14 PM

I don’t know about “projects” but it seems they have a penchant for going with upside and potential over production.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

When the Rams apply for relocation to LA, is it possible the Raiders will do the same to St Louis?
by Robert 2:15 PM

I think the Raiders first move would be to apply for relocation to Los Angeles.
by jthomas 2:16 PM

Do you have any read on what the Rams will do at #10 if Scherff is no longer available? I know the possibilities with Fisher & Snead are endless, but what are a few of them?
by c_good 2:16 PM

They could go defensive end/edge rusher. Maybe they take another O-lineman there such as Andrus Peat and La’el Collins _ which according to the media mocks would be reaches at No. 10. Maybe they go wide receiver if Amari Cooper and Kevin White _ one or the other _ is still there. Or if they have a high enough grade on CB Trae Waynes maybe the take the Michigan State corner there.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

Are the Rams happy with Rodney their FS?
by TOM 2:20 PM

Yes, they appear to be. He was much-improved last season.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Jim, Wiz and Joe both have visits with other teams. Where does that leave Justin? What are the chances we sign 2 of the 3?
by Rams314 2:21 PM

Blalock is taking his time. Really taking his time. As for the Rams signing two of the three, that’s hard to say. I would’ve thought by now the Rams would have at least one of the three in the fold.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Good afternoon Jim! Quick thoughts. Even if, by miracle, Stan is unable to move his team to LA, how is it even possible to reconcile the relationship with the fans and the city of St. Louis. Wouldn’t he be so hated that it would be a trainwreck more than it already is?
by Darryl 2:23 PM

How much contact does Stan Kroenke have with the fans or the media right now anyway? So I don’t think it would change his life much if he stayed.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Jim – Are the Rams likely to be picked by many to finish second in the West given the decline of SF and the unpredictable nature of the Cardinals?
by McGarrett 2:24 PM

I can see getting picked ahead of San Fran, but I don’t see how you can pick them ahead of Seattle and Arizona at this point.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Hi Jim, read a lot in the last year and also here recently about Cali, LA in particular having issues with water supplies. Any thoughts on how this would effect a LA stadium being built. Surly it must take a LOT of water to build a stadium of that size.
by Chris 2:25 PM

Yeah, I’ve seen some of that. But I don’t see how it would have any impact on the LA stadium. I mean, they build stuff all the time in southern California, don’t they.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Please correct me if I misquote you, but last week I believe you said that NFL cross ownership was not allowed because owning other sports teams in the same city might pull fan money away from football. In that case, Stan’s owning teams in other cities would not be a problem. Am I missing something?
by Steve 2:27 PM

Yeah, it’s a confusing rule. But I believe the gist of it is that by owning NBA and NHL teams in Denver, he potentially is pulling sports dollars away from the NFL franchise there in Denver _ the Broncos.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

Considering the fact that in the past 5 years the Rams have been alienating their fan base and content to field a somewhat competitive team; will the St. Louis fans ever get their day in court with the NFL? Even in 2005 Martz was quoted as saying John Shaw only wanted a first round playoff team because the logistics of being in the Superbowl was too much bother and too much out of pocket for the team. I’ve taken the new survey but couldn’t get in the focus groups. It sounds like they just wanted to know how much money we’re willing to spend in the future and not dwell on the past. I feel the NFL needed to hear from at least a week’s worth of focus groups instead of one day. After what we’ve endured we deserve better. Is their a way that Goodell could take a meeting with you, Bernie, Caesar, Dierdorf, Costas, Savard and Joe Buck on behalf of the passionate St. Louis fan base to prove our worth and voice these concerns?
by mike 2:29 PM

I feel your frustration, but not going to happen.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

In your way of thinking, what defines a good NFL team owner versus a “less than good” owner? With your criteria, who are the top 3 in your mind and who are the bottom 3?
by Dan 2:30 PM

1.) Success. 2.) Willingness to spend money. 3.) Good working environment. 4.) Willingness to engage fans. As for top 3/bottom 3 in league, that’s tough to say. Certainly, you’d have to have Kraft (New England) and the Rooneys (Pittsburgh) in the top group. The Browns and Raiders would have to be at or near the bottom.
by jthomas 2:33 PM

