JT chat, 5/5

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_89?Page=4\

From what you heard and the experiences you know of, what are the chances Gurley will be back 100% … is it a 50/50 thing? is being younger a better sign? AP recovery was not normal, but what are the chances of an AP type recovery for Gurley
by jeffinutah 2:03 PM[/i]

Interesting question to get us started. I think eventually Gurley will be 100 percent. In most cases, it seems like it’s usually the second year back from such an injury where players are the same. But I think it’s very likely that Gurley should be close to 100 percent this season _ maybe just not at the start.
by jthomas 2:06 PM

Jim I Would like to know what your game plan is on asking players about the possible move to L.A.,I feel this is something out of their control and that is the answer you will get from these players.
by stubob007 2:06 PM

I don’t know if I have a game plan. But the subject undoubtedly come up early and often, and I would think players would be asked their thoughts when there are big news developments along the way. I can guarantee you the players will say it’s out of their control and they’re just concentrating on the 2015 season.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

What is your best guess as to how our offensive line would look today? Robinson/Jamon Brown/Barrett Jones/Saffold/Havenstein?
by Derek 2:10 PM

You mean starters? LT Robinson, LG Saffold, C Jones, RG Brown or Reynold, RT Havenstein.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

so why ask?
by stubob007 2:11 PM

Because you might just get a different answer every now and then.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

Were you in Chicago or STL during the draft? Either way, was there an audible gasp among reporters when they took Gurley?
by c_good 2:12 PM

In St. Louis. There was no “audible gasp” at Rams Park, but we were surprised.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

Is it true that the Rams really had Gurley as their #1 or #2 player on their board? Does that mean that if Amari Cooper was still there at 10, they would have bypassed him and still took Gurley?
by Dan in Denver 2:13 PM

So they say. I believe Gurley, Mariota, and Scherff were in their top 3. So I guess, yeah, if they stick by their board they would’ve taken Gurley over Cooper.
by jthomas 2:14 PM

All those Rams draft picks for the offense, was Jeff Fisher heavily sedated?
by Uncle Leo 2:14 PM

If it weren’t for the press conference each day, he (and Gregg Williams) could’ve gone fishing Thursday and Friday. 🙂
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Do you feel we should have drafted a couple of more highly rated, day one starters on the line?
by Tom 2:15 PM

Yes.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Jim should we throw in the towel on the Rams staying in STL and have u heard anything out of Peacock
by Big Dog 2:15 PM

Do not throw in the towel. Haven’t heard anything from Peacock in the last week, but he had a pretty extensive round of interviews about 10 days ago. So it’s not like he has fallen off the edge of the earth.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Seems like the Jags got Wiz CHEAP considering the slim options at C. Did the Rams make a legitimate pursuit or was that just a smokescreen for draft plans?
by JohnforAmerica 2:17 PM

There’s more to the Wiz situation than meets the eye. That’s all I’ll say at this point.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Thought so. In that regard, I’m a bit disappointed in the draft, and success once again may have been pushed farther into the future.
by Tom 2:17 PM

Yes, the Rams do seem to be perpetually rebuilding.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

Should we watch some Raiders and Rams games this year?
by Grant 2:18 PM

Sure.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

Jimmy, I thought your C+ was a little harsh. Give them credit for going 7 straight picks on offense, something we thought Fisher would do. I think we get a 2 starting linemen out of the group and am pumped about Gurley.
by Otto Optimist 2:18 PM

I just thought they should’ve gone O-line earlier. And Gurley was a luxury pick in part because of needs on the O-line.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

The Steelers grabbed both BJ Finney & Reese Dismukes as undrafted free agents, despite the fact both had 4-5 round draft grades. Any interest in THEM from the Rams?
by JohnforAmerica 2:20 PM

There may be a time when I can be more specific on Wiz. Unaware of any interest from Rams in B.J. Finney and Dismukes. Dismukes is small.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Anything on Barksdale or Blalock?
by Pete 2:21 PM

As you may have seen, Barksdale visited Atlanta Monday, but no deal signed. I’m told he’s still interested in the Rams, but don’t think there’s much going on in terms of talks. I think it’s quiet on Blalock.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Jim your way of thinking makes me wonder if we would have a Rookie of the year on defense. If you have a chance to upgrade a position why not do that?
by stubob007 2:23 PM

I liked the Donald pick.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

What’s the scope on the QB position? I heard some say it’s an open competition and some say Foles is the guy and the rest are competing for roster spots. Also why take Mannion and not Hundley or Petty?
by Grant 2:23 PM

