*** Official 2009 St. Louis Rams Offseason Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[Bob Magaw]

happy to be able to open this thread with probably one of the most significant rams free agent signings since winning the super bowl a decade ago... for years (due to bungling cap mismanagement), talent was going in the wrong direction... an exodus instead of influx (think of london fletcher, grant wistrom, dre bly, etc.)... when they did sign players, they haven't always worked out so great (most recently, the nightmarish drew bennett signing, no longer with the team)... and lets face it, with turmoil in coaching staff & front office & even questions about ownership, it probably wasn't generally viewed as an attractive destination... so landing jason brown could signal that the tide has turned for the rams fortunes... he was a top 10 free agent overall, & arguably not just the most coveted interior OL in the free agent class of 2009, but the top OL overall... if they use the 1.2 pick to select the top LT on the board (rams thought to have graded them eugene monroe, than jason smith, in that order), as some rams insiders like jim thomas & howard balzer think, they could be well on their way to a completely rebuilt, stronger, more functional & effective OL... that can only be better for steven jackson, who will be the centerpiece of the rams offense, & could help marc bulger return to form (& obviating the need to burn a high pick on stafford... even if he is available, he reportedly has far more questions & attendant risk than last year's consensus top QB prospect, matt ryan... STL has so many holes, they can't afford to whiff on this pick)... a better offense could take pressure off the defense... & so on...

in other current news, they also have SS james butler in for a visit & would like to sign him... he played for spags in NYG & knows the system, is younger, bigger & faster than since cut corey chavous, coming off a career high 3 INT season (?) & also very importantly, could come relatively cheaply, after breaking the bank for brown (contract details to follow, but thought to be in the $8 mil range, as he rejected a $6 mil offer from BAL, & wanted to be paid like a top OG... he is equally adept at & has played both positions, & rams were supposedly prepared to pay him "faneca money")... although it looked like a foregone conclusion that top internal free agent re-signing priority, CB ron bartell (after STL slapped franchise tag on ascendant FS O.J. atogwe, who they probably value more intrinsically & strategically it was cheaper positionally to franchise him), amidst reports that he was visiting the saints, word was that they were still in the mix... GM devaney said they still had the cap room to make such a move (bartell wants $40 mil over five years, similar to brown)...

while they don't have to make any drastic moves immediately, there are increasing rumblings that torry holt & pace could soon be cut if they can't be traded (it could prove difficult to move them given their age, reduced effectiveness & high cap numbers... both in the $7-8 mil range in 2009)... there has been more chatter about holt potentially being traded, but however it happens, there is a good possibility that both these former franchise cornerstones will soon be gone... in recent years, the rams have ended up in the unfortunate position of being bad AND old, not a good combination... pace & holt, being so expensive & with eroding skills, no longer fit on a rebuilding team... they are also thought to be looking for another WR (nate washington of PIT or brandon jones of TEN?) & a FB (weaver of SEA?) in free agency...

on defense, STL also has a lot of holes... new HC spagnuolo is a respected, up 'n coming scheme wizard, coming off a super bowl win in 2007 & playoff appearance in 2008 (it was somewhat unexpected & a coup for the rams to land him, but a history with devaney may have played a role... he reportedly gave him his first NFL job), & better coaching & schemes should help... they have been one of the worst defenses in the league for a few years... leonard little might have been a candidate to be released, for same reasons as holt & pace (aging, expensive & increasingly brittle) but reportedly they are going to keep him for at least another season... last years second overall pick, DE chris long has great pedigree, talent & promise, & could comprise a functional DL along with 2007 1st rounder, DT adam carriker... former MLB will witherspoon is a borderline pro bowl talent who was hurt & didn't play like it last season, & it is thought that the franchise would like to move him to his more natural WLB position... this could leave WLB pisa tinoisamoa as the odd man out... chris draft is a marginal talent who can play any LB position but is probably a better fit as a reserve... they may not have a viable SLB on the roster, after losing brandon chillar to the packers in 2008... a MLB like laurinaitis might be a good fit if his pedestrian 4.8 40 drops him out of the 1st round & he falls into the rams lap near the top of the 2nd... former 1st round CB tye hill has been a disappointment since flashing promise as a rookie, & this could be a make or break year for him... depending on if they retain bartell or not (i'd guess less than 50%, but maybe a greater chance than was commonly thought as free agency commenced) will dictate if they need to prioritize adding CB talent in free agency & in the draft (where they may need to use 2nd rounder on CB instead of LB... WR might also be an option, if they fail to add one in free agency, with holt likely on his way out, & not a lot else after 2008 rookies, the promising but raw donnie avery, & the talented but fragile keenan burton)... spag's emphasis on core values & "four pillars" of character will probably preclude retention of the oft-troubled CB fakhir brown, & they don't have much else proven at the position on the roster (2008 rookie justin king?)... rams would like to work out a long term extension with atogwe (more combined INTs & FFs in past three years than any DB in the league, including serial pro bowlers ed reed & troy polamalu), which would ease cap pressure... they don't have a viable SS on the roster (sorry, todd johnson), which is why butler would make a nice addition & fill a gaping void...butler could be about to be signed as i write this... if they fail to reel him in, the rams may also like 2009 rookie prospect patrick chung, but probably not with high 2nd, & he may not last to their high 3rd...

an exciting start to the 2009 free agency period, leading towards what could prove to a momentous draft for the franchise, as they look to rebuild for the future, from the rubble of the recent abysmal seasons (5-27 record past two seasons)...

