JT, NFL chat, 4/12

NFL chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_13?Page=2

Jim, who will the 49ers take with their first pick? My money is on Buckner from Oregon. What you got?
by Fist Full of Pleasure 2:04 PM

In both of my mocks, I’ve had them taking a quarterback, Carson Wentz in Mock 1.0 and Jared Goff in Mock 2.0, which appeared in Sunday’s P-D. When all is said and done, I don’t think Colin Kaepernick is a 49er.But Ido think Buckner makes a lot of sense _ he’s the best all-around end in the draft. And in both of the P-D mocks he’s available at No.7.
by jthomas 2:09 PM

Hey Jim, call your shot, what QB to the Rams take and in what round?
by tc 2:09 PM

OK, I’ll play along. I’m gonna say Connor Cook with the Rams’ first pick in the second round. But it’s debatable whether he’ll still be there.
by jthomas 2:10 PM

Hey Jim, what do you think the likelihood that the Rams trade up ahead of the 49ers?
by tc 2:10 PM

I’d say pretty slim given the fact that the Rams have only 6 picks overall and current needs at QB, WR, TE, FS, DT, LB. CB.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

I just hope I don’t tweak a shoulder muscle.
by Roger S 2:12 PM

Don’t think it’s very hot this time of year in Oxnard.
by jthomas 2:12 PM

I really think the Packers are going really looking for a trade come the second day of the draft. Who might they partner with to get more picks?
by Fist Full of Pleasure 2:13 PM

Very hard to say at this point. When it gets to trades on Day 2, you’re talking about teams wanting to move up for a specific player. And if there’s a run at a certain position, a team in need may start to panic and thus want to move up.
by jthomas 2:15 PM

Frankly, I have had enough. I am going to leave LA and let the hired help run the Rams. This just isn’t as much fun as I thought it would be. Oh, I will be back for the first preseason game to hang with my buddy Jerry but I will leave once the game is over.
by Stan 2:16 PM

Thanks for checking in, Stan.
by jthomas 2:17 PM

Hi Jim, Do you really see Fisher taking a DT in the first round? How does that address an area of urgent need?
by Tom 2:17 PM

Granted it’s a little bit of a stretch. But have you looked at the depth chart? Fairley’s departure means the Rams have next to nothing behind Donald and Brockers. In the Rams’ defensive scheme, the third DT is rotated in a lot. And I think Robinson is a good value pick at 15. I just can’t see the Rams taking a QB at 15 if Goff and Wentz are gone.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Hey Jim, have you seen or talked to Dave Peacock lately? Haven’t heard much about him. Could we see him champion another NFL effort here? Or has that bridge been burned? Mr. Peacock always seemed to handle himself with a lot of class despite everything
by Tv 2:20 PM

Haven’t talked to him lately. From what I hear, he is spending a lot of time on the MLS effort _ not the NFL.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Does the Foles to Denver rumor have any legs?
by Bigtuna 2:21 PM

I didn’t know there was a Foles to Denver rumor. I’m pretty sure the Rams hope that’s the case.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

I would like to know why they drafted Mannion in the third round if they did not think he could be the starter in the future.
by Gary in Pennsylvania 2:22 PM

You draft a player in the third round _ at any position _ with the idea they can be a starter at some point. I don’t think the Rams have changed their opinion on Mannion. But as of right now, no one knows for sure that Mannion can cut it as an NFL starter or is ready to be an NFL starter. So you keep looking.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

In your opinion, based on your long association with the Rams football club, how do see them addressing their Quarterback situation?
by Bash-On Regardless 2:25 PM

That would be my first priority. But I’m not sure the Rams look at the position with the same urgency.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Jim I think the Rams should unload the 15 for more picks. We need depth at several spots on both sides of the ball. What do you think?
by Fred 2:25 PM

Because of what you’re talking about, and the fact that the Rams have only 6 picks total, I think a trade down makes more sense than a trade up.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Hey Jim! I am hoping for an epic failure of not only the Rams, but the entire NFL. Is this too much to ask? #LOVESTL #OHANDSIXTEENRAMS
by The Heart of St. Louis 2:27 PM

Probably.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

Jim, ever since late last season we were hearing about how the Rams would have lots of cap space this year. Given that, why such paltry results in FA? Especially letting McCloud leave?
by Tom 2:28 PM