Don’t think there’s any doubt that Foles is the starter in 2015. Rams obviously liked Mannion better than both in part because unlike Hundley and Petty, he played in a pro-style offense in college which means he should make a pretty quick adjust to the NFL game.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

But not the Gurley pick, to me he looks like once in a while football player,they don’t come around every year.
by stubob007 2:26 PM

Well, the Rams didn’t need 3 starting offensive linemen when they picked Donald. They didn’t have a great interior pass-rusher when they drafted Donald. And Donald was healthy.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

La El Collins are we in pursuit?
by Jackie Gleason 2:27 PM

I can’t tell you for sure, but I’m sure they’re monitoring the situation.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

Why wouldn’t the Rams take a flier on La’el Collins in the 6th or 7th? Prior to Day 3 of the draft, the league let everyone know he could not re-enter the 2016 draft or supplemental draft. Why not get a leg up on the other teams by taking a chance on a guy the Rams had in for a Pre-Draft visit? If it was a PR thing, I think moving the team is worse PR and if the Rams want bad PR to deter fans to help the move, this could help (even though the cops say he is not a suspect). So now will they try to make a move for him or not?
by Dan in Denver 2:28 PM

I agree with your thinking. Why not use one of those seventh-round picks on him and see what happens. And then if it turns out he’s a suspect, you just release him.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

They say season tickets sells are down that is going to hurt our case to keep them in STL
by Big Dog 2:29 PM

I don’t think it’ll be a factor, unless they’re down to the point where 25,000 are showing up.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

Prediction on how many games Gurley will play/start and how many yard he will rush for……is he a possible rookie of the month if healthy
by james 2:30 PM

12 games/10 starts, 800 yards. Yes on possible rookie of the month.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

after basically giving up on Bradford after two acl tears, should we look at Gurley,s career as half over already?
by bjf 2:31 PM

That’s funny, in a cruel sort of way.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

Hi Jim. If I remember correctly the cross ownership extension ends in June, with a little more then a month to go, how do you see SK explaining this to other owners when the vote comes around about relocation? Or does he get yet another extension, because the NFL has rules, but they don’t enforce them on owners.
by STLFootball 2:31 PM

Glad you brought that up. Maybe something will be resolved on that at the NFL owners meetings May 18-19.
by jthomas 2:32 PM

Austin Davis on roster for season opener?
by RamsFan1979 2:34 PM

I’m gonna say yes, Davis beats out Case Keenum for backup job. Rams keep Foles, Davis, and Mannion.
by jthomas 2:34 PM

Forget odds or a record, right now, where do we rank in the West 1-4?
by cook 2:35 PM

Rams finish third in the NFC West behind Seattle and Arizona _ and ahead of San Francisco.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

You can’t go into an NFL owners meeting in 13 days without having the DeflateGate report released, can you?
by Uncle Leo 2:35 PM

I guess the Wells guy is supposed to be writing the report now.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Nothing like dropping a guy, trading a pick to get him back, then dropping him AGAIN…
by JohnforAmerica 2:36 PM

JFA, you are on your game today.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Two years ago, it was Indianapolis. Last year it was Denver. Which game on the 2015 schedule do you predict to be this season’s “surprise” victory?
by flagthrower 2:36 PM

Pittsburgh.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Jim do you think if we got our Stadium built we would have natural grass?
by stubob007 2:37 PM

Certainly.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Jim is Stan on FB and if so can u send him a massage from the fans just sell the team and keep them in STL
by Big Dog 2:37 PM

I don’t know about Facebook. But maybe he’s reading the chat today and will see this.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

As Bernie has wisely written the Gurley pick demonstrates Jeff Fisher’s remarkable job security. He is obviously is building for the future. Me thinks that he has agreement with Kroenke to guide the Rams to La and then have a couple years to build there before his job is on the line. Do you think I am on to something?
by John 2:38 PM

You know, you could be on to something. I reported way back when Kroenke interviewed Fisher for the job in early January of 2012 that Fisher was asked several questions about what it was like moving the Oilers to Tennessee. Maybe Kroenke wants Fisher’s expertise/experience in that area during the transition period.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

Fisher and Snead don’t seem to have any passion to have “the” QB for the Rams, “a” QB will do just fine. Maybe they put all that passion into Sam four years ago and there is nothing left?
by Uncle Leo 2:41 PM