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-5-5...built-line.html

Rams find centerpiece for rebuilt line

February 27, 2009 9:06 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Rams' decisive move for free-agent Ravens center Jason Brown, who has agreed to terms on a five-year deal, gives them a starting point from which to rebuild their offensive line.

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. shared a few thoughts on Brown earlier in the day, when it became apparent Brown would probably sign with the Rams. His breakdown:

"[brown] is a perfect AFC North, AFC East kind of guy with lots of big nose tackles those divisions. In the NFC West, I'm sure he'll do fine. He does have a hard time with speed and quickness, but he is a big, physical dude.

This move lends itself to saying, 'We're going to give Steven Jackson the rock.' That makes a lot of sense."

The Rams have been playing with backup centers in the starting lineup. Brown changes that overnight. His presence should upgrade both guard spots. And if the Rams draft a tackle with the second overall pick, as expected, the future of their line brightens further.

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* edit/add - contract details...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3941101

Rams agree to deal with center Brown

By John Clayton

ESPN.com

The St. Louis Rams landed the prize free agent blocker of 2009 Friday by reaching an agreement in principle with Ravens center Jason Brown.

According to a source, Brown received a five-year, $37.5 million contract that includes $20 million in guarantees. He will earn $24 million over the first two years of his contract. Brown's agents, Harold Lewis and Kevin Omell, spent Friday night working on the final language of the contract before having Brown sign the deal.

Talks between the Ravens and Brown broke off Thursday night when he tried to get the team to move off their contract offer, which was in the $6 million range. Brown was hoping to land $7.5 million to $8 million a year in free agency.

The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Brown is big and strong enough to block nose tackles in 3-4 schemes and powerful enough to be a lead blocker for a running game.

Brown was a fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2005. He's had 45 starts during his first four seasons.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

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rams insider & beat reporter for sporting news jim thomas weighs in...

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/st...28?OpenDocument

St. Louis Rams agree to terms with center Jason Brown

By Jim Thomas

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

02/28/2009

The Rams have a new, 320-pound anchor for their offensive line. He's center Jason Brown, who agreed to terms Friday evening on a five-year deal worth $37.5 million. Of that total, $20 million is in the form of guaranteed money, according to league sources.

Brown fits the parameters of what the Rams are looking for in free agency as they attempt to rebuild a team that has lost 27 of its past 32 games. So does New York Giants safety James Butler, who could be the next free agent to sign with St. Louis.

They are young, still-developing players whose best football remains ahead of them. Brown, who spent his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, turns 26 in May. Butler will be 27 in September.

Brown is listed as 6-3, 320 pounds, or about 30 pounds heavier than either of the Rams' starting centers a year ago — Nick Leckey and Brett Romberg.

"We stressed even during the season about getting bigger on the offensive line, more physical, and he fits everything," general manager Billy Devaney said earlier in the day. "(Jason's) smart, big, young, and of strong character.

"The arrow's still going up on him — an ascending player. So there's a lot of good traits about him. And Butler — the same thing. He's in the prime of his career. He's a good player. If he's here, we have a good mix between he and O.J. (Atogwe) size-wise.

"They would complement each other. And as an added bonus, he knows this defense inside and out. He knows the lingo; he'd be able to kind of help out on the field."

The Rams' new head coach, Steve Spagnuolo, was defensive coordinator the past two years for the Giants, so he obviously knows Butler well.

Brown was the first to arrive at Rams Park on Friday morning for his free-agent visit, with Butler arriving a few hours later. So negotiations with Butler's agent were several hours behind those with Brown.

A fourth-round draft pick in 2005 out of North Carolina, Brown started only one game as a rookie in '05 but moved into Baltimore's starting lineup for good in Game 5 of the '06 season. His first 30 NFL regular-season and playoff starts were at left guard, but he moved to center this past season, starting all 19 Ravens regular-season and playoff contests there. The Rams plan to use him at center as well.

Brown was one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in this year's free-agent pool, and for a while it appeared Washington had the inside track. But the Rams got the all-important first visit, and contract terms were reached roughly 12 hours after his arrival in St. Louis.

While working on Brown and Butler, the Rams continued efforts to keep cornerback Ron Bartell in a Rams uniform. While negotiations continued Friday, Bartell traveled to New Orleans for a free-agent visit with the Saints.

There were signs that the Rams and Bartell's agent had closed the gap, but not enough to prevent Bartell from getting on a plane to New Orleans by afternoon.

"We've been talking now for a couple of weeks," Devaney said. "And it's been a slower process. ...With Bartell, we would've been better off to do something this past summer. That being said, we're kind of making progress with Ron also."

The Rams also have talked to the agents of wide receivers Nate Washington (Pittsburgh) and Brandon Jones (Tennessee), and tight end Billy Bajema (San Francisco), but no free-agent trips have been scheduled. Giants running back Derrick Ward said in a national radio interview that he had spoken with Spagnuolo after the start of the free agency period, but again, no visit has been set.