They spent a lot of money on re-signing their own: Johnson (via franchise tag), Barron, Hayes, Sims, Harkey, Barnes, Quick, Keenum (w/first-round tender). If there was a mistake made, it was not re-signing some of these guys earlier _ like before the start of the 2015 season or during the ’15 season _ when they would’ve come more cheaply. But Rams were preoccupied with the move at that time.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Top 3 most popular articles yesterday: 1.Blues 2. Isaac Bruce 3. Cards #Sports Town! Screw Kroenke.
by LA RAMS SUCK!! 2:37 PM

Yeah, I noticed.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

Jim, every time an international game is brought up, fan bases complain about the loss of a home date. Why doesn’t the NFL wise up and just label these games as “Away” games for BOTH teams? Lord knows, the NFL could use a little image-polishing on this side of the pond, and they’re all about the “fan experience”, right?
by CarlR 2:37 PM

They can call them what they want, but one team is still going to have to give up a home date to play an international game.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Jim, do you think Foles has any value as an NFL QB?
by Bigtuna 2:38 PM

Sure he does. But certainly not as much as he did last year at this time. Or certainly nothing like he did after that 27 TD, 2 INT campaign in 2013.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

Jim ,
I asked a few weeks ago if you had heard who would be doing the Rams play by play/ color on the radio. Any updates?
by Mark H 2:40 PM

Nothing new. I don’t even think they have chose a flagship station in LA yet.
by jthomas 2:40 PM

Do you think the plan is to move Ogletree to MLB or do you think is Ragland is there at 15 those plans change? Thanks for doing these chats. Have appreciated your great Rams coverage thru the years.
by Mark H 2:40 PM

Plan remains to move Ogletree to the middle. I do wonder what happens if they draft Ragland, who reportedly paid a Top 30 visit. I mean, if you draft Ragland, and keep Ogletree at weakside LB, why are you paying Barron $9 million a year?
by jthomas 2:43 PM

Jim, Will RAMS Sign Donte Whitner?!!!
by BarronHeadHunter 2:43 PM

TBD
by jthomas 2:43 PM

What are the Rams thinking re Mannion? Do they think he may be a future starter?
by Tom 2:43 PM

Yes, I believe they still think that’s possible for him.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

I just read some gossip about the Rams trading up to snag a QB before #7. Any insight?
by blocking fullback 2:45 PM

Doubt it.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

How do you see our, LA Rams), defensive backfield shaping up?
by Bash-On Regardless 2:45 PM[/i]

Obviously need a free safety. There really isn’t a sure option on the roster. And it looks like the Rams are looking long and hard at adding another body at cornerback as well.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Hi Jim. Do you think the Rams will draft a wr with the first pick and who do you think would be a good fit?
by Gary in Pennsylvania 2:46 PM

The Tavon Austin selection notwithstanding, Fisher doesn’t like to draft WRs in the first round and the higher you go in the first round the more that’s the case. I think the only 2 worth considering at 15 are Treadwell and Coleman. In Treadwell you’re getting size and athleticism, but also 4.6 speed. The Rams seem to value speed above all else at the position, so it makes you wonder about going Treadwell there.. Coleman is much faster _ he’s a high 4.3/low 4.4 guy _ but smaller at 5-11, 194.
by jthomas 2:50 PM

The general consensus with Colin Kaepernick was that the deal was essential a number of one year deals with it being team friendly that CK can be cut, however, do you think I need to take another look at this deal as being more player friendly?
by Mark S 2:50 PM

The guaranteed base salary for 2016 is as much of an issue as anything particularly given the fact that Denver is cap-strapped. But trading Clady should help.
by jthomas 2:51 PM

Hi Jim…how did ESK ever get to be considered some kind of financial genius? His comment in his parting shots said “anybody who moves into the Riverfront stadium is in for financial ruin.” Here are some figures to chew on – in 1995 when the Rams moved to STL the franchise was worth $200 million, thus his 40% cost $80 million. He paid $450 million in 2010 for the other 60%, his total investment at that point was $530 million. Last year Forbes magazine estimated the Rams to be worth $1.45 BILLION, yes with a B. Not a bad return for a financial ruin situation, don’t you think?
by DrMizzou 2:52 PM

Stan has made a lot of money owning the Rams. Don’t forget, it was one of the league’s most profitable franchise in the early years in St. Louis. And overall, if you consider non-football real estate ventures, Kroenke has made millions in St. Louis. So yes, I think he could have accomplished his move to LA, where he figures to make even more $$$, without taking the cheap shots at St. Louis.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Who is a logical trading partner for the Rams? I doubt they move all the way up to No. 1..would it be Baltimore @6?
by Jgib 2:56 PM

Maybe Kroenke works something out with his bro, Jerry Jones, at No. 4 overall.
by jthomas 2:56 PM