Well, finding “the” QB is not an easy thing to do. And it sounds like the asking price for Mariota might have included the Gateway Arch. Doesn’t seem like Tennessee was serious about trading him.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

Gurley taking Stacey’s old #30 – anything to it or is it just the closest he could get to his UGA number? (#3 I believe)
by JohnforAmerica 2:42 PM

Maybe he was playing off the 3 at Georgia. Heck of a coincidence but I don’t read anything into it. #Yikes
by jthomas 2:43 PM

Hi Jim was wondering if ticket sales are going. Since Bernie Wrote that article about why we need to support team. Myself I love the Rams renewed my season tickets even bought tickets for home opener. Come on St Louis lets get behind our team.
by Todd Higgins 2:43 PM

A couple of days ago, Daniel Kaplan of Sports Business Journal tweeted that ticket sales were down by “double digits.” When I asked Kevin Demoff about it a week or so ago, he said he didn’t know.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Don’t you think it is a little unfair comparing St. Louis ticket sales to San Diego? I don’t consider it losing a team if they are still playing within a two hour drive as I think that is the time from San Diego to the proposed stadium in LA. I know if the Rams were threatening to move to Columbia, Missouri, it would not be nearly as bad as them moving cross country. I don’t think we would be losing nearly as many fans if that was the case.
by count cristo 2:46 PM

You do have a point. And let’s facing it _ the Chargers have been winning lately.
by jthomas 2:47 PM

Having done any more digging on some of the OL? Seems like Havenstein could’ve been gotten later. On the other hand, give ’em credit for getting the guy(s) they wanted?
by Otto Optimist 2:47 PM

Yeah, it seemed like Havenstein and Brown were a little bit overdrafted. But when Havenstein was taken he was about the last offensive tackle on the board that you could look at and say “this guy can start for me this year.” It was either take him there or be in trouble.
by jthomas 2:49 PM

how many of the offensive linemen the rams drafted will begin the season as starters? too early, i’m sure, but which one(s)? what do you think of the ol drafted?
by steve r 2:49 PM

Barring injury, I’d say Havenstein for sure. Possibly Brown. (But if Brown’s not ready, Garrett Reynolds could be the opening day starter.)
by jthomas 2:50 PM

How would you grade the raiders draft? I think they did a tremendous job giving Derek Carr more weapons in Cooper and the te cliffo
by josh 2:52 PM

Coupled with the signing of Crabtree in free agency, I really liked grabbing Cooper at No. 4 overall. Then drafting the Miami TE Walford in Round 3 continues to show a commitment to giving Carr some much-needed help. I’m not really too familiar with their Day 3 picks.
by jthomas 2:54 PM

given the run of OL – how do the Rams now view OL FA’s Blaylock and Barksdale – I am sure they are interested in both, which FA makes more sense – and should Givens be concerned about the Sasser pick? #Yikes?
by Phillip 2:54 PM

Not sure how much interest the Rams have in either players at this point, although Fisher says re-signing Barksdale is still possible. If Barksdale comes back he’s got to know that sooner or later he will probably be the team’s No. 3 OT. I mean, you draft second-rounders (Havenstein) to be starters.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

Jim, as the common period is 3 years to grade a draft class, have you ever done a list of draft grades for 2012 or earlier 3 years after the fact?
by ihtnep 2:56 PM

You know that would be a good idea during the pre-draft buildup of stories. You know, prior to the 2015 draft review the 2012 draft etc. Thanks for the thought.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Jim I like the rams draft, Gurley will be special,and OL will be better than last year. Maybe no pro bowlers, but better than last year . Would like to hear opinion
by philwill1 2:57 PM

It is so difficult for rookie O-linemen to step in early. See: Greg Robinson. Especially without much experience around them. I think potentially the O-line can be better but it seems optimistic it can happen this year with so much youth.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Do you think Havenstein is an upgrade over Barksdale at RT? Thanks for your chats and let’s #KeepTheRamsInSTL !
by Terry 2:59 PM

You know, I think Havenstein projects as a better run blocker. But not sure on pass blocking. And will have to look at Havenstein as a Ram.
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Hey Jim, your lists of the Rams top and worst draft choices are great. How about a list of the top undrafted free agents signed by the Rams? I already know who would be #1.
by Dave 3:00 PM

Thx. We did that a couple of years ago, but haven’t updated it since. Need to do an update prior to free agency next year.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