Any thought on Sam Farmer’s column this morning on LA timetable?
by John 2:33 PM

There really wasn’t much new in the article. We reported most of that in terms of the timetable at the owners meetings.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Hello Jim. Any word from Rams Park on what they observed/learned from the focus groups?
by Tom Bateman edited by Mike Smith 2:34 PM

Not really. Haven’t talked to Kevin Demoff lately.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

So you still think the Rams will go OT or G with the 10th pick?
by Ryan 2:35 PM

My pick was based on what I thought makes the most sense for the Rams at this point. And with 3 starting jobs up for grabs on the line, I don’t see how you can pass on taking an offensive lineman at No. 10 overall, particularly in this instance when you had the chance to take the very first O-lineman in the draft.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Hi Jim, what’s the latest with Barksdale, S. Wiz talks? It really looks like OT/guard might be the focal point in this years draft. As always Jim, thanks for the time.
by ekern55 2:37 PM

Well, today’s news that Barksdale is visiting Tennessee on Thursday isn’t a good omen. As for Wisniewski, that’s a puzzler. The Rams continue to show interest in him, but it seems like he’s visiting everywhere but St. Louis.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Jim, how should we fans be reacting to the news about ST. Louis County bowing out? I understand there might a private financing option but I am confused if that would be considered a good thing from the point of view of the NFL? Would private financing require purchasing a part of the Rams? If so I can’t see the NFL holding Kroenke back from moving when the St. Louis plan required him to sell part of the team to fund a new stadium?
by John 2:38 PM

First off, our initial headline was a little misleading on that story last week. The County didn’t bow out, Gov. Nixon simply informed them that the project was going on without them at this time. I’m not sure what that means. That there’s not enough time to have a vote (and campaign for a vote) to extend the revenue streams? That Nixon & Co. don’t think they can get the votes? Or that they have alternate financing? I too have heard about the potential of private financing, but don’t really have any details on that for you at this time.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Hey Jim–thanks for doing these chats. Of the guard class, who looks the most NFL ready to you?
by c_good 2:42 PM

I think Brandon Scherff, La’el Collins are prospects who potentially could play on opening day. Laken Tomlinson of Duke and A.J. Cann of South Carolina are also top guards in the draft class, although generally not considered first rounders.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

Under what circumstance can the NFL persuade Stan Kroenke to remain in St Louis if he is planning to move? Peer pressure? Losing Super Bowl hosting opportunities? Forcing him to help finance a new St Louis stadium? A solid clarification please.
by Jack Reynolds 2:44 PM

You’ve mentioned a couple of the possibilities. But they can also withhold NFL marketing revenue and TV money as well.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

I’m getting really optimistic about the defense. Key veterans still able to perform at a high level (Long, Laurinitis), younger guys in their primes (Quinn, Donald), recent boom-or-bust draft picks looking like they could pan out after all (Ogletree, Jenkins, Johnson), some solid role players who have flashed impressive abilities (McDonald, McLeod), and an aggressive coordinator who likes to move pieces around. What am I missing? Any reasons why I should downwardly revise my optimism that the Rams at least _could_ have the best defense in the NFL, if the offense can stay on the field long enough?
by c_good 2:46 PM

The secondary in my mind still remains a question mark. They gave up too many big plays again last year, and in my mind Jenkins and to some degree Johnson have yet to display the consistency needed at the cornerback position.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Has there been any progress updates from Dave Peacock on stadium progress?
by Robert 2:47 PM

Nothing lately, although I believe Peacock & Blitz are close to having all the land assembled at the stadium site.
by jthomas 2:48 PM

How do you think the NFL will interpret the very pro-Rams and pro-PSLs outcome of the NFL focus groups here? Such as — the PSL portion of the proposed stadium funding looks solid.
by ZGare 2:48 PM

I can’t see how they could view it as anything but a positive. The response, from what I gathered, was about as strong as can be imagined by the focus groups. But we’re talking about maybe 100, 120 people here, not 50,000 PSL buyers.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

