Rammer: Hey JT, long time reader, 1st time sender

About Billy Bajema, is he just another depth guy or is he a highly regarded blocking TE? I had high hopes about Becht but those were quickly crushed.
Also, on Barron, I read that he only allowed 3.5 sacks in 2007 as LOT. Sounds like a good number, but how many pressures and hurries were caused by him? I like Barron as a run blocker, but a pass blocker scares me.
Thanks!

Jim Thomas: Sorry for the delay in getting started. Was just visiting with Coach Spagnuolo about the "closed" status of this weekend's minicamp. I don't want to get into the details of the conversation, but I'll just say this: the next two minicamps will be open to the media.
As for Bajema, the Rams obviously believe he'll be a good blocking tight end and an upgrade over Anthony Becht. We'll see. A part of me wonders why the 49ers _ who are going to more of a smash mouth offense under Singletary _ would let him go if he's such a good blocker.
As for Barron, I have no idea how many pressures or QB hits he allowed at LT in '07. But you make a good point. The sack total alone isn't the end-all, be-all indicator of a blocker's effectiveness.

Luzinski: With Dante Hall gone, Derek Stanley injured, Avery and Burton as #1 and #2 wideouts, Looker unsigned -- who would handle returns for the Rams if it was today? Will this spot be handled perhaps via the draft? Don't see any FA wideouts that are return threats out there.

Jim Thomas: Good question. Right now, with the current group, I'd still say Stanley although his injury status is uncertain at this point.

Hotz529: I like that the new braintruss is building from the lines out. In other words you make yourself strong at the point it is most critical to be strong at. I wouldlike to suggest a modification of this principal.
"We need to be strongest in the center. " This is a universal principal. It is found throughout nature. Because it is expressed everywhere; it is also found in sport. For example a pitcher is positioed in the center of the field. He's the most important person on the field (the one most likely to determine the outcome). Another example of the importance of the CENTER is in football the Quarterback is in the center of the offensive formation. On the offensive line in football the guy in the center of the line is the argueably the most important guy on the line. The heart is in the center.
The middle linebacker is in the center of the defensive formation.
For years I have been frusterated by the rams missing this. (Example drafting Ty Hill instead of Broaderick Bunkley),
Anyway the current guys seem to grasp this. THE CENTER. Not only from a position point of view; but add a philosophical point of view. Example; four pillars.
To conclude; I'm glad they are building from the lines out. When both teams are on the field the lines are in the center. Don't forget MLB.
And thank you.
Hotz529

Jim Thomas: What you're advocating sounds like a gridiron version of the baseball axiom of strength of the middle. In the NFL, however, speed is such an important part of the game that you better be strong all over. Because the top offenses can also run around you; not just over you.

raleighram: Jim,

After signing Billy Bajema, we have 5 TE on the roster. Kind of alot...how many and who do you think will make the roster?

Have you heard anything about Claude Wroten? Do you think Spags will try and straigten him out or give him the boot?

Jim Thomas: Five isn't really a lot for a training camp roster of 80 players. At the end of the day, the Rams will keep three or four. And the four leading candidates for a final roster spot obviously are McMichael, Klopfenstien, Bajema, and Fells.
As for Wroten haven't heard anything. I don't think his suspension is up until May.

ernie from central california: Jim,

I still think that the Rams should TRADE DOWN in order to BUILD UP. I would trade the number 2 pick for Philly's #21, #28 and #53 (second round). Combine this with the rams own second rounder (35) and IF YOU DRAFT RIGHT, this would be your 4 starters. Philly has 12 picks and they would do the deal since they are closer to the big show than the Rams are. (SF built their 80's dynasty this way) IF you decided the RAMS fate, would you go with this deal?

Jim Thomas: No. 2 overall is VERY valuable real estate. If one of the Eagles' first rounders was higher in the round, I'd say yeah. But I still don't think a 21 and 28, (even with a 53) is high enough. The Eagles would have to be awfully desperate for one of the top two OTs (J. Smith or Monroe) to move up that high.