LA Rams on the NFL website. Was it an accident or a sign?
by DJM34 3:01 PM

Maybe both, eh? No, I think it was an accident.
by jthomas 3:01 PM

Hi Jim! Wondered if there was a message from the NFL offices regarding La’el Collins. Would have thought that Rams or any team could have picked him in the 7th round, as it would have been a worthy risk depending on the outcome from his legal issue. Not too many 7th rounders’ make it away.
by Larry 3:01 PM

Not aware of any such directive. Yeah, I would have picked him in the seventh round. Especially when the Rams got that extra seventh from Carolina as part of the second-round trade-down.
by jthomas 3:02 PM

so, what was your take on the discovery of the LA RAMS page on nfl.com? That’s some serious egg on the face. one of the most ridiculous kicks to the groin for an existing franchise ever in my eyes
by MrRick 3:02 PM

Yeah, there was a little bit of panic in StL for about an hour yesterday. Interesting that the NFL was concerned enough to call the St. Louis stadium task force about it.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Jim, if the internet had been commonly used in 1994, I don’t think the NFL site ever would have said St. Louis Rams. Mistake or not, this feels like another diss.
by ihtnep 3:04 PM

Can totally understand feeling like that given everything else that has gone on.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Hi Jim–thanks as always for the chats. I thought that draft was a disaster: There were so many first or second-tier offensive linemen who looked like great options, and the Rams didn’t get any of them–Erving, Cann, Tomlinson, & Marpet all looked like they’d be great fits–plus, who takes a running back at #10 these days. Now I’m starting to come around on it, mostly on the hope/belief that the OLs they drafted will turn out to be good. What do you think? Are all those draft picks ready to play?
by c_good 3:05 PM

Yeah, I think we’re on the same wavelength. Why bring in all those O-linemen in for pre-draft visits if you’re not gonna take any of them. (OK, the Rams did bring in and take Jamon Brown.) I’m not saying that Havenstein and Brown won’t be good pros, but in general, the lower you’re selected in the draft, the more likely you have some holes in your game and aren’t ready to play early.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

re the Ram’s WR – I saw Seatle win with a core comparable to the Rams…if the Rams running game improves….the WR’s should be more effective..is Play action a Foles strong suit?
by stlfilmmaker 3:08 PM

Also, New England won it all without what would be considered a top tier WR corps. I think Foles is supposed to be pretty good w/the play action.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Which movie should i watch before work at 5, American History X or Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?
by charles 3:09 PM

What kind of mood are you in?
by jthomas 3:09 PM

What was you overall draft grade for this year’s crop?
by DJM34 3:14 PM

For the Rams draft, I gave them a C+
by jthomas 3:15 PM

When the four offensive linemen drafted have been discussed the emphasis appears to be on run blocking. How do they rate in regard to pass blocking? As the offensive line currently stands will they be able to protect Foles?
by Dreyfus 3:15 PM

That is the question, isn’t it Dreyfus. I think Havenstein and Brown in particular, since they’re the guys expected to start, need work on that front.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Is there any real chance that the rams could land La’el Collins? I know everyone is trying to sign him, and also why do you think no one bothered to pick him late in the draft? I know he said he wouldn’t sign on a day 3 deal but why wouldn’t you just use a 6-7th round pick on a consensus 1st rounder. You’d have to think when push came to shove Collins wouldn’t sit out a full year for the 2016 draft, Crabtree once threatened that but then signed.
by Michael 3:16 PM

I guess it’s possible. But I also think the Twitter reports about there being some kind of frenzy to get Collins among 32 teams is over-stated.
by jthomas 3:17 PM

I get it that the two best WR’s and OL were off the board before pick 10 and the Rams took RB Gurley. But… it doesn’t sound like the Rams entertained any ideas of trading to move up higher than #10 for a player. Anybody you would have moved up for rather than sit and take Gurley or you agree with the Rams strategy?
by Uncle Leo 3:17 PM

Well, I kind of had the man crush on Scherff. Some of the blocks he threw on a highlight tape I saw pre-draft were pretty amazing. But he went earlier than most thought _ No. 5 to Washington. And had Mariota gotten to say 5, I think you think about it.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Were you surprised to see the Rams draft Havenstein with AJ Cann still on the board? Do you have a sense of whether they had him rated more highly than Cann, or if they felt OT was a more pressing need than OG?
by c_good 3:20 PM

Not overly surprised since Havenstein’s a tackle. There were more guards on the board at that time than tackles.
by jthomas 3:21 PM

What did the Rams see in Mannion over Hundley and Petty? Were they looking for immediate help? Where Green Bay was looking for an eventual replacement for Rogers so were OK with knee issues?
by zgare 3:21 PM