Is Fisher ok with playing rookies on the o-line as he’s not too concerned about it and that’s how it looks like it playing out?
by TOM 2:49 PM

Unless something changes, and there’s still some time, he may have to be OK with playing youngsters.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

I’m curious why you think Stan Kroenke has the edge over Spanos for a move to Los Angeles. Seems to me that Spanos is the more sympathetic and likable owner. Is it simply the quality and readiness of the stadium? Or do you still know things you can’t comment on yet?
by StLouisRams_fan_in_Chicago 2:50 PM

Only because Kroenke’s stadium plan appears to be far ahead of the Carson plan at this point.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

General feeling. If…when the Rams move, what does that do to the legacy of the GSoT teams in the city? Still revered…or passed along to LA with the team?
by Sammy 2:51 PM

Oh, I think they’d always be revered here in St. Louis. But in LA, don’t think the fans would care that much about Bruce, Holt, Faulk, Pace, Warner & Co. St. Louisans don’t exactly revere the Fearsome Foursome, do they?
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Is Dave Peacock bringing in a “private investor” good news or a desperate reach?
by John 2:52 PM

If he brought in a private investor, I don’t see how that could be anything but good news.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

Is there any truth to the rumor of Enterprise is the private investor to replace the County money? What can you tell us?
by Terry 2:53 PM

No comment. But I really don’t know.
by jthomas 2:53 PM

What position would surprise you that the Rams would select?
by TOM 2:54 PM

At No. 10. OK, I’d say defense tackle. WR would a little as well.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

What did Burwell think of all of this relocation stuff (I know that some of the drama had yet to unfold)?
by Dan 2:54 PM

When Bryan grew ill, he was just fleshing out the story about the north riverfront stadium plan. He was almost always an optimist.
by jthomas 2:55 PM

Do you think the NFL noticed that the baseball team here is the most profitable in Baseball? Has it not occurred to them that competent NFL administration here could likewise be highly profitable in St. Louis?
by ZGare 2:55 PM

Hopefully, they’ve connected the dots. Winning helps, doesn’t it?
by jthomas 2:56 PM

JT – seems like barksdale would be higher priority than say TE Kendericks, why didnt Rams get a deal done with him early on? Are they just waiting to see what his best FA offer is?
by ESA 2:56 PM

Because apparently, Barksdale was asking for w-a-y more than the Rams were willing to pay.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

I believe Fisher has noted that this draft looks rich in OL talent. Seems to me that a lot of that talent is on the interior. Do you think the Rams will miss out on all these guys, since we’re picking at #10 instead of say #20 and probably have to use our 2nd rounder on a QB?
by c_good 2:57 PM

I think most analysts feel that taking Scherff at 10 would be a good value pick.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Hi, Jim. Any idea how often Kroenke is actually in St. Louis? It seems like it’s all about the dollars for him, but do you think he has ANY feelings/consideration for the fans here who’ve supported his (mostly lousy) product in StL for 25 years? Since he won’t talk, what do others ‘in the know’ say about his personal feelings toward the Stl fans?
by Chris 2:58 PM

Well, five years ago he said he took pride in helping to bring football back to St. Louis, and also said he would do everything possible to make it work here. Don’t know what’s changed since then.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Hey Jim Can you see anyway the Rams winning the NFC West if Foles stays healthly the ENTIRE season. How many games does Fisher need to win to come back in 2016.
by Dwayne 2:59 PM

I think the Rams can have a winning record if Foles stays healthy. Not sure if that would be enough to win the division but it should put them in playoff contention. I think if Fisher wins seven, he should be fine. I know that’s probably not what you want to hear, but Kroenke likes him a lot.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Is foles worth the gamble? if he has good year, his price goes way up and somebody will come up with big offer – so Rams will be drafting next QB…
by ESA 3:01 PM

At $1.5 million in salary in 2015, it’s not much of a gamble. Unless, as you say, he has a big year. But remember, if he has a tremendous year, the Rams can also put a transition or franchise tag on him. It does make all the sense in the world for the Rams to draft a QB this year _ and not wait until the sixth round to do so.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

The whole Jake Long thing was overall dissapointing. Was he damage goods when he got here?
by Dave 3:03 PM