 

[Lott's Fingertip]

Man, I sure hope they draft a tackle at pick 2.... it's going to be so disappointing if they take Stafford or Crabtree.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Man, I sure hope they draft a tackle at pick 2.... it's going to be so disappointing if they take Stafford or Crabtree.

don't think stafford is on their radar (they have a lot invested in bulger, & imo they sincerely appreciate what he brings to the table when right, & think he is capable of rebounding with better coaching, leadership, playcalling & surrounding talent, not to mention defense & ST)... crabtree is enticing, but would be too much of a luxury, given the state of their OL (than there is the broken foot factor)... ditto for curry, who i think along with crabtree they like next best after the LTs...i'm pretty sure we can bank on monroe or jason smith... i kind of expect DET to finally do the right thing & get a LT... probably jason smith, who mayock has #1, which is OK... unless it is a smoke screen, the rams are supposedly higher on monroe... he has great pedigree (#2-3 prospect in the nation overall as a prep) & was good enough to keep 2008 1st rounder brandon albert inside while they played together at virginia... he has more experience at LT than smith, & in a more pro style offense... that said, i'd be fine with either one... if DET surprises & takes stafford or curry, i think the rams take monroe...another compelling reason pointing clearly to a LT pick... aside from the fact that pace could be gone before the draft, barron has generally underachieved, is coming due for free agency soon, may not be worth what he could command on the open market & may not be a lock to be with the team long term... it would be harsh to have zero LTs on the team in a year or two...LTs (good ones, at least) are nearly impossible to get from trade or free agency, & if the team improves & hopefully stops getting the second overall pick every year ( ), no guarantee they have the opportunity to get their hands on a prospect as good as monroe/smith later/lower in future 1st rounds...

 

[Blackjacks]

Man oh man....what a great write up Bob. I agree with you on everything you said. I do think this might be one of the best signings the Rams have made in years.

Here's my only question for you.

Since we have our center now, we have Pace and Barron on the outside and we have Incognito and Bell for guards........why are we going tackle?

I've been saying for the last month that the Rams are going LT but I thought Incognito would be playing center and we would push Barron inside.

Do you see them releasing Pace?

I really think with this signing we are getting ready to either draft Curry or Crabtree.

Again great writeup................................

 

[Bob Magaw]

Man oh man....what a great write up Bob. I agree with you on everything you said. I do think this might be one of the best signings the Rams have made in years.Here's my only question for you.Since we have our center now, we have Pace and Barron on the outside and we have Incognito and Bell for guards........why are we going tackle?I've been saying for the last month that the Rams are going LT but I thought Incognito would be playing center and we would push Barron inside. Do you see them releasing Pace?I really think with this signing we are getting ready to either draft Curry or Crabtree.Again great writeup................................

thanx, blackjacks...yes, we desperately need help all over the OL...i think the handwriting is on the wall & pace (as well as holt) could be cap purges... i think jim thomas alluded to this... if it doesn't happen pretty soon, i'll try & dig up the cite...barron isn't imo a lock to be with the team long term... 2009 is a big year for him, but since he hasn't been an overwhelming success, & football smarts & passion for the game are questionable (yet important to new HC spags)... that would potentially leave them with no functional starting LTs in a year or two... even if barron is retained, you need two OTs...i was writing about crabtree as a possibility (in bloom's 1st mock thread, where he has us getting stafford), but piecing together information from insiders (people like thomas & howard balzer), & after thinking about it again, i'm convinced the rams need to take the top LT... monroe or jason smith...just a rumor, but former player & local radio (& TV?) personality d'marco farr said he heard rumblings that incognito was on the outs & may not be around much longer... at one time i thought he had promise (dr. Z at SI was really high on him for a while, for instance), but he probably wasn't worth the character risk & off field red flags (kicked off several college teams, including nebraska, reported anger management problems)... that was typical of the rams deposed & ousted former regime... cogs is a legacy of the former character blind management... see guys like wroten & byrd that had legal troubles before & (surprise, surprise) after becoming rams & have since been booted off the team... there was a story late last season that incognito was munching on a candy bar on the sideline during a game in which he didn't suit up (or begged out of, but i think the former) & haslett was so furious he knocked it out of his hands in plain sight of everybody... haslett is gone, but cogs doesn't sound like a good fit character-wise with the new regime...at the other OG, bell was a disappointment last season, but i think he played better as the season ended, & played well in TEN, so there is hope with better leadership, coaching & surrounding talent, he can be functional if not a pro bowl-type... stetterstrom is a try hard guy without ideal size or strength for OG, & is recovering from multiple knee injuries, so he can't be counted on... he is probably a best fit as a reserve anyways... i think it doubtful he would be starting caliber material for the best teams in the league (which the rams are far from, but they have aspirations)... greco was drafted i think at the top of the 3rd last season & was generally applauded as a great value pick where they got him... he was listed as a swing player (OT/OG), but i think the rams view his best position as OG, & perhaps he could start there as soon as this season... he had some playing time last season & wasn't an overwhelming success, but it was a bad year all around, the OL imploded in general which is not the best position for a rookie to be put in, so i'd give him a pass for 2008... rookie OL typically have their ups & downs even in the best of circumstances... even if they take a LT with 1.2, they may need to add other OL later just because they have questionable depth & uncertainty all across the OL (except imo brown at center & i like what i see of monroe/smith if they plug a rookie in at LT... bell & barron are iffy but all the rams have there for now... the OG opposite bell is probably wide open for competition, & it is even possible the eventual starter isn't currently on the roster... but if season started today, i think greco might be early favorite... i have serious questions about cogs viability & future with the team, in part due to character reasons, & given how much spagnuolo has emphasized that for the franchise)...