Obviously, the ability _ in theory _ to play right away was a big factor.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

The Mayor of Carson Ca. reluctantly agreed that the Charger/Raider stadium could be a smokescreen. Fred Roggin Radio Show 5/4/2015. Do you have any comment on this affecting the Inglewood situation?
by jackreynolds 3:22 PM

From what I saw, he said there may be a shred of truth to that. So I didn’t read too much into it.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Hi Jim, with the draft done, how much cap room do you think the Rams have left?
by Greg 3:22 PM

A ballpark guess? Maybe about $5 million, or a little more.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

Is there a plan yet for all these OTs they drafted? Who kicks inside, who plays RT, who’s the swing tackle? And if they re-sign Barksdale, who starts at RT on day one? Donnal actually looks like he could turn out to be as good as Havenstein, I think.
by c_good 3:23 PM

Brown almost certainly is a guard. Wichmann was a college guard. So you have two guards, two tackles. I think Barksdale goes on Day 1 if he re-signs. Not sure on your Donnal-Havenstein comparision.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Any chance of me coming to the Rams?
by La’el Collins 3:25 PM

Your agents should’ve let you get drafted.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

If the Pats/Packers/Broncos and drafted Rams draft, I would say it was a good that this was a draft. But for Rams, Gurley seems like a reach and a gamble.
by Mark S. 3:25 PM

I get it. Because teams that are winning and well-stocked can draft more to the future.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

In these chats, we never really talked about Gurley much, so now after the fact, what was your opinion on him beforehand, where did you have him rated? in the top 10?
by Dan in Denver 3:26 PM

Had him rated as the best RB in the draft. I called him a top 10 pick if healthy. He turned out to be a top 10 pick anyway. Combo of power and speed. I’m a little concerned about durability (missed 3 games in ’13 w/ankle before ’14 knee). Can be a difference-maker. Good receiver. Looking forward to watching him in person.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Hi Jim. Based on the recent presentations from StL, LA, OAK, and SD and Bernie reporting Goodell stating only one stadium will be built in LA, what would you say the odds are now the Rams will stay in StL? Was the outcone of the New York meetings a positive for StL?
by Frank 3:28 PM

One stadium helps, meaning there will be a “winner” declared I guess between Inglewood and Carson. But Kroenke could always lure Chargers or Raiders to join his Rams in Inglewood. Yes, I do think the presentation was a success for StL, but it’s the same old thing: They need to get land assembled and have financing nailed down.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

I know the Rams picked a lot of OL, but did they pick the right ones? Thanks for your time and opinions.
by DJM34 3:30 PM

We’ll find out. Let’s say the Rams would’ve passed on Gurley at No. 10. They could’ve then gotten Andrus Peat at No. 10 overall and A.J. Cann at guard in the second. (And still gotten Mannion in Round 3.) I think most scouts would agree Peat and Cann is a much better T/G tandem than Havenstein/Brown. But then you don’t have Gurley. That’s what the Rams had to weigh in doing what they did. We’ll see how it pans out.
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Hi Jim. If I remember correctly the cross ownership extension SK received expires in June. With the pending move to LA vote happening a little bit after that, how do you think SK resolves his little problem of selling his other teams in Denver? Or does he get another extension until after the vote?
by STLFootball 3:36 PM

It’ll be interesting to watch. I can’t predict how it will work out.
by jthomas 3:36 PM

Is it really just $$$ with Barksdale? If he didn’t like the Rams offer before the draft, with the cupboard now full of OL the offer is probable worse rather than better. Seems like something else is preventing him and the Rams making things work?
by Uncle Leo 3:36 PM

No, I think the main thing is the money. Now I think it may be stubbornness.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Jim, getting tired of these snarky la trolls on PD site. Can you exorcise them off. Would be much appreciated
by philwill1 3:37 PM

Sorry. The best I can say is if they bother you that much, just skip past their questions or comments.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

Interesting about the LA Rams site on NFL.com. In an unrelated internet omen, the ESPN Deportes Rams link takes you to an article about the Raiders drafting Cooper…just sayin…
by wiley 3:38 PM

My, that is interesting.
by jthomas 3:38 PM

True or false: Without the issues surrounding Shane Ray and La’el Collins, the Rams are probably either drafting Flowers or Collins in the first round, then maybe a guard in the second.
by c_good 3:38 PM