Well, he definitely had already been through a lot of surgeries.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

re st louis doing too little too late to keep the rams: what’s the rush? chargers/raiders in carson even if you believe it’s real and could happen, is light years away; since no nfl owner would be just a tenant and not a partner if kroenke somehow built a stadium (unless that owner was a complete moron, which none of them are); and if the nfl were to choose a team to relocate to l.a. at the end of the 2015-2016 season but had no plan to deal with the team(s) not selected, how could anything about the l.a. market be said to have a chance to be finalized in just one year from now?
by branford76 3:03 PM

Because if the Carson plan gets stuck in neutral, the NFL would simply try to coax either San Diego or Oakland to join Kroenke’s Rams in Inglewood in 2016.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Would STL even want the Raiders if Rams moved? Really not fair to dump two worst franchises in last 30 years on the same town. Yikes.
by ESA 3:05 PM

Judging from what I’m hearing from fans, St. Louis would take them. Not that they wouldn’t prefer the Ram, but they’d take the Raiders.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

I’m saying 1200 yards for Tre Mason this year. What do you think?
by Dave 3:06 PM

I’ll take the under.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

ummm, don’t you mean we would take the St. Louis River Raiders?
by Bartholomew Philpot 3:07 PM

I stand corrected.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

St Louis could accept the Raiders….just not the Raider fans.
by AzRamsFan 3:07 PM

But would they show up in St. Louis. Remember the Rams’ Melonheads? They didn’t last very long in StL.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

I am saying 1/3 OL = nobody gets 1000 yards
by ESA 3:08 PM

Yeah, it does usually take some blocking.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Isn’t a novice OC as much of a gamble as Foles at QB and an inexperienced OL?
by Jefferson 3:08 PM

To some degree. But I think there’s less risk involved with say, a Cameron Erving at center.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Heard Eagles are working on trade with browns – Bradford for maziel and picks. Target = Mariotta, poor Sam, will be stuck in CLE
by ESA 3:09 PM

That would be sad.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Do you think there’s any chance that if the NFL denies Kroenke a move that he stays here in the EJD until the original lease is up?
by brian 3:10 PM

Why not? If he moves to LA in 2016, he would be playing in the Rose Bowl or Coliseum.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

You say people in LA wouldn’t revere GSOT? You are dead wrong. You forgot all of us out here who stayed loyal to the team regardless of city…thanks to DirectTV! Besides, Bruce is our last real link to the LA Rams!!
by laramsfan 3:10 PM

Appreciate your staying power, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t think most of the LA Rams fans would feel the same way.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

2. I read a while ago that Fisher said hat Joe Barksdale was initially asking too much and that now that he is more realistic, that the Rams can negotiate more seriously. Seems to me if you are Barksdale or the agent, that you would take offense and try to prove him wrong.
by CZ 3:20 PM

1.) The Rams like Jenkins a lot. 2.) The only thing Fisher said about Barksdale was that he was asking a lot. He didn’t really say anything else.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

If the Chargers or Raiders move will they have to pay a relocation fee as well.
by ramsfan 3:21 PM

Believe so.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

Jim – Peacock and Blitz seem to have moved as quickly as possible on many fronts. If the term even applies, they seem to have some momentum. Is this the sense in St. Louis and, more importantly, among NFL circles?
by McGarrett 3:21 PM

Yes, it is. The league’s pretty impressed with what Peacock and Blitz have done so far.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

What do you think the rams will do about the current state of the O-line? Do we resign Barksdale, or let him go to tennessee? Do you see us drafting O-line early and often?
by fcoach77 3:22 PM

I’m sure the Rams will do what they can to retain Barksdale, but they’re not going to overpay. Sometimes players do get their feelings hurt when their current club doesn’t re-sign them right away. And maybe Barksdale feels that way. We’ll see how it plays out.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Hey Jim; Any chance the St. Louis Rams are planning to carry 5-6 Quarterbacks this Season or maybe bring in someone like the 400lb QB Jared Lorenzen to get under center since preparing a better than average Offensive Line over the last 4 years to protect our signal callers and get that run game moving seems to escape everyone at Rams Park?
by Shackleferd 3:28 PM