 

[gianmarco]

I'll be reading along in this, but man, you might wanna consider breaking things up into more paragraphs. My head was hurting midway through that first post.

 

[Bob Magaw]

I'll be reading along in this, but man, you might wanna consider breaking things up into more paragraphs. My head was hurting midway through that first post.

you mean, make it more like your sig? * seriously, true story, when i started posting about stocks at motley fool in '99 (long before i ever knew about FBG), i used NO paragraph breaks... it was pretty heinous... plus, my e.e. cumming-esque blatant, wanton disregard & total dismissal of conventional rules of capitalization & punctuation probably doesn't help... i tend to employ more of a stream of consciousness style...my (certainly) sloppy rationalization was by devoting zero neural/synaptic architecture to conventions of capitalization/punctuation, it frees me up to steer more resources to THINKING! but of course i break down when it comes to writing things like the magazine, as well as preseason team reports, spotlights/faceoffs & the in-season column ETTG for the site...

 

[gianmarco]

I'll be reading along in this, but man, you might wanna consider breaking things up into more paragraphs. My head was hurting midway through that first post.

you mean, make it more like your sig? * seriously, true story, when i started posting about stocks at motley fool in '99 (long before i ever knew about FBG), i used NO paragraph breaks... it was pretty heinous... plus, my e.e. cumming-esque blatant, wanton disregard & total dismissal of conventional rules of capitalization & punctuation probably doesn't help... i tend to employ more of a stream of consciousness style...my (certainly) sloppy rationalization was by devoting zero neural/synaptic architecture to conventions of capitalization/punctuation, it frees me up to steer more resources to THINKING! but of course i break down when it comes to writing things like the magazine, as well as preseason team reports, spotlights/faceoffs & the in-season column ETTG for the site...

Heh....great reply Btw, I didn't write that sig. I just copied and pasted. But that's a neat story and neat to have a style like that. Might just take a few attempts for me to get through the long ones

 

[Lott's Fingertip]

Good ol' Bob takes some getting used to.

He uses a lot of "...", and I have the same habit, plus he's a Rams guy, so he gets a pass in my book.

 

[lyon812]

Good ol' Bob takes some getting used to. He uses a lot of "...", and I have the same habit, plus he's a Rams guy, so he gets a pass in my book.

It's not the ..., but the non-capitals that make my eyes bleed. Still, can't deny Bob knows his stuff and is a fountain of wisdom. =)Very excited about the Brown signing. I agree with the hope/thought that they'll pick up Monroe at the 2-spot. I also feel they'll look for a project/backup QB in rounds 2 or 3 depending who's on the board. I've seen a few mocks projecting the Rams to nab Freeman, but I'm wary of him. I'd almost rather they pick up a Painter late and work on his decision-making.

 

[Weiner Dog]

I'm very excited to see if Spags can turn Carriker into Tuck Part II. As most know, Tuck was also a pass-rushing DT before being moved to end. It should be interesting to see what the next few years hold for both Carriker and Long. If Little has some gas left in the tank, we could have a poor-man's Strahan-Tuck-Osi...albeit a very poor man's.

 

[TheWick]

Just wanted to get in here...very exciting time of year. Hope we hear a Butler announcement soon. Thanks for starting this Bob.

 

[lyon812]

Addition by subtration: At least the 49ers can stop our flirtation with Brandon Jones.

 

[Bob Magaw]

welcome to the party...

wow, i would love it if the rams turned into a poor man's NYG (lite or midwest version) DL... but i fear we may be a homeless, destitute man's version... i am optimistic that long will be a good one as he matures & developes (he should already be a great technician with the HoF tutleage from his pop), & i think carriker was set back by injury & is better than he showed in 2008... little just needs to keep his lower body healthy... if he is right, he still imo has something left in the tank, & a burst off the edge that is hard for RTs to deal with (& not too far removed from being one of the best in the business... he may have lost a 1/2 step, but had it to lose)... i think the new rams leadership is purging the questionable former cornerstones but now aging & declining (like holt & pace), so the fact that they have elected to keep little for now is telling to me... clifton ryan could be an ascendant player, & they should have improvement from superior coaching & schemes... spagnuolo was considered a mastermind for what he accomplished with the giants...

below is something i wrote about the implications for the rams of the brown signing on a rams homer board (where i get most of my info (like the stuff from thomas & balzer), so i'll cross post here *...

BTW, my latest draft thoughts, looking beyond the 1.2 (& of course that could change, contingent on what/how many holes we fill in free agency)...

we have four gaping holes to fill, two of which we can address with the high 2nd & 3rd... hard to cound on starters emerging from the 4th & later (even the 3rd for that matter is sketchy, albeit it is very high, sort of like a very low 2nd?)...

in no particular order...