I don’t think so. I think Ray’s probably a top 10 without his issues, and I think Randy Gregory’s certainly a top 10 pick without his troubles. So that would’ve pushed a couple of players down to the Rams. But Gurley would still be there.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

The big board is a weird thing, even if Gurley was top 2 and they had to take him, it is hard to believe that any of the OLs or QB they took were the highest on their board at the time they took them, don’t you think?
by Dan in Denver 3:40 PM

Good point. Well, the OLs for sure.
by jthomas 3:40 PM

Always great to get your perspective. Much appreciated. I thought the Rams approach to filling OL needs less than assuring. Looks to me they have a big developmental project on their hands. Methinks opponents will stack the line and dare the Rams to run, a scenario that’s all to familiar. Your take?
by Pete 3:41 PM

You saw how Robinson struggled at times with blitz pickups, stunts, etc. Havenstein and Brown could face similar issues.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

What is your thoughts on Sasser making the team I’m guessing Givens is the odd man out, unless they keep 6 which is not unusual, but we know how Fish like to keep a lot of runningbacks
by stubob007 3:41 PM

Yeah, right now, I think it comes down to Sasser or Givens at No. 5. Doubt that Fisher keeps 6 WRs.
by jthomas 3:42 PM

Does STL have NFL in 2016?
by Grant 3:42 PM

I’m saying right now it’s 44-56, which is same odds as last week.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

Are we chasing the Collin kid?
by flaram 3:43 PM

I don’t know about “chasing” but I’m sure Rams are checking it out.
by jthomas 3:43 PM

Who do you think will be the Rams QB in five years – Foles, Mannion, or Someone else?
by JBuck 3:43 PM

Five years? That’s a long time in the NFL. I’m gonna go with someone else.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

Any draft after the George Boone era WAY better. Thanks for all you do J.T. Hoping you are here in St.l. For a long time.
by Brinksjob 3:44 PM

The draft is fun, isn’t it? I don’t think I’m going anywhere. But can we say that about the Rams?
by jthomas 3:44 PM

Was TJ Clemmings off the Rams board. He was in for a visit, correct? Did that visit not go well or were they scared off about his foot? Seems like he would have been a good 3rd round pick that many draftniks had in the first or second
by Dan in Denver 3:45 PM

He was in for a pre-draft visit. I think the foot scared a lot of teams off. I’m told he may need a plate in there for support. Also, he struggled playing left tackle at the Senior Bowl.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Which of the Rams’ undrafted pick-ups intrigues you the most?
by The Ghost of Jason Sehorn 3:46 PM

Sorry. Meant to get to this earlier. There are a few at first glance. Obviously, the DT from Iowa Louis Trinca-Pasat. He’s undersized, but I think a lot of people thought he would get drafted. And Rams usually take four DTs into regular season. So he could join Brockers, Donald, Fairley. Think he got $25K in guaranteed money, which is pretty good for a undrafted rookie.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Jim, any of UFA’s pique your interest? Names to keep an eye on?
by Dave in Kirkwood 3:50 PM

Rams still haven’t released names of their rookie free agents. They’re always among the last teams to do so. But as I mentioned above, the Iowa DT (Trinca-Pasat) is one. CB Imoan Claiborne of Northwestern State got invited to the Combine. I’m always intrigued by production and FS Jacob Hagen of Liberty had 8 INTs last year. DE Matt Longacre of Northwest Missouri State is school’s career leader in tackles for loss and sacks.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

What do you need to see from Foles between now and the last preseason game to feel he can do more than game manage?
by Uncle Leo 3:52 PM

Leadership, accuracy, minimal mistakes.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Jim, has their been any discussion with local business leaders investing in a stadium partnership for the new stadium?
by Chuck 3:53 PM

I assume you’re talking about private investment in stadium construction. I’m not aware of anything like that.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

The offensive lineman Washington has been on the practice squad forever. What is the deal with him. Is he someone’s relative or is he finally ready to contribute and where.
by ramsfan 3:54 PM

This is probably a make or break camp for him.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

I shall haunt you now that you failed to get my question earlier!
by The Ghost of Jason Sehorn 3:54 PM

The question about undrafted rookies? I got to it.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

JT, do you believe GRob will be much improved this season at LT?
by rampet 3:55 PM

Should be, but there will still be some bumps.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

Any idea what a contract would look like for a player like Collin, as far as guaranteed money, if he is completely cleared?
by Joe Smith 3:55 PM