It has been a problem.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

Won’t an open air stadium in StL bring attendance way down on those bitter cold winter Sundays?
by Gabriel_To_The_HOF 3:29 PM

Could be.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

With the Rams first 3 draft picks, would you go OL, OL, QB or you have to go OL, QB, OL to get the QB you want drafted.
by Greg, Rams Fan in LA 3:29 PM

I’d go OL, QB, OL.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Nice, but Fisher will probably go DE, LB, RB!
by Tom 3:30 PM

Or DE, DE, DE.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

You vs Bill Plaschke in a steel cage match. Winner gets the Rams in their city. Who wins?
by Travis 3:31 PM

Plaschke’s bigger than me.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Do you think Bryce Petty would be available in Round Two for the Rams if Winston and Mariotta go one and two?
by Jefferson 3:32 PM

I’d say there’s a fair chance.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

As the story goes, the Chargers and Raiders have both been wanting a new stadium for many, many years yet Peacock and Blitz have a viable plan and are moving ahead post haste. Personally, I think Kronke under estimated St. Louis, or is he that greedy?
by Jefferson 3:32 PM

Yeah but Peacock & Blitz have yet to reach the finish line.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

It’s not greed it’s Capatalism at its finest!
by Mariota would look FABULOUS… 3:33 PM

Don’t think that’s how Rams fans in St. Louis feel about it.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Do you think that because the Rams play in the NFC West it is a much easier move for the NFL to accept? If they played in the NFC South or NFC Central that the move would make less sense? Do you think that since they never reorganized the divisions that the Rams didn’t really have a home in the Midwest?
by #2Fan 3:34 PM

No Don’t think that has much to do with it.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

What kind of year do you think Bradford will have?
by Tom 3:35 PM

If he stays healthy, I think he’ll have a good year.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Does Mike Sam get another chance or has that ship sailed?
by Jefferson 3:35 PM

It has with respect to the Rams.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

As a kid, I watched the Rams play live in Anaheim. I recently flew to STL for my first Rams at EJD. I have to be honest, its best for the franchise, maybe not the city, but the franchise itself to be in LA, wouldnt you agree?
by Rams fan in Utah 3:36 PM

Why?
by jthomas 3:36 PM

JT, Where Are They Now???? Wher (Or What ) is Former DE Leonard Little up to?
by Mariota would look FABULOUS… 3:36 PM

He’s living in Charlotte. Not sure what he’s doing in terms of business interests, etc.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Was their any buzz at the owners meeting that agents were kind of steering their FA players away from the Rams due to all the unsettled location issues?
by Greg, Rams Fan in LA 3:37 PM

No, not really.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Jim, It’s pretty evident the Rams will be moving again. It does not seem to be that much of a surprise with the money involved, but many are still in denial. Has your percentage changed??
by Ram fan 3:37 PM

I’ve been at 43-57 since the owners’ meetings.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

How did the owners meeting change your percentage?
by StLouisRams_fan_in_Chicago 3:38 PM

There now seems almost an air of inevitability about there being a team or two in LA in 2016. I also got a strong impression that if St. Louis checked all its boxes that the owners wouldn’t abandon St. Louis. But until all those boxes are checked, you can’t really factor that into the percentages.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

Using the last two years as a model, over/under week 5 as the cut off mark for a offensive personnel(starting rb) or philosophy switch?
by cook 3:40 PM

That shouldn’t happen this year, at least not at running back.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

Jim: have I missed something? Where did the Rams say they wanted to leave? Where did the Ramsay they were building a new stadium in LA
by Ram fan 46 3:41 PM

Don’t’ you think the Rams’ actions speak louder than words.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Isn’t fisher from LA
by Kenneth Tarlow 3:42 PM

Went to USC.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Taft high school?
by Kenneth Tarlow 3:43 PM

He was a star wide receiver there.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

Rams in playoffs this year, does it impact their chances of moving? Why is this question so offensive that it can’t make it past moderation?
by third try at the same question 3:44 PM