LB - arguably need a MLB & SLB... spoon only lock to start with roster as it is presently constituted... shouldn't be too hard to get a plug & play SLB from FA/draft... i would like to get a talented three down MLB, though (maybe laurinaitis will drop to the top of the 2nd? could malauga?)... tinoisamoa is expected to be dislodged at WLB by spoon, & isn't a certainty to make the team... in a situational role, though, imo he could be very effective in fast forward mode attacking the QB (& spags has a demonstrable gift for designing schemes that confuse the QB by attacking from all angles & unexpected places), & also has the athleticism to hold up in coverage... unfortunately, though he began his career at SLB & did some good things there, he just doesn't have the size to be stout in the run game at the POA (has a tendency to run around blocks, lose contain & compromise the integrity of the defense... maybe he could be coached up, but hard to coach up size?) and hold up long term at that position, imo... he is listed at 235 lbs, but is pumped up... probably more naturally a SS-like 220-225 lb frame (derrick brooks was 225 coming out of college, but he was built like the proverbial brick outhouse)...

CB - a lot hinges on whether they can retain bartell or not... the problem is, i don't get the impression this is a deep draft for CBs, where we could get a guaranteed starter caliber prospect in rounds 2-3... maybe we can unearth a gem like porter from new orleans last season in one of those rounds?

WR - holt is almost certainly gone (not likely to restructure, which is the only way the rams could afford to keep him)... the ill-fated drew bennett experiment has been aborted... that leaves 2008 rookies avery & burton & not much else (stanley, who is best as a KR)... they pretty much have to add a WR in free agency/draft, & probably a few... for a long time the rams had sleight WRs that were finesse, quick, squirelly, crafty route runners (bruce, holt, az-hakim, curtis, dante hall, etc)... the problem is, they aren't ideal for over the middle routes, blocking in the run game & rams drives have frequently stalled out in the red zone & they had to settle for FGs, due to lack of a red zone weapon WR with size, hops, the ability to put his body on DBs & wall them off & go up & get 50/50 balls... a WR with size like hakeem nicks would be nice, but with his pre-draft run up, that isn't looking likely he will last to the top of the 2nd... & they may need to use that pick on a LB or CB, which are also critically important (as noted, we only have maybe one starting LB, depending on how you view the undersized, fragile & inconsistent tinoisamoa... & if bartell is gone, only one starting caliber CB in tye hill, & even he is a question mark, & has also been very injury prone for a few years now)... for that reason, & because the WRs they have are very young, raw & inexperienced (even by a rookies standards, avery had level of competition concerns & may be a year or two away from being able to exceute all the routes in the route tree at a more sophisticated, pro style level), a veteran in free agency (or two) might be best fit here...

SS - butler would be a nice fit, but the latest is that the rams & his agent poston are apart (i shuddered when i heard poston was his agent ... we can probably kiss him goodbye)... how far apart wasn't characterized very clearly... he may be on his way to CLE as soon as today, & the giants could still be in the mix, but a re-signing sounded like even more of a longshot than the rams... darn... that would be another draft pick we could conserve for another position... as noted above, they reportedly like patrick chung (consensus top 1-2 best SS in draft), but not sure if he is worth high 2nd, & probably won't last to the high 3rd... with a dearth of good ones in this draft, it could inflate his value & drive him to the mid-2nd, causing the rams to miss out? all these are gaping holes, but SS is no less of a huge one to fill (though in terms of positional scarcity & relative ease or difficulty for an organization to secure one via trade, FA & draft, & if you look at positional differences in the franchise pay grade scale... theoretically, safeties & LBs not as high priority & therefore easier/cheaper to fill... CBs & WRs harder to fill & more expensive, so that might point in that direction... that said, looking at where the rams are RIGHT NOW, the void at LB is a MASSIVE, alarming void), & frankly has been for a few years even while the declining chavous was here... ultra smart & strong leadership, but his best days were behind him a while ago... vet safeties seem to be easy to find, so there is hope... the old front office & coaching staff weren't very proactive about addressing the chavous problem, but i expect that to change before the season starts (well, they already have & wasted no time cutting him... i mean in finding a replacement... they are committed to now)... there are some good ones out there... i haven't heard any links with a player like sean jones of CLE, for instance, & not sure how expensive he would be... he is a former 1st rounder with compelling athleticism & an intriguing skill set (former prep QB)... he is flawed, and can be a liability in coverage, & also erratic in run support, but again, maybe with coaching?

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*

CENTER IS AN UNDERRATED POSITION

so for that matter interior OL in general...

QBs will tell you that the worst conceivable kind of pressure is up the middle... its the shortest path to a QB if OL gets overwhelmed there, so they can get to him quickest from that angle... it prevents them from stepping into their throws, & can also be very disruptive in terms of blocking sightlines/passes down...

the top OGs like hutchinson in MIN get $7 mil & are worth it... i don't think the top centers get quite that much (mawae in his prime, kreutz?), though TB center faine was listed among the ten highest paid OL... LT is the glamour position & for good reason... only a few people on the planet have the combination of towering size, the strength of a blacksmith & the feet of a ballerina... but when KC was one of the best OLs the league has ever seen (paving the way for monster numbers for first priest holmes, than larry johnson), future pro bowler will shields was an integral part, with his phenomenal strength coupled with the nimble feet, agility & overall athleticism to lead the way on pulls & block on the second level...

i think brown is going to be huge in terms of stabilizing our OL while it is in transition (pace on the way out & possibly already gone, barron a looming question mark in 2010)... as was noted elsewhere, if we draft monroe, & bell, brown, greco & (maybe?) barron get to play together for a few years, our team has really missed that kind of continuity which enables chemistry & the kind of near telepathic rapport the great OLs have... just like in basketball, the best teams are not necessarily all star teams... it is teams that play well together... & the center plays such a big role in that... a LT isn't going to help a RT too often, or a guard help another guard... but the center is exactly in the middle of the line, & has to make split second, correct decisions on whether to slide to the right or left to help out, to combat stunts, twists, etc... those kinds of games have destroyed our OL & completely broken it down in recent years... the weak spot was the center for a few years (& arguably the interior OL), where we were playing with replacement level talents, of marginal, backup caliber...

