Jim Thomas Live
Rams writer Jim Thomas goes one-on-one with readers at 1 p.m. Tuesday in a live chat.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 01:00 PM CST
comments & answers
JT, what is the timetable for a new gm to be in place?
Jim Thomas: I would say maybe by the end of next week. THere are still interviews taking place this week.
Hey Jim:
1) Do you see any Rams players as cap-casualties?
Jason Brown
Jason Smith
Ron Bartell
2)What postions can you see the Rams targeting in Free Agency
3)Have we named a qb coach or special teams coach yet?
Thank you
1) Do you see any Rams players as cap-casualties?
Jason Brown
Jason Smith
Ron Bartell
2)What postions can you see the Rams targeting in Free Agency
3)Have we named a qb coach or special teams coach yet?
Thank you
Jim Thomas: 1.) I would say Brown and Smith are the most vulnerable. Remember, Bartell has been cleared to play from his neck injury, and unlike a Peyton Manning he didn't undergo neck surgery.
2.) Well, we all know the obvious need positions. And there are plenty. Interior offensive and defensive lines, wide receiver, outside linebacker, backup running back, perhaps backup quarterback.
3.) Nothing on QB coach; looks like John Fassel (formerly Oakland) for special teams.
2.) Well, we all know the obvious need positions. And there are plenty. Interior offensive and defensive lines, wide receiver, outside linebacker, backup running back, perhaps backup quarterback.
3.) Nothing on QB coach; looks like John Fassel (formerly Oakland) for special teams.
Jt, who all has been offically hired for fisher's and what spots are left to be filled if any?
Jim Thomas: The only official hires have been offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, assistant head coach Dave McGinnis.
But I believe other hires (none of which have been announced) include offensive line coach Paul Boudreau, defensive line coach Mike Waufle, Blake Williams (looks like linebackers), Rob Boras tight ends, and John Fassel special teams.
But I believe other hires (none of which have been announced) include offensive line coach Paul Boudreau, defensive line coach Mike Waufle, Blake Williams (looks like linebackers), Rob Boras tight ends, and John Fassel special teams.
Hey JT, thanks for the chats. I am curious, who would the Rams have offered the head coaching job if Fisher would have said no? Thanks
Jim Thomas: I think Rob Chudzinsk (Carolina) would have been a strong candidate, and yes, the Rams were talking to Rutgers coach Greg Schiano who ended up taking the Tampa Bay job.
Hi Jim,
I really like Mohamed Sanu if the Rams trade down and miss out on Blackmon. This guy has some burst like Blackmon does and not afraid to lay out someone. Sorry, but I like him over Kendall Wright and Michael Floyd. What do you think of him?
I really like Mohamed Sanu if the Rams trade down and miss out on Blackmon. This guy has some burst like Blackmon does and not afraid to lay out someone. Sorry, but I like him over Kendall Wright and Michael Floyd. What do you think of him?
Jim Thomas: I watched Sanu on TV when Rutgers played Army, and Sanu was impressive. He doesn't have the top-end speed that you'd like, and I think at this time, he projects as a late first-round or second round guy.
Jim, If Stan buys the Dodgers, by NFL Rules, does this mean that no NFL Team can move to LA without his permission? If so, this would mean that he could move his own team, the Rams, there which would be considerable leverage in bargaining with the folks in STL in all future negotiations. Correct?
Jim Thomas: No. By NFL rules, if Kroenke moved the Rams to LA he'd have no problems. He could own the Rams and Dodgers in LA. However, if a team other than the Rams moved to LA, Kroenke _ according to NFL cross-ownership rules _ would have to divest himself of either the Rams or the Dodgers.
Jim,
why has this team been unable to identify and draft an effective TE, for really about the last decade?
why has this team been unable to identify and draft an effective TE, for really about the last decade?
Jim Thomas: Isn't it amazing? Throughout the playoffs and much of the regular season, we see tight ends catching passes and scoring TDs all over the place except in St. Louis. I'm still not ready to give up on Lance Kendricks. Although his rookie regular season didn't come close to what he did in the preseason, he still showed some flashes.
JT, are you confident the CVC will be able to offer enough to keep Kroenke and the Rams in St. Louis long term?
Jim Thomas: Not really. There's going to have to be some give.
Thank you kindly for taking my questions. I'm sure that all Ram fans appreciate any information that they can get or confirm as things seem to be very quiet.