I guess you could guarantee it all if you wanted. But I think as an undrafted rookie, you’re pretty much limited to minimum annual base salaries _ otherwise under the rookie cap, you’d have to take away from drafted rookies. And I think teams get only a max of about $90K they can use for signing bonuses.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Barring injuries, do you think the Rams D will be in the top five this year?
by rampet 3:58 PM

I’d say top 10.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

What are your odds that the Rams have a winning season (at least 9-7)?
by g 3:59 PM

I’m going 52-48 right now that they finish above .500.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

How many more good years does James Laurinaitis have left?
by Mike C 4:00 PM

I’m gonna go with 5.
by jthomas 4:00 PM

ETA on end of stadium drama?
by Brad 4:00 PM

We should have a pretty good idea by late fall _ November, December.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

So by not drafting Collins, 32 teams may in some sense have colluded such that Collins cannot command serious money by going into the 2016 draft. I’m sure they had reasons for not drafting him, and yet. ..
by maybe 4:01 PM

No, I think they were concerned that he may be a suspect in a murder case.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

Rams have more cap dollars in their defense – is it tilted too far that way?
by fred 4:01 PM

It’s certainly titled that way now that Long, Wells, and Bradford are gone. But I don’t think it’s an issue, short term.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

I read a from the war room story that claimed the Rams had round 2 grades on Haverstein ands Brown. Do you know if that is true. Could the Rams be right and the paid pundits off on this one?
by Shedrow 4:02 PM

Of course it’s true. Why would I ever doubt anything the Rams put out there? 🙂
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Wow. If this is not a top 5 defense this year, something is very very wrong…The talent, the depth (esp. up front) and a Williams scheme…I would see that as an epic fail.
by wiley 4:03 PM

So if the Rams finished with the 8th-ranked defense in 2015 that’s an epic fail?
by jthomas 4:03 PM

James you have STYLE! I would assume coach Bo had a great deal of input in this draft process since he will be coaching these fine young men, am I right? Then the quality of these draft picks should be pretty good? What do you thiink?
by LARick 4:04 PM

I’m sure Boudreau has input. He’s highly-respected. But that doesn’t mean he would’ve taken Gurley at No. 10 overall.
by jthomas 4:05 PM

I believe there’s some highlight tape on YouTube of that DE the Rams drafted beating J. Brown for a sack. Have you come across that?
by c_good 4:05 PM

No. It’d be fun to check that out.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Rams need to greatly improve their secondary coverage to be in top 5. Agree or disagree?
by Pete 4:06 PM

No doubt. Particularly in the area of giving up big plays _ you know, the freebies where it’s a busted coverage or a gamble that didn’t need to be made.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Have you or anyone else in NFL circles noticed any change in Gregg Williams defensive philosophy since his punishment a few years ago?
by The Ghost of Jason Sehorn 4:07 PM

You know, it seems like he’s pretty much the same in terms of blitzing and being aggressive. I do wonder however, if Williams’ past teams played as much off coverage.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

Why didn’t the Rams use their last pick in the draft to grab La’el Collins?
by Scott B. 4:08 PM

I would’ve.
by jthomas 4:08 PM

I have seen Mannion rated anywhere from the 3rd to the 6th best QB. How do you rate his potential after one year watching Foles and being coached up?
by Shedrow 4:08 PM

Going to have to wait and see. I only watched a couple of his games in college. It’s always good to watch a guy on the practice field in training camp, and of course, in the preseason. But as you may know, they were drafted at almost the identical spot _ Foles was No. 88 overall when he came out; Mannion is No. 89 overall.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

Just to repeat what I heard. Collins is eligible for the 2016 if drafted, not eligible if he is undrafted. That is why no one drafted him in the 6th or 7th round.
by Shedrow 4:10 PM

I get that. But maybe Collins decides against sitting out an entire year once he thinks about it. And how many seventh-rounders turn into starting NFL players?
by jthomas 4:12 PM

Hey Jim I told you last week we will get Todd Gurley.
by Rodney 4:13 PM

Did you? Well congratulations.
by jthomas 4:13 PM

Collins would have $5,000,000 reasons to sit out a year.
by Shedrow 4:14 PM

A lot can happen in a year.
by jthomas 4:14 PM

JT thanks for the time you spend here! Do you have any insight on the financing of a new stadium and it’s feasibility. If the NFL commits to STL and a team will play here that is all good especially if we can get soccer back in STL.
by Tim S. 4:14 PM

Don’t really have much to add to what is already known. I think the task force (Peacock & Blitz &) feel confident about getting the state piece of the financing, and feel confident about winning the city lawsuit. I think they feel confident they can come up with the county’s share by alternative means _ but I’m not sure what those means are. That’s a lot of confidence and a couple of big ifs.
by jthomas 4:17 PM