to change the analogy, having a good safety like ed reed, troy polamalu or brian dawkins is critical to getting everybody lined up right BEFORE the ball is snapped... in a sense, a centers responsibility is even more awesome & impressive, as he needs to react to the stunts & twists IN PROGRESS and make instant judgements & decisions that better be right or the QB gets killed, the drive gets stalled, etc...

i think the addition of brown is going to be as big as his hulking, imposing stature...

excited by how the free agency period has kicked off for the rams... butler would be nice, but brown was by far the most important free agent we will sign...

* i also agree that everything i've heard about brown's dedication, work ethic, intelligence, passion/desire & leadership is top notch, & the kind of player that will help the franchise put the past behind us... he is the kind of player you want to build around long term... bravo to devaney/spags for taking care of business & kicking off the new era with a bang, giving the fans something to get excited about after having their hopes crushed by incompetent management for years...

 

[Bob Magaw]

rams re-sign CB ron bartell to a cap friendly contract!

this has to be the rams best free agency period since i can remember... first jason brown, than ascendant, up 'n coming CB (at a need position for the team) bartell spurns the saints offer & decides to come back to the rams... best of all, it sounds like a very reasonable contract (about $28 mil for four years, with $13+ mil guaranteed... he was thought to be looking for something in the neighborhood of $40 mil for five years, but obviously didn't get it from new orleans), compared to some of the recent contracts to CBs around the league, such as those for deangelo hall & kelvin hayden...

the contract makes a lot of sense for both sides... eminently affordable for STL since they badly wanted to keep his services, & this way bartell can have the rare opportunity to be in position for a big money third contract, as he will only be about 30 when this comes up (& of course if he does well, they can tear it up & redo it in 2-3 years)...

he said he didn't want to bail on the rams, & was excited about the changes in the front office & coaching staff... another plus, bartell is said to be recruiting their next target, NYG FA SS james butler... bartell & OJ atogwe (who got the franchise tag, & the team is trying to work out a long term extension before the season starts for more cap relief) worked out with him at georgia tech last offseason... bartell stated butler wants to play for the rams, which is great news (if he ends up signing)... he knows spagnuolo's system, is an ascendant player himself with his best football still in front of him, is coming off a career season, would fill a gaping hole with the release of chavous, & would give the rams more flexibility in the draft (& hopefully shouldn't come at an extortionate cost)... IF they get their target, the free agency bounty would fill huge holes at center (jason brown), CB (bartell) & SS (butler)...

that would leave LT (unless they keep pace... they are reportedly still trying to move holt & pace if they can garner a pick for them... at this point i'd say holt is definitely a goner, pace probably but not as sure... & pace is old & injury prone, plus barron has underwhelmed & STL will have to make a long term decision on HIM in about a year, so LT/OT still a need), LB & WR...

bravo to owner chip rosenbloom for ousting the incompetent old guard of shaw/zygmunt, & putting in place good football people like devaney & spagnuolo & letting them do their job... things are indeed looking up in rams park, with cause for long term optimism that the right people are in charge to bring about a turnaround, & restore/return the franchise to competitiveness & respectability...

just recently, i read a report that the rams were ranked by lindy's dead last among 32 teams in drafting in the past half decade (& worse, i doubt if many would call that a controversial grade)... also, local journalist randy karraker has stated that in his opinion that the deposed linehan regime was the worst coaching staff the rams had suffered through in organization history... so they do have a pretty deep hole to climb out of...

BTW, in a recent chat, the reports i was hearing from people like jim thomas was that the rams were leaning towards a LT with the 1.2 pick, another local rams conduit of information (gordon?) stated that LT was not the current target, & it was curry (if the lions don't take him first), otherwise crabtree would get a serious look... i don't know how to reconcile this, but will pass along whatever intel i get as i hear it...

one recent development that could be related... IF the lions take jason smith, there were reports that eugene monroe's knee/s may have been red-flagged... than i think it would be a no brainer decision between curry & crabtree, in which case i think curry would be the choice... he would be a cornerstone the team could build the defense around for years, along with fellow second overall pick & coveted defender chris long, and would definitely look good in horns!

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/around-th...-st-louis-rams/

Bartell agrees to terms, recruits Butler for St. Louis Rams

By Jim Thomas

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Not only did cornerback Ron Bartell agree to terms Monday on a four-year deal with the Rams, he’s busy recruiting free-agent safety James Butler of the New York Giants to sign with St. Louis as well.

Turns out Bartell and free safety teammate Oshiomogho Atogwe know Butler pretty well. The trio worked out together for a couple of weeks last offseason at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

“James is a great guy,” Bartell said. “The business side is always important, but he definitely wants to be a Ram, I can tell you that much.”

As for Bartell, despite being pursued heavily by New Orleans, he’s happy to be staying with St. Louis.

“It was a lot of pressure, and it took a little longer than I hoped,” Bartell said. “But I made no bones about it. I wanted to stay in St. Louis.”