1. I realize that free agency doesn't begin until the end of March and that the draft isn't until the end of April, but does us not having a GM by now affect us in any way?
2. Also, is their any news along the GM front? I know we had another candidate in this last weekend. Who is making this decision - Demoff and Fisher - or does Kroenke have the final say?
3. I also realize that we are a few coaches short of a full staff. Is the delay because Fisher is waiting for the Super Bowl teams to finish their season or is it about something else?
4. Why so long in making many of the coaching selections that you've already confirmed official (on the website) - like Waufle, Walton, and Williams' son? Is it because the league doesn't want anything distracting fans from the Super Bowl?
1. I realize that free agency doesn't begin until the end of March and that the draft isn't until the end of April, but does us not having a GM by now affect us in any way?
2. Also, is their any news along the GM front? I know we had another candidate in this last weekend. Who is making this decision - Demoff and Fisher - or does Kroenke have the final say?
3. I also realize that we are a few coaches short of a full staff. Is the delay because Fisher is waiting for the Super Bowl teams to finish their season or is it about something else?
4. Why so long in making many of the coaching selections that you've already confirmed official (on the website) - like Waufle, Walton, and Williams' son? Is it because the league doesn't want anything distracting fans from the Super Bowl?
Jim Thomas: 1.) I don't think so.
2.) As reported yesterday and today, Joey Clinkscales of the New York Jets and George Paton of the Minnesota Vikings interviewed Monday. I believe Steve Keim of Arizona is interviewing today. At the end of the day, if Jeff Fisher doesn't think he can work with one of the GM candidates, he won't be hired. So I think it will be a mutual decision between Kevin Demoff and Fisher.
3.) The delay as you call it, is over. The delay had to do with finalizing the hiring of Fisher and then giving Fisher time to put his staff together.
2.) As reported yesterday and today, Joey Clinkscales of the New York Jets and George Paton of the Minnesota Vikings interviewed Monday. I believe Steve Keim of Arizona is interviewing today. At the end of the day, if Jeff Fisher doesn't think he can work with one of the GM candidates, he won't be hired. So I think it will be a mutual decision between Kevin Demoff and Fisher.
3.) The delay as you call it, is over. The delay had to do with finalizing the hiring of Fisher and then giving Fisher time to put his staff together.
Any chance Jeff Fisher ditches the current uniforms and goes back to the 99' uniforms?Does he even have a say in it ? I realize there is a waiting period to inform the league about uniform changes.
Jim Thomas: No offense, but I don't think Fisher is worred about uniforms at this point.
How do you see the Rams defensive front four being with Robert Quinn going into his second year and what linebackers are available in the draft which the Rams might consider drafting. With our CB's and safeties coming back from injury the defense might be pretty good if we have better linebackers. What do you think Jim. Thanks
Jim Thomas: The Rams need help at defensive tackle, too. And they probably could use at least one more starting caliber CB.
Hey Jim, a few questions for you.
1) What are the chances that either Cadillac Williams or Jerious Norwood are back? Or will the Rams just go young and draft someone?
2) Do we have a realistic chance of resigning Brandon Lloyd now with the hiring of Ray Sherman, Brian Shot., and Fisher?
3) D'marco Farr mentioned on 101 ESPN, that Gregg Williams is a big fan of London Fletcher, and Farr is a big fan of Fletcher making a return to St. Louis with him as the middle linebacker and James Laurinaitis as the weak-side linebacker. That really would upgrade the linebacker position where you could have two 100-tackle linebackers with Chris Chamberlain as our strong-side linebacker. Is that a realistic possibility?
4) If we can sign Cortland Finnegan, I would be very pleased with 1) Finnegan, 2) Fletcher, 3) Bartell (slot), 4) Murphy, 5) Gordy. Very nice CB group I think if healthy.
As always, thanks!
1) What are the chances that either Cadillac Williams or Jerious Norwood are back? Or will the Rams just go young and draft someone?
2) Do we have a realistic chance of resigning Brandon Lloyd now with the hiring of Ray Sherman, Brian Shot., and Fisher?
3) D'marco Farr mentioned on 101 ESPN, that Gregg Williams is a big fan of London Fletcher, and Farr is a big fan of Fletcher making a return to St. Louis with him as the middle linebacker and James Laurinaitis as the weak-side linebacker. That really would upgrade the linebacker position where you could have two 100-tackle linebackers with Chris Chamberlain as our strong-side linebacker. Is that a realistic possibility?