What position would you consider the “softest” on the team? The one where we may see a street free agent or street free agent emerge?
by FranklinJ 4:17 PM

Well, I think you’d still have to say offensive line. But with so many draft picks for those spots I think it’s unlikely an undrafted player could emerge there.
by jthomas 4:18 PM

If the drafted OL aren’t ready to start, are there enough roster spaces for them as backups?
by Steve Pisarkiewicz 4:19 PM

As the roster is now constructed yes. And given the signing bonus money given to 2nd (Havenstein)_, 3rd (Brown)_, and 4th-rounders (Donnal) don’t think those guys are cut under just about any circumstances.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

Jim, if the stadium comes to fruition here, how can Kroenke legitimately leave this town? I still don’t understand how it can happen?
by Harold Baines 4:21 PM

I just hope it gets to that point.
by jthomas 4:21 PM

Hate to get personal, Jim, but what happens to you if the Rams do indeed move to LA?
by Mike C 4:22 PM

Most likely, I’m covering something else for the P-D.
by jthomas 4:22 PM

What kind of timetable is there for Gurley to get involved through mini-camps, OTAs, and training camp? Is he able to do any non-contact work now?
by The Ghost of Jason Sehorn 4:22 PM

I would think he almost certainly starts out training camp on the PUP list (physically unable to perform), and barring setbacks the Rams try to get him active and practicing a couple, three weeks into training camp. I don’t think he’s doing any non-contact football-like work at this point, but I’ll try to check on that for sure.
by jthomas 4:24 PM

Blues Fans have been through the ringers over their history, and had threats of the team moving on. But here we still are, a local ownership willing to spend more than they have, fans supporting Stillman, but not giving a pass on the players. Why is the NFL immune to this? Especially in STL. The Cards are the epitome of a franchise, the Blues are learning and the NFL just takes a dump on us.
by Tim S. 4:25 PM

I hear what you’re saying, and arrogance isn’t foreign to the NFL. But the NFL didn’t write the first-tier language into the stadium lease in the mid-90s, allowing Stan Kroenke to become a franchise free agent.
by jthomas 4:26 PM

Jim – What are the likely next announcement from Peacock/Blitz? Realistically, how soon could we expect the “We Have our Financing” announcement?
by McGarrett 4:27 PM

Don’t think that takes place until the fall.
by jthomas 4:27 PM

Philwill1 needs to remember that true rams fans are out there by the thousands, I can appreciate not being thrilled with LA fans but we have always been there through all the years in St. Louis. I have been to many games in St. Louis and considered the St. Louis fans as brothers, so maybe give the LA fans some slack we went 20 years with our team half way across the country 🙂 go Rams where ever you are!
by Mark from South Africa 4:28 PM

Are you really from South Africa?
by jthomas 4:28 PM

Thanks as always for the chats. And an extra thanks for your sons service to our country! Go Army! I thought I would change the topic away from the draft for a moment. On the chat a couple of weeks ago someone asked who you would pick on the Rams roster in a “Trial By Combat” however you didn’t know the reference to Game of Thrones so you didn’t know how to answer. Let me put it another way that us older folks may understand better. If you were in a bar-fight which one person on the Rams roster would you want by your side?
by Joe G 4:28 PM

Well, a couple of years ago I would’ve said Harvey Dahl. But I think now I’ll go with William Hayes.
by jthomas 4:29 PM

Would Havenstein play guard if the Rams sign Barksdale or are they only looking at Havenstein as a tackle?
by Dan in Denver 4:29 PM

I think he’s a little tall for guard.
by jthomas 4:30 PM

Do you think if the “first tier” language was not in the lease Kroeneke would not have bought the Rams? He saw that and knew he could use it to relocate the Rams to LA for $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
by Uncle Leo 4:30 PM

I have a hard time believing all that was on Kroenke’s mind in 1995.
by jthomas 4:30 PM

What season are the Rams planning for? ’16? ’17?
by Tackleberry 4:31 PM

It’s all about the future T-berry.
by jthomas 4:31 PM

That rap on Peat was questionable motivation. After our Jason Smith experience…
by laramsfan 4:31 PM

Actually, I think it was more his low-key, soft-spoken personality not a lack of motivation. As such I think the Jonathan Martin comparisons came in since Martin also went to Stanford.
by jthomas 4:34 PM