His four-year deal includes $13.6 million in guaranteed money. It can max out at $28 million if Bartell reaches certain incentives.

“The Saints made a strong push toward the end,” said Bartell’s agent, Jeff Griffin. “It was pretty close. It never came down to the money because they both were great deals.”

Despite reports indicating otherwise, Butler has not made a visit to Cleveland. His only trip so far has been with the Rams according to one of his agents, Carl Poston.

 

[TheWick]

Outstanding...this is going to be a fun offseason. It's nice to finally be happy after signings instead of left scratching our heads.

Thanks for the update Bob!

 

[Bob Magaw]

Outstanding...this is going to be a fun offseason. It's nice to finally be happy after signings instead of left scratching our heads.

Thanks for the update Bob!

my pleasure...check out this youtube of bartell's highlights (which must have been among the few in a season that was horrific & nightmarish on an epic scale for the franchise)... at the 2:15 mark, you can see a good example of his electrifying speed... they don't call michael turner "the burner" for nothing (even though he is about 235-240 lbs), & bartell runs him down & manages to strip the ball near the goal line, despite turner having a significant headstart...

bartell was a bit of a projection risk (scouts weren't sure what his best NFL position would be - CB or safety?) & had level of competition concerns coming from howard, but his size/speed combo were jaw-dropping... if i'm not mistaken, he had the rare distinction of being both one of (if not THE) fastest AND biggest CB prospects in his draft class... i thought the first few years there were questions about his instincts, coverage ability, open field tackling skills... but than sometime around the middle of the 2007 season (got playing time from tye hill being injured &/or fakhir brown having off-field troubles), and carrying through into last season, the light really seemed to come on & he made a breakthrough, if i'm not mistaken leading the team in passes defensed in 2008, & i think getting 3 INTs & 2-3 FFs in the last five games (all the more impressive as some of his teammates seemed to be phoning it in with no hope of making the playoffs)...

it would have been a shame if the franchise had developed such an impressive physical specimen & athlete at a position notoriously difficult/expensive to fill, only to see him escape for nothing right as he was beginning to take off... fortunately, that didn't happen, & the rams get to reap the benefit of his development, which is as it should be, as they had the foresight to take the risk on him in the first place...

back to his outstanding size/speed combination, it will be interesting to see how spagnuolo uses him... i don't recall if he employed many CB blitzes with the giants, but than agin, i doubt if he had any CBs as big or fast as bartell... & spagnuolo seemed very creative in using complex blitz schemes to confuse QBs as to where the pressure was coming from, so i could see him strategically turning bartell loose a few times a game... also, if they get better pressure on the QB this year (through better coaching & schemes, etc), bartell looks like he might have the physical ability, talent & ball skills to get 4-5 INTs a season... fitzgerald called him one of the toughest matchups he faced, high praise from probably the best WR in the NFL...

 

[Bob Magaw]

local journalist bernie miklasz weighs in on the brown & bartell signings, & another potential signing in FA SS butler... he unearths some interesting bartell (& butler) pass defensed stats from STATS, that are very competitive league-wide for his/their position, & bode well for the future of the defense...

on a lighter note, if you click the link, i can't decide if bernie's head is too small for his body, or his body is too big for his head... he reminds me of david byrne (of the talking heads) wearing the BIG SUIT in stop making sense... :whoosh:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/co...CB?OpenDocument

Signings could put St. Louis Rams on course

Sports Columnist Bernie Miklasz

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

03/03/2009

The Rams are off to a good start in the free-agent shopping mart.

First, they signed center Jason Brown away from Baltimore. The Rams seem to have the inside track on signing New York Giants strong safety James Butler.

The Rams also retained two of their top young players by putting the franchise tag on safety O.J. Atogwe and getting cornerback Ron Bartell to agree to a four-year contract.

I figured they'd lose Bartell once he hit the open market, so securing him with a four-year contract was a significant achievement and a mild upset.

Again, a team that went 5-27 over the last two seasons didn't reinvent itself with a couple of player signings, but the Rams are making progress.

Did they spend a lot of money on Brown and Bartell? Sure. And why not? Given their sorry state, should the Rams wallow as bottom feeders in personnel? I don't think so.

Pat Kirwan of NFL.com rated Jason Brown as No. 7 overall on his list of top free agents and ranked Brown as the best available offensive lineman. The Rams have been searching for a big, strong, heady center for years. And Brown has that combination. He seems to possess good competitive character, and that's an important addition.

Brown cost the Rams $37.5 million over five years, with $20 million guaranteed. That's a lot of cash, and a gamble. But the Rams have to take some chances. The new regime at Rams Park can't be meek. What they've done is lessen the risk by putting their money into a younger player who can get even better. Brown is 26, and the Rams are catching him at the most appealing time on his career arc. Brown isn't on the down side; they should receive the best years of his career.

Besides, have you forgotten about the last few seasons and all of the losing, feuding and chaos? Until general manager Billy Devaney and new head coach Steve Spagnuolo establish credibility by winning, the Rams won't be a destination franchise. They aren't going to have premier players lining up on Earth City Expressway to play here for discount contracts. The lure to pull free agents into Rams Park is money, and lots of it.

Bartell got a four-year, $28 million deal to stay. The deal contains incentives, so it will probably come in at less than $28 million. This was a smart deal for the Rams. And a necessary one, unless you felt comfortable lining up Tye Hill, Jonathan Wade and Justin King at cornerback in 2009.