Now you’re being rude.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

If the season started tomorrow, what would the starting OL look like?
by cook 3:45 PM

That’s a tough one. Greg Robinson at LT, Rodger Saffold at LG, Barrett Jones at C, let’s go with Tim Barnes at RG, and Garrett Reynolds at RT.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Any chance they bring Jake Long back in at a reduce rate?
by Gabriel_To_The_HOF 3:46 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Jim:any word on Quick. Do we draft a WR just in case
by Ram fan 46 3:47 PM

Rams hope to have him back by the start of training camp, but there are no guarantees there.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

If THAT’s your O-Line @ the start of 2015 then Mariotta is a MUST get!
by Mariota would look FABULOUS… 3:47 PM

Yeah, a little scary.
by jthomas 3:48 PM

The NFL has stated that they want the prospective owners of the relocating teams to select a temporary venue to play in while the proposed LA NFL Stadium is being built by October or November of this year. Being that Kroenke and Company have not said that they are relocating wouldn’t that effectively out them and negatively effect ticket sales?
by Shackleferd 3:48 PM

I’m sure they they’d pick a site. And yes, it could hurt ticket sales.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

Do Issac Bruce and/or Torry Holt every work with our WRs?
by Gabriel_To_The_HOF 3:50 PM

They have been around in the past during training camp.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Your best guess what Tennessee does at #2? Trades it, drafts Mariota, drafts a defensive player?
by Greg, Rams Fan in LA 3:51 PM

I’d say take Mariota or trade pick for a quarterback.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Hi Jim, if Mariota is at #10 do you see that as a must pick ?
by johnny 3:51 PM

I do. Can’t speak for the front officer.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

What, in your view, is Rams best path to rebuilding the Oline, at this point?
by bfulton 3:52 PM

Sign Blalock. Re-sign Barksdale. Draft.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

how do rams plan to cover jimmy graham 2x a year? Olgetree? 3 slow safties?
by ESA 3:53 PM

They covered him pretty well in 2013 with basically the same defensive group.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Jim, how much of the remaining Salary Cap space is reserved to sign players from the draft?
by Tex 3:54 PM

I’m not sure what their rookie salary cap is for 2015. With their current picks, I’d say in the $3-4M range.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

In retrospect, should the Rams have kept Amendola? His price wasn’t that high and we’ve burned draft picks and are still looking for a slot WR. I’ll grant you he was good-very good not great but he’s hung on at the Patriots. Same with TE Hoomawanamui (sp?)
by Greg, Rams Fan in LA 3:55 PM

Amendola hasn’t done that much for New England. Can’t’ see it.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

How many picks do Rams have in upcoming draft and which rounds?
by ESA 3:57 PM

They have picks in Rounds 1-4, the sixth round, and the seventh round. Or six picks total.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Jim- Does the NFL or the teams release how much profit they make each year? If so, I would like how much the Rams made last year.
by ramswinbig39 4:02 PM

Neither. I believe the figure I saw was a little over $18 million in profit.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Will the Rams end up adjusting Quinn’s contract to be more aggressive in building the O-Line through free agency? I heard it could be as easy as changing the name of a bonus and we get $7 mil in cap. Am I correct about that part?
by Z.Ebers 4:02 PM

As I mentioned last week, the window for turning Quinn’s roster bonus into signing bonus _ which could’ve saved the Rams a maximum of $8 million in cap space this year _ has passed. (Because the roster bonus has been paid.)
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Jim is it getting harder for you to get access to the Rams upper management now more than before?
by up north 4:04 PM

Yes, in terms of Kroenke. Not that I had great access before. But Demoff remains very accessible.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

Do you think Pead will be cut in camp? And do you think they are still looking to upgrade at the RB position with Fishers penchant to run and lacking a true star there. Also do you not sense any urgency at the OL positons with the Rams considering they basically dont have one?
by sam 4:05 PM

It’s hard for me to see him making the final 53. And in what is a pretty deep RB draft, I’m sure the Rams are at least studying some RBs.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Do you know when are you putting out your mock draft?
by TOM 4:08 PM

Our final mock draft will run April 30, the first day of the draft.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