4) If we can sign Cortland Finnegan, I would be very pleased with 1) Finnegan, 2) Fletcher, 3) Bartell (slot), 4) Murphy, 5) Gordy. Very nice CB group I think if healthy.
As always, thanks!
Jim Thomas: 1.) Both back _ about 1%. Williams back? Maybe 10-15%.
2.) I think the hiring of Fisher means Lloyd will at least listen to the Rams.
3.) There's no bigger fan of London Fletcher than yours truly, but Fletcher turns 37 in May.
4.) Finnegan will be expensive, and I'm not sure the Titans let him get out of Tennessee.
2.) I think the hiring of Fisher means Lloyd will at least listen to the Rams.
3.) There's no bigger fan of London Fletcher than yours truly, but Fletcher turns 37 in May.
4.) Finnegan will be expensive, and I'm not sure the Titans let him get out of Tennessee.
Jim,
1) Do you get any sense that there is a front-runner in the search for a new GM?
2) Heard any talk on who might be candidates to be the QB coach? I haven't seen a thing anywhere on the subject. Thanks.
1) Do you get any sense that there is a front-runner in the search for a new GM?
2) Heard any talk on who might be candidates to be the QB coach? I haven't seen a thing anywhere on the subject. Thanks.
Jim Thomas: 1.) Not really. But of the known candidates, Steve Keim and Joey Clinkscales have the most experience in college scouting _ and not that pro personnel/scouting isn't important _ but it's all about the draft in building NFL teams.
2.) Have not _ I've been pulled in a lot of different directions lately and haven't had much time to check on position coach hiring.
2.) Have not _ I've been pulled in a lot of different directions lately and haven't had much time to check on position coach hiring.
three questions jim:
a) does the success, or lack thereof, of the rams play any role as to whether they stay or go? i find it hard to believe that any hotels, bars, merchandise shops, city leaders, etc, would want the rams to go if the team could duplicate the '99-'05 seasons. wouldn't they want to do whatever is necessary to keep the rams?
2) as 'angry' as some fans may be towards kroenke, how fortunate are we as fans that he landed coach fisher? look at the other coaches hired this off-season. no guarantees fisher works out and the other up-and-coming coordinators in miami, oakland, etc. dont. but, fisher was a big, big win. if the rams had to go the coordinator route once again...the fans' morale would be far worse than it is right now.
3) i'm so sick and tired of hearing about the lease, london, L.A., dodgers, cvc, etc. do you see any end to this in the near future or is this gonna be there for three years? three years? really? what, if anything, could end it all?
your work is very much appreciated.
a) does the success, or lack thereof, of the rams play any role as to whether they stay or go? i find it hard to believe that any hotels, bars, merchandise shops, city leaders, etc, would want the rams to go if the team could duplicate the '99-'05 seasons. wouldn't they want to do whatever is necessary to keep the rams?
2) as 'angry' as some fans may be towards kroenke, how fortunate are we as fans that he landed coach fisher? look at the other coaches hired this off-season. no guarantees fisher works out and the other up-and-coming coordinators in miami, oakland, etc. dont. but, fisher was a big, big win. if the rams had to go the coordinator route once again...the fans' morale would be far worse than it is right now.
3) i'm so sick and tired of hearing about the lease, london, L.A., dodgers, cvc, etc. do you see any end to this in the near future or is this gonna be there for three years? three years? really? what, if anything, could end it all?
your work is very much appreciated.
Jim Thomas: 1.) Well, making massive improvements to the dome or even building a new stadium, would be a much easier sell if the team was 65-15 over the past five seasons instead of 15-65. Of if the team hadn't had a losing season since 2003, instead of not having a winning season since '03.
2.) There's no doubt Kroenke made a statement about his commitment to fielding a winning team by landing Fisher.
3.) In terms of the lease, this year could be bumpy. But after this year we should have an idea of where this thing is heading.
2.) There's no doubt Kroenke made a statement about his commitment to fielding a winning team by landing Fisher.
3.) In terms of the lease, this year could be bumpy. But after this year we should have an idea of where this thing is heading.
Hey Jim,
Do you think that Coach Fisher will restore all the memorabilia that Coach Spags removed from Rams Park? I thought it was disrespectful of him to have done that to the Rams organisation as a whole. Also do you have a clue on our next quarterback coach? Exciting to be a Ram fan . Thanks for your time. GO RAMS!!!