There's been some dissent out there, some talk that you don't give that kind of money to a cornerback unless he's a "shutdown" corner. I'm not sure how one defines "shutdown" corner, but I do know this, courtesy of STATS:

Last season opponents targeted Bartell 105 times and completed 51 passes on him for a "burn rate" of 48.6 percent, and that's outstanding. Among the NFL cornerbacks who were targeted a minimum of 50 times last season, Bartell's burn rate was the 12th best in the league. He knocked down 19 passes, tied for the sixth-highest total among CBs. Bartell gave up only two touchdown passes, one of the lowest totals of any NFL cornerback.

Let's compare that 48.6 completion rate against Bartell, and his 19 pass defenses, to the numbers turned in by the other Rams cornerbacks. Combined, the other five Rams CBs were burned on 68 percent of the passes thrown at them and had only 20 pass defenses.

If Bartell isn't a "shutdown" cornerback, then he did a splendid job of impersonating one last season. The top-rated free agent cornerback, Pittsburgh's Bryant McFadden, was burned at a rate of 62.3 percent last season, not even close to Bartell. And Bartell, 27, is 6-1 and 205 pounds, the kind of size that teams covet in a cornerback. I'm puzzled that there's any debate over this.

The Rams secondary was brutal last season, but it's foolish to blame Bartell or Atogwe for the incompetent play of teammates. They were gems in 2008.

If the Rams can get a deal done with Butler, he would upgrade the secondary. He was a sure tackler for the Giants and a first-rate cover guy at strong safety. According to STATS, Butler gave up only 19 completions in 45 passes attempted against him in 2008, and only three full-time strong safeties did better against the pass. Butler's burn rate of 42.2 percent is right up there with the NFL's best strong safety, Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu (41.1 percent).

Someone at Rams Park obviously did some fine research on the underrated Butler. And the early evidence suggests that the new football guys at Rams Park have a pretty good idea of what they're doing.

 

[•TheRealMcCoy]

Great thread Bob!! Finally a Rams Thread. I was starting to wonder??

I agree on all your points to the tee! I do think though at this point, drafting one of the following (LT / Curry / Crabtree) would all be a boost. I mean if we do get rid of Holt and Pace than we will be left thin at both WR and OL? And all of us Rams fans know we are thin at LB every year because ours cant stay healthy(especially Tinoisamoa)?? With that said though, LT should be the priority as you said because it is hard to find them in free agency(or through trade)??

So finally, Like Wick said, no head scratching this year after some signings!! Already a plus!! Lets hope we are the Arz Cardinals from last year(on doing well, not how they looked on Off.) and to a promising future!!

Again Bob......... GREAT THREAD!! Very enjoyable to read.

 

[•TheRealMcCoy]

Does Weaver fit in St. Louis Rams’ plans at FB?

By Jim Thomas

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

It remains to be seen if the St. Louis Rams will make a run at Seattle fullback Leonard Weaver. But Weaver is taking a patient approach, waiting for the market to develop rather than taking trips just to take trips.

To wit, Weaver nearly made a free-agent visit to New Orleans but decided against it at the last minute. There are some at Rams Park who really like Weaver, and what he can do as both a lead blocker and occasional ball carrier/pass catcher. Others in the building prefer a “classic” fullback who’s a leader blocker only. Weaver has yet to make any trips and some league observers feel he could eventually end up re-signing with the Seahawks.

Other fullbacks still available on the free agent market include Heath Evans (New England) and Terrelle Smith (Arizona).

 

[Bob Magaw]

thanx for the feedback & link, TRM...

i agree that the future appears promising for the first time in what seems like forever, & due to the devaney/spags dynamic duo, the arrow looks to be pointed up for us for a change in the less than stellar NFC west...

below is a synoptic overview of the state of rams franchise as they entered free agency & leading up to the draft, that imo is very balanced... the writer (from fanhouse) can hardly be faulted for being a pollyanna or sugarcoating the daunting mission in front of the rams franchise from the top down (ownership, front office, coaching staff, scouting department, secretaries & janitors... you get the picture... )... conversely, i don't think he was overly negative (hey, he gave credit where credit was due by giving props to the punter in 2008, & that was about our only bright spot!), & this is a fairly balanced, even keeled, level-headed appraisal...

about the only thing i didn't agree with (though i concede he could be on the money, we shall have to see how things play out & unfold this season), is that bulger doesn't look like the QB of the future... its true, he has been a shell of former self past two season, but imo that impression is tainted... we don't really KNOW, but i suspect he can rebound with better defense, OL blocking for him up front & overall supporting cast & surrounding talent...

http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/26/st-loui...ra-begins/#cont

St. Louis Rams: Spagnuolo Era Begins

Posted Feb 26th 2009 11:00 AM by Matt Snyder

Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.

The 2008 season was an unmitigated disaster for the Rams. They had their star running back hold out, only to be re-signed and get injured -- an injury which lingered far too long. They fired their coach after four embarrassing games, won two straight under his replacement, but then dropped their final 10.

It was hard to find a strength on this team. The offense ranked 27th in the league, while the defense was 28th. Then again, Donnie Jones was one of the best punters in the league. So there's that.

Steve Spagnuolo, after leading the Giants ferocious defense for the past two seasons, comes over to be the new head coach in St. Louis. He's got his