How much longer do you think Rams fans will have to put up with Fisher’s Stone Age offense?
by Tom 2:56 PM

Basically as long as Fisher is head coach. Don’t see the approach changing.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Would it surprise if the Rams drafted an o lineman in the first round?
by Jgib 2:57 PM

Yes it would.
by jthomas 2:57 PM

Jim, with Mason hving legal issues. Any RB’s RAMS looking at?? Foster etc.
by BarronHeadHuntin’ 2:57 PM

Doesn’t look that way. None of their known top 30 visits has involved a running back so far. And none of their scheduled 60 formal visits at the Combine was with a running back.
by jthomas 2:58 PM

can Denver win their division if the buttfumbler is their starting QB?
by fred 2:59 PM

I guess it’s possible, although they’d need another stellar defensive season.
by jthomas 2:59 PM

Hi Jim, long time no chat. I figured you were getting tired of me complaining all the time about missing St. Louis. Well, I have been trying to get better acquainted with LA. As you know, I have become good friends with Charlie Sheen and we’re regulars over at the Playboy mansion. That’s always a lot of fun! He has introduced me to a lot of fine LA women and I have made many new friends. But this week has gotten to me. I miss being in St. Louis! Yesterday was the Cardinals home opener and this week Blues play-offs start. I miss being back home Jim. I miss Fredbird and Louie. All the hot girls can’t take away my homesickness. Take care Jim. Your old friend, Rampage.
by Rampage 3:00 PM

So we hear from Kroenke AND Rampage in the same week. How lucky are we?
by jthomas 3:00 PM

Jim, thanks for your answer re drafting a DT in the first. Although I understand, have you looked at the roster at TE, QB, WR? Isn’t that even worse, with no real talent to create a passing game?
by Tom 3:01 PM

Yeah, but if Goff and Wentz are gone, is there really a QB to take at 15? Don’t think so. (Lynch, for all his potential, certainly doesn’t look like he’s Year 1 ready.) There’s really no tight end work taking in Round 1, much less at No. 15. Yes, you can make the case for WR, but in my mock Treadwell was gone. I did take Coleman in the first mock at 15, but decided against it this time around. Plus you have to factor in Fisher’s general dislike of taking WRs in the first round.
by jthomas 3:03 PM

You can see where Fisher’s philosophy of not drafting WRs in the first round has really paid dividends offensively in Tennessee and St. Louis
by Tackleberry 3:04 PM

Our early leader for today’s sarcasm award.
by jthomas 3:04 PM

Considering Barron’s role doesn’t work with most defenses, did the rams overpay him to stay?
by JK 3:05 PM

I think so. Again, you could’ve gotten him a lot cheaper earlier. And if you think Barron is worth $9 million a year, how much do think Ogletree will command in a year or two?
by jthomas 3:06 PM

Who was the best talent-evaluator in the STL Rams era? Who was the worst?
by Andy 3:06 PM

Best: Charley Armey. Worst: Steve Ortmayer.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Jim,
What’s your best long term solution to the Rams QB dilemma ? I think second round pick
by Mark H 3:07 PM

If you could get Cook in the second round, go for it. If you could get Prescott in the third round, go for it.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Jim, what am I? Chopped meat?
by Les 3:08 PM

No, you’re just somewhere in between Armey and Ortmayer.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Are we going to color rush again?
by All gas no grapes 3:08 PM

I believe every team playing on Thursday night this year will color rush. Regular season schedule will be out later this month _ probably next week.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

Jim – what was the base for the Rams for “local” visits?LA? or STL?
by simple.10 3:09 PM

Can’t be in StL because team no longer is in StL. I would think the Rams would prefer to have it in LA anyway since there’s a much broader base of players to draw from in LA area.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

The fact that Foles is still on the team says to me that a desperate Fisher is hoping against hope that he might rebound from his awful last season. What do you think?
by Tom 3:11 PM

All it tells me is that the Rams might just be waiting to see what the draft brings.
by jthomas 3:11 PM

Well hello Mr. Kroenke, I see you are on Jim’s Chat as well. Well, since you haven’t returned any of my phone calls could you please tell me when I am going to get reimbursed for my move out to LA? Demoff told me that I would get FULL relocation assistance. Also, I have not seen any cost of living adjustment either on my paycheck. Demoff seems to be talking out of his you know what… The guys and I are sick of your boy Demoff and his lies! Please call me… Well, at your earliest convenience of course.
by Rampage 3:11 PM