What Would Georgia Think?
by Tom Bateman 4:09 PM

She’d want to the team to stay in St. Louis.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

If the Rams do move, why are a lot of folks thinking we have a good shot at getting another team? That would make two teams moving out of STL since 1987. Doesnt that show that STL is not a football town?
by Dave 4:10 PM

I don’t know. LA has lost three teams. Does that make it a football town.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

I still never received a questionaire from the NFL and two of my coworkers (also season ticket holders) didn’t either.
by Eli 4:11 PM

Did you try the email address?
by jthomas 4:11 PM

I’m really excited by all the off-season moves by the Rams to shore up their O-line.
by Nobody Ever 4:11 PM

And here, among many this week, is our sarcasm winner of the day.
by jthomas 4:12 PM

We’re you with the PD before the Rams moved to Stl? What was your beat when there was no football in town?
by Lurch-It 4:14 PM

I have been with the Post-Dispatch since 1975. My beat when the Cardinals left was Mizzou football and basketball.
by jthomas 4:15 PM

Cignetti as the new OC was an inside hire, were you surprised he didn’t shake up the staff a little?
by XtraPoint 4:15 PM

That would be Fisher’s call, not Cignetti’s.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

If we all roll around on the floor and complain loudly enough, will the Rams stay in St. Louis?
by c_good 4:16 PM

Could work.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

Jim: what do you think about Peter Kings double trade up theory?
by Ram fan 46 4:16 PM

Not much. Good fantasy talk though.
by jthomas 4:16 PM

How about a trade for Johnny F Football? There were quite a few people salivating over him last year
by cook 4:18 PM

Yeah, where are those people today?
by jthomas 4:18 PM

Any idea why they didn’t make that move with Quinn, i.e. convert his roster bonus? Did they just forget, or would it spread out more of a cap hit over future years, and they thought about it and decided against?
by c_good 4:21 PM

In general, Demoff likes a pay as you go philosophy. That way the team doesn’t get backed into a corner, cap-wise.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

I do get the impression there’s something of a “bunker mentality” developing with the organization. Your thoughts please?
by Tom 4:21 PM

Little bit.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

If the Rams move to LA, how many years of losing football before they lose the fan base, like they did in the 90’s?
by Tom R 4:22 PM

I’m gonna say five. The new stadium will keep them coming for the first few years.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

So, you were here for the Big Red. Boy, George Boone sure made the draft day interesting, didn’t he?
by Andy 4:23 PM

No doubt.
by jthomas 4:23 PM

I doubt Kroenke is that stupid. If they move, watch for a much more dynamic offense pretty quickly, and a number of playoff wins.
by Tom 4:24 PM

Yeah, right.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

I don’t understand the love affair for Jenkins? It seems he gets burned once a game at least. I heard Golden Tate misses playing against him.
by AzRamsFan 4:25 PM

I don’t know. Tate did pretty good in Detroit without Jenkins.
by jthomas 4:25 PM

any comment on post front page story about lawsuit if no vote on city contributions to new stadium
by dalfr 4:25 PM

Yeah, I saw it. Don’t really know the details.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

If the Rams move from Street Lou, how many Football teams would STL have lost?
by L.A. \” The Man 4:28 PM

One less than Los Angeles
by jthomas 4:28 PM

JT, dinner on me at the Ritz Carlton – Downtown L.A. this Thurs. night How bout it?
by L.A. \” The Man 4:28 PM

Have other plans. But thanks for the invite.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

If as you stated earlier that nearly all the land has been acquired then the only unchecked box would be the financing. Would you agree.
by ramsfan 4:30 PM

Basically yes
by jthomas 4:31 PM

Who pays Peacock to do this?
by Dave 4:33 PM

I believe he’s doing it for free.
by jthomas 4:33 PM

Does any other team have an owner who gave Rams fans as much incompetent head coaching than SK in Spags and Linehan and the messes they left behind? Two beauties eh?
by Jefferson 4:37 PM

Actually, Kroenke wasn’t majority – or controlling – owner in 2006 when Linehan or in 2009 when Spags was hired. His only hire as controlling owner has been Fisher.
by jthomas 4:39 PM