Do you think that Coach Fisher will restore all the memorabilia that Coach Spags removed from Rams Park? I thought it was disrespectful of him to have done that to the Rams organisation as a whole. Also do you have a clue on our next quarterback coach? Exciting to be a Ram fan . Thanks for your time. GO RAMS!!!
Jim Thomas: Again, no disrepect, but I don't think Fisher is the kind of coach to worry too much about what pictures are hanging on the wall.
Los Angeles taxpayers have made it clear that no public money will be spent to build a NFL stadium. Why can't the residents of St. Louis do the same?
Jim Thomas: We'll see what happens when the "first-tier" process plays itself out.
Hi Jim thanks for keeping these chats going.
1. If the Rams traded down to #4, would they consider trading down again for someone that is targeting Kalil or Blackmon ? We seem to need a lotta help still.
2. Is Jason Smith being asked to take a pay cut or get cut ?, How many starting offensive lineman do you think we have that are good/secure starters?
1. If the Rams traded down to #4, would they consider trading down again for someone that is targeting Kalil or Blackmon ? We seem to need a lotta help still.
2. Is Jason Smith being asked to take a pay cut or get cut ?, How many starting offensive lineman do you think we have that are good/secure starters?
Jim Thomas: 1.) I guess that's possible. But there are only so many blue-chip type players in a draft. If the Rams think there's little or no difference between Kalil and the second or third offensive tackle, and little or no difference between Blackmon and the second or third wideout, maybe they trade down out of the top five or top 10.
2.) At this point, I'd say the only safe bets on the offensive line are Harvey Dahl and Rodger Saffold.
2.) At this point, I'd say the only safe bets on the offensive line are Harvey Dahl and Rodger Saffold.
Thanks for the chats Jim,
If the Rams leave for wherever, what happens to those season ticket holders that had to purchase the PSL's? Do they receive a refund, or is this another way for owners to put the boots to the fans (you must buy the license for this seat, but you get nothing in return if we leave). Will the season ticket holders have a chance to buy the London game ticket, if it is still a Rams home game?
If the Rams leave for wherever, what happens to those season ticket holders that had to purchase the PSL's? Do they receive a refund, or is this another way for owners to put the boots to the fans (you must buy the license for this seat, but you get nothing in return if we leave). Will the season ticket holders have a chance to buy the London game ticket, if it is still a Rams home game?
Jim Thomas: I don't know if there are any such guarantees in the PSL terms.
As for ticket holders given a chance to buy London game tickets _ yes.
As for ticket holders given a chance to buy London game tickets _ yes.
I am intrigued by GM search. Can you take us through what the "evaluation" process is for the Rams brass? Seems to me it would be hard to attribute success to guy that never had a track record. Why I ask is because several current candidates come from teams that really don't have a stellar draft/player evaluation record.
Jim Thomas: I think it's very hard to determine in any personnel department, which executives are really responsible for which picks. And as I mentioned in an earlier post, a lot of the candidates have resumes that are more tilted towards pro scouting than college scouting, so when it comes to the draft there is little or no track record. There does seem to be one trend in the list of candidates: they all seem to be guys in their 30s or 40s would could be tabbed young up-and-comers.
Hey Jim, Do you think the C&V commission will try to block the games going to London?
Jim Thomas: I don't know if they'll attempt to block those games going to London; I guess it gives them a little bit of a bargaining chip in lease negotiations, but just a little bit given the kind of money it would take to truly meet first-tier requirements.
With the Rams no longer playing this season, its fun to follow all the chatter about what's going on around the league.
There is some talk the Rams will be able to trade the 2nd overall pick this year for two high draft picks this year and one high pick next year OR two high picks this year and 2 or more middle round (3rd 4th or 5th ) next year. That would give the Rams at least four draft picks in the top 100 this year. Considering how many holes the Rams have to fill, wouldn’t it be wise to plan on trading the 2nd overall pick?
There is some talk the Rams will be able to trade the 2nd overall pick this year for two high draft picks this year and one high pick next year OR two high picks this year and 2 or more middle round (3rd 4th or 5th ) next year. That would give the Rams at least four draft picks in the top 100 this year. Considering how many holes the Rams have to fill, wouldn’t it be wise to plan on trading the 2nd overall pick?
Jim Thomas: I think there's a lot to be said for trading down. But I don't think trading out of the No. 2 spot will bring four draft slots in the top 100. I think that's awfully optimistic.
Jim,
I know that eveyone sees B. Lloyd going to the Patriots because of his McDaniels connection. But this guy is an awesome receiver which made some spectacular catches for us last season. Do you see the Rams willing to make a serious push to sign him?
I know that eveyone sees B. Lloyd going to the Patriots because of his McDaniels connection. But this guy is an awesome receiver which made some spectacular catches for us last season. Do you see the Rams willing to make a serious push to sign him?
Jim Thomas: Now, the new coach _ Jeff Fisher _ may have different ideas. But otherwise, to the best of my knowledge the Rams remain very interested in trying to bring him back.
Jim,
Thanks for the chats, as always. Do you think if the Rams had played competitive football (meaning winning seasons and playoff appearances), that the CVC would be able to commit more money to upgrading the dome, or is this really just an issue of taxpayer money that the city can't afford to give, no matter how good the Rams might have been?
Thanks for the chats, as always. Do you think if the Rams had played competitive football (meaning winning seasons and playoff appearances), that the CVC would be able to commit more money to upgrading the dome, or is this really just an issue of taxpayer money that the city can't afford to give, no matter how good the Rams might have been?
Jim Thomas: Again, if the Rams had had Colts-like success over the past decade, it would probably be a much easier process.
Hi Jim,
What are the chances of:
1) Resigning Lloyd
2) Drafting a WR in the 1st or 2nd round
Thank you and go Rams!
What are the chances of:
1) Resigning Lloyd
2) Drafting a WR in the 1st or 2nd round
Thank you and go Rams!
Jim Thomas: 1.) Better than they were before Fisher was hired.
2.) 60-40.
2.) 60-40.
Jim: What happened to the offensive line coach Paul Boudreau? Did Coach Fisher reconsidered and is still looking for his guy?
Jim Thomas: For some reason, which makes little sense to me, the Rams aren't officially announcing the hiring of position coaches until they are all in place. At least that's what I'm told. But Boudreau is in as offensive line coach.
Not that you have not been asked this a million times :) Do you have any word on the proposal from the CVC or anything from the Kroenke camp?
Jim Thomas: Not much. I've heard anything from $30 million to $60 million from some sources for the CVC proposal, but I think these are more in the form of guesses than fact. Given the fact that estimates of what it would take to reach first-tier status are around $400 million, I kind of doubt $30 million too $60 million will get it done, if that is indeed the case.
Hello Jim: Do you think that Coach Fisher will concentrate the draft more on skilled position players and use free agency more for the O-line and the Defense? Also, Do you think Josh Brown might get released or cut? If so what would be the cap cost?
Jim Thomas: Free agency, which starts March 13 this year, comes before the draft. So what Fisher does in the draft will depend to some degree on what positions get addressed in free agency.
I don't think Josh Brown is in trouble although 2012 wasn't one of his best seasons. I believe Rams would save about $1.7 million if he is released.
I don't think Josh Brown is in trouble although 2012 wasn't one of his best seasons. I believe Rams would save about $1.7 million if he is released.
Jim,
Are the Rams going to establish an organizational structure for decision making and accountability, or are they going to continue a $700m company like Joe's Lawn Service, and just make decisions with group think and building a consensus?
Thanks.
Are the Rams going to establish an organizational structure for decision making and accountability, or are they going to continue a $700m company like Joe's Lawn Service, and just make decisions with group think and building a consensus?
Thanks.
Jim Thomas: It looks like they've got their act togther on this one. And if the team doesn't win, there is accountability. Just ask Steve Spagnuolo and Billy Devaney.
Thanks for taking the time Sir,
How long after the CVC's response offer Feb-1st could we expect Mr. Kroenke's response on the offer? And is this the first real look on how this may go? Thank Again .
How long after the CVC's response offer Feb-1st could we expect Mr. Kroenke's response on the offer? And is this the first real look on how this may go? Thank Again .
Jim Thomas: The CVC must present a preliminary plan to meet "first-tier" requirements on Wednesday. It must include a financial plan as well as the source of those funds.
The Rams then have until March 1, 2012 to notify the CVC if they approve or disapprove of those plans. At that point, the Rams then have until May 1, 2012 to submit an alternate plan, with the CVC then given until June 1, 2012 to accept or reject the Rams alternate plan. If the CVC rejects the Rams' alternate plan, the matter goes to arbitration June 15, 2012. The arbitration must be completed by the end of the 2012 calendar year.
The Rams then have until March 1, 2012 to notify the CVC if they approve or disapprove of those plans. At that point, the Rams then have until May 1, 2012 to submit an alternate plan, with the CVC then given until June 1, 2012 to accept or reject the Rams alternate plan. If the CVC rejects the Rams' alternate plan, the matter goes to arbitration June 15, 2012. The arbitration must be completed by the end of the 2012 calendar year.
Hey Jim I was wondering if there are any defensive free agents from New Orleans that Williams could possibly lure to St. Louis
Jim Thomas: Let me hold off on this answer. I'm expecting to get an official free agent list in the next week.
Provided the Rams try to trade down in the draft and rack up some picks and bring in some undrafted free agents, do you see them being able to address a high percentage of their needs this year? In your opinion is this the fastest way back to respectability?
Jim Thomas: I know the idea of extra picks is enticing. But we're assuming the Rams can do something they haven't consistently done in a long time: Pick the right guys and then make the most of those picks on the field.
Hi Jim, so does it look like no Norwood or Williams in the backfield next year? Also, do you think that the Rams will be looking to upgrade at the tightend position? Where's that white guy they had on the practice squad (forgot his name) that had some good hits in the preseason...kind of a modern TE/H-back guy? Thanks,
Sol
Sol
Jim Thomas: I think that's a safe assumption, particularly in the case of Norwood.
I'm sure the Rams would feel a lot better about TE if they knew Michael Hoomanawanui would stay healthy.
Two guys that could be roster candidates are Ben Guidugli, who spent most of last season on the practice squad, and Mike McNeill the Kirkwood High product who spent the last 2 weeks of 2011 on the Rams' active roster but did not appear in any games.
I'm sure the Rams would feel a lot better about TE if they knew Michael Hoomanawanui would stay healthy.
Two guys that could be roster candidates are Ben Guidugli, who spent most of last season on the practice squad, and Mike McNeill the Kirkwood High product who spent the last 2 weeks of 2011 on the Rams' active roster but did not appear in any games.
Does Stan really want to be remembered as the guy who took football away from St. Louis knowing that they will never get it back ? And whats your best guess on how the cards will do this season,Thanks
Jim Thomas: I don't think that's how Kroenke wants to remembered.
I'll leave the baseball stuff to our baseball guys.
I'll leave the baseball stuff to our baseball guys.
Hey Jim - The link to this page from the Main page isn't working. It is taking people to the Jan 24 chat. I got here by typing in the following in the address bar, then selecting today's date from the list:
http://interact.stltoday.com/discussions/sports/jim-thomas-live
btw - pretty happy with the coaching hires so far - what do you think?
http://interact.stltoday.com/discussions/sports/jim-thomas-live
btw - pretty happy with the coaching hires so far - what do you think?
Jim Thomas: Yeah. I know. We had some technical issues. Stupid me, I answered about 7 pages of questions from the Jan. 24 question list before I learned of it.
And yes, I do like how the staff is shaping up.
And yes, I do like how the staff is shaping up.
Hey Jim, have you heard anything about the future of Brandon Lloyd? I know it is early but I would think he would be a priority? Have you heard about any other possible free agents the Rams are interested in? Thanks
Jim Thomas: Not yet. A little early for all that.
Hello Jim,
Do the Rams need 2 WRs ? What does that say about the ones just drafted ? (are they all slot guys like Danny Ammendola who we already had..) ?
Last years draft and free agency swing and miss....so far not so good. Quinn and maybe Salas, maybe Bannon as a free agent.
Thanks
Do the Rams need 2 WRs ? What does that say about the ones just drafted ? (are they all slot guys like Danny Ammendola who we already had..) ?
Last years draft and free agency swing and miss....so far not so good. Quinn and maybe Salas, maybe Bannon as a free agent.
Thanks
Jim Thomas: If Lloyd isn't back, I'd say, yes the Rams need two wideouts.
As for the 2011 draft, I don't think you can give up on Lance Kendricks.
And Harvey Dahl and Quintin Mikell were good pickups.
As for the 2011 draft, I don't think you can give up on Lance Kendricks.
And Harvey Dahl and Quintin Mikell were good pickups.
Lets trade the 2nd pick with Cleveland for both of there 1st round picks, and get Thad Lewis back!! Have you heard about any trade rumors for that second pick?
Jim Thomas: None yet.
Jim,
Can you comment on this scenario? CVC lowballs the rams and rams respond by demanding new stadium. Lease situation goes to mediation with acrimony between the rams and st. louis growing by the day. With increasing speculation that the Rams move to LA do you think the Rams will play in front of an empty dome next season?
Can you comment on this scenario? CVC lowballs the rams and rams respond by demanding new stadium. Lease situation goes to mediation with acrimony between the rams and st. louis growing by the day. With increasing speculation that the Rams move to LA do you think the Rams will play in front of an empty dome next season?
Jim Thomas: Let's put it this with. If some semblance of your scenario plays out, it won't exactly be a stimulus for ticket sales.
aloha!!!
whats the chances of the rams trading down and passing up on Blackmon?
As i am a firm believer in we need a playmaker!! or do you have a hunch that fisher may NOT want a playmaker (the ground and pound guy he is).
your percentage and opinion my friend!!!
aloha from da islands!! (and YES people. . .we ARE a state!) LOL!!
whats the chances of the rams trading down and passing up on Blackmon?
As i am a firm believer in we need a playmaker!! or do you have a hunch that fisher may NOT want a playmaker (the ground and pound guy he is).
your percentage and opinion my friend!!!
aloha from da islands!! (and YES people. . .we ARE a state!) LOL!!
Jim Thomas: My sense is that Fisher is more flexibile than just a ground-and-pounder. But I don't have any insight on his thinking. I do think he's got to realize that 11 or 12 points a game isn't close to being enough.
As someone who has been to Hawaii 3 times, I say Mahalo!.
As someone who has been to Hawaii 3 times, I say Mahalo!.
Disclaimer: I think Bradford has the goods to be a top 5 QB.
Question: If Bradford has another year similar to this past one, or worse, do he and Schottenheimer stay put and keep building around them? How long do you think their leash is?
Question: If Bradford has another year similar to this past one, or worse, do he and Schottenheimer stay put and keep building around them? How long do you think their leash is?
Jim Thomas: Leash questions, already!!!!
I think Bradford and Schottenheimer will get more than a year together.
I think Bradford and Schottenheimer will get more than a year together.
Jim,
How about a percentage guess:
% Rams move to LA
% Rams stay with same renovated stadium
% Rams build another downtown stadium
% Stan develops another St Louis area like the Fenton plant
Don't worry, we won't hold you to it.
How about a percentage guess:
% Rams move to LA
% Rams stay with same renovated stadium
% Rams build another downtown stadium
% Stan develops another St Louis area like the Fenton plant
Don't worry, we won't hold you to it.
Jim Thomas: Wow. Sorry, I'm not ready to do any handicapping on this issue at this point, even if you won't hold me to it.
I think Jax is going to get his butt ran off this year. I think we will finally get a 1b type runner that we all have hoped for. I know you saw Martin play...impressive,huh?
Great athlete.Great kid.
Great athlete.Great kid.
Jim Thomas: Sure, Martin sounds like a good pick. But is top of 2nd round too early; and top of third round too late.
As for Jackson, I think he's a good fit for this offense.
As for Jackson, I think he's a good fit for this offense.
In regards ot the stadium and taxpayers...
I think there are deals that are win-win for the team and the city (look at the cardinals, even considering ballbark village). I understand that is different because ti was a brnad new stadium.
I think it makes the most sense to look at the situtation overall isntead of makign a rush decision, because thats how we ended up with this terrible stadium to begin with
Also I would rather the rams move to LA than build a stadium outisde of downtown...that is just L A M E
I think there are deals that are win-win for the team and the city (look at the cardinals, even considering ballbark village). I understand that is different because ti was a brnad new stadium.
I think it makes the most sense to look at the situtation overall isntead of makign a rush decision, because thats how we ended up with this terrible stadium to begin with
Also I would rather the rams move to LA than build a stadium outisde of downtown...that is just L A M E
Jim Thomas: You have to hope that cooler heads prevail, even if it does mean a Fenton stadium. There are plenty of NFL stadiums that aren't located downtown.
I agree that a GM should have some college scouting on his resume. That being said, have you heard about any interest in Marc Ross, Rick Reiprish, or John Dorsey?
Jim Thomas: I haven't at this point. But I think there's at least one Rams GM candidate whose name hasn't been made public at this point. With that I've got to go. Heading to Indianapolis for the Super Bowl tonight. Sorry again about the technical difficulties earlier today.
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