I heard employees moving to LA got $10K moving expenses plus a 14% cost of living adjustment.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Are the Rams any closer to making the playoffs this year than previously under Fisher/Snead? Or is it the ever-receding horizon?
by Tom 3:13 PM

I think they have more holes right now than I anticipated at this point. They need a strong draft. And an answer at QB.
by jthomas 3:14 PM

It’s almost that time again. Time to watch Fisher and Snead pat themselves on the back and tell themselves what geniuses they are. Probably do the same after their great 7-9 and 8-8 season every year, but they’ll fix it like they always do.
by scram 3:14 PM

The question is: Will the Rams have the NFL’s youngest roster once again.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

Maybe they should have overpaid Jenkins or McCloud?
by Tom 3:15 PM

I don’t know. If you had to overpay, Johnson and Barron might be safer bets than Jenkins and McLeod.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Hi Jim, thanks for the chats. After 20 seasons of working for the Rams in a game day role and during some camps, never missing a game, neither myself or anyone else who I worked with heard one word from the team after they left. No thanks, no apologies, no conscious. I don’t have a question, just wanted to point out the lack of class that organization has. Good luck la.
by TP 3:17 PM

I’m sure the Rams will send out those thank you notes once they get settled in LA.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

One of the LA trolls over on NFL talk asked what Fisher’s plan was? Plan? He doesn’t even have a clue let alone a plan. These left coast morons are in for a rude awakening. Rick Venturi was on Bernie’s show and said “wait until LA gets a load of this bunch.”
by DrMizzou 3:18 PM

Well, I thought the Rams were close last year. Seriously. Close to being a playoff club. But as I mentioned earlier, they have more holes than I anticipated at this point in the offseason. As alluded to by my good friend Rick Venturi _ who I talked to just yesterday for the annual Post-Dispatch draft series which starts Sunday _ sooner or later, the team will take the field and start playing games. Be careful what you wish for, LA.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

I love what Isaac Bruce has done with his idea. I plan on going as a way of somewhat getting closure on this thing and celebrating the GSOT again.
by RJ 3:22 PM

I like how you phrased that. I think it is a good way for StL to get some closure on this whole mess.. BTW, the work continues on the Legends roster. D’Marco Farr and Wayne Gandy have been recent confirmations. I know punter Sean Landeta would like to attend.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

I absolutely plan on going to Isaac’s event. He represents all that is right with the nfl.
by TP 3:24 PM

As I mentioned in my article, there is some skepticism locally as to how many people will actually attend. On top of everything else, there is some financial risk for Bruce in this whole thing. He’s putting his foundation out there in a sense, to make this happen.
by jthomas 3:25 PM

I’ll be there.
by Gerald Reynolds 3:26 PM

Organizers, or I should say organizer Tiffani Burris of Bruce’s foundation, are very curious to see what the early ticket sales are like next week when tickets go on sale at ticketmaster. She’s continuing to work on the roster to get players such as Marshall Faulk, Ricky Proehl, and Az Hakim. Torry Holt had plans to be in Europe at that time, but is working on trying to change his flight arrangements to he can attend.
by jthomas 3:29 PM

A classy move by a classy guy and a great chance to see competitive football in the dome … it’s been awhile.
by GSOT Grateful 3:29 PM

A great added touch is having Vermeil and Martz on hand as “coaches.” You think Mike will air it out?
by jthomas 3:31 PM

If the Rams go 7-9 again does Fisher survive?
by Tom 3:31 PM

I don’t know why a 7-9 in 2016 will be any different than a 7-9 in 2015 and 2013, or the 7-8-1 in 2012.
by jthomas 3:32 PM

Jim, I think most of the holes the team fills will be after the draft when teams rid themselves of duplicate players
by Pinnock 3:32 PM

Don’t think so. The days of those post June 1 cutbacks having much meaning _ like when Kurt Warner was released _ or long gone.
by jthomas 3:33 PM

“$10K moving expenses plus a 14% cost of living adjustment” is pretty low-ball. I’ve heard the cost of living difference is closer to 56%.
by Andy 3:34 PM

Just passing along what I heard from several familiar with the move.
by jthomas 3:34 PM

Hey Jim, would you makes sure to keep writing about the LEgends of the dome game. I hate to see Isaac look bad on this. we need to get people there. Perhaps also talk to some of the radio guys to push it too. Plus we would love to prove the skeptics wrong.
by RJ 3:34 PM

We will continue to have updates between now and July 23, be it on Twitter, via blog, or in the newspaper. Also, Isaac Bruce will be a guest on my weekly “Talking Football” radio show on KTRS, 550AM. (Which you can stream from anywhere.) Our show this week is on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Isaac is scheduled to come on right at the start of the show, or around 8:05 p.m. Central.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

Do you have any idea where ticket prices will start?
by Trevor 3:37 PM

For the Legends game? Tickets are $15 and $20, both of which gets you in the lower bowl I believe. Also, there are a limited number of $100 seats available _ I think 1,000 _ which gives you the right to a one-hour on-the-field autograph session with the players before the game.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

I know Ortmayer was bad, but I really believe that Snead and Fisher are putting up quite a challenge to the crown. I do not think that they have “projected” on a single pick that is worth bragging about. Donald and Gurley were really no-brainers and probably best player available. If they would have used that BPA and not tried to forecast what a pick would become, they might have made the Rams a formidable bunch by now. How many rounds 1-5 picks are either not with the team or not contributing more than many of the undrafted free agents they have signed.
by Todd 3:42 PM

Well, I will agree that the Snead-Fisher regime leans toward projection and measurables (as opposed to say, production) in their evaluations. At least that’s my observation. As for your question about players drafted in Rounds 1-5, the Rams have drafted 24 players in those rounds in the 4 Snead-Fisher drafts. Of those 24, 17 are still on the roster as we speak. All 10 of the players drafted in Rounds 1-5 in 2015 and ’14 are still with the club. But only 7 of 14 players drafted in Rounds 1-5 in 2012 and 2013 are still around.
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Jim, this chat is really beginning to hurt my feelings!!!
by Ortmayer 3:46 PM

Sorry Ort. As Isaac Bruce would say, it is what it is. Lawrence Phillips at No. 6 overall in 1996, in my mind, was the worst “St. Louis” Rams draft pick of all. By the way, look for an updated 2016 version of our 50 Best and 50 Worst “St. Louis” Rams draft picks in the coming days on stltoday.com. Several changes in both lists with more Snead-Fisher picks starting to work their way in.
by jthomas 3:49 PM

I still really think Steve McLaughlin can be a great kicker!
by Ort 3:49 PM

Unfortunately, I think McLaughlin was better as the lead singer of his band “Pet the Fish” than he was as a place-kicker. And yes, I did see the band play in 1996 on a Rams-at-Arizona trip.
by jthomas 3:50 PM

Jim, have you noticed any sense of urgency among the Rams “brain” trust to produce an exciting, winning team now they have succeeded in returning to LA? The fans here won’t fill the seats if there is a boring, mediocre team on the field. Which is what they’ve been for many years now.
by Tom 3:51 PM

Not really.
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Do you think Snead and Fisher transformed the team with the huge windfall of picks from the RGIII trade? When you get that many picks, wouldn’t you expect the team to be much, much better?
by Andy 3:51 PM

Answer to your first question: Not really. Answer to your second: Yes. One would think so.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

Is there a QB that will fall to the Rams at 15 with starter potential?
by Soly 3:52 PM

Well, Lynch and Cook should both be there at No. 15 overall. And both have starter’s potential, but probably not at in Year 1.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

So I hear the Rams staff is working out of double-wides for the next couple of years? Video department and PR department on wheels? Hopefully Stan springs for some nice trailer skirting. You can take the boy out of Mora, but…
by Jack 3:54 PM

Yeah, I think that’s the basic plan. Although at Oxnard, they’re working out of a hotel.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

Thank you. Honestly, that is better than I would have expected. Maybe they are improving as we go along here. I guess it stands out in my mind because there has not been the big benefit from the RGIII trade that one would have expected, and that they touted at the time. Let’s see if many of their last two drafts pan out other than Donald and Gurley.
by Todd 3:56 PM

Yeah, will see what happens coming out of the preseason this year, because there are a few of those 17 remaining players from Rounds 1-5 that aren’t exactly on great footing, such as Bailey, Mason, and Quick.
by jthomas 3:57 PM

Do you think that kroenke will ever worry about winning? He’ll always have one of the highest valued franchises thanks to their address, so why bother with the on the field stuff (judging by the state of his other franchises I don’t think it’s a priority for him). Thoughts?
by Thad 3:57 PM

I’ve mentioned this before. I’ve never heard Kroenke say once, even back when he did interviews, that his ultimate goal was to win championships. Which I always thought was rather strange for someone in the sports franchise business.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

Which franchise move (in the name of bulking up the nfl’s bottom line) do you see happening first; Jaguars to London or Bills to Toronto?
by Thad 3:59 PM

Although it’s still difficult for me to see it happening because of logistical issues, I would say Jax to London.
by jthomas 4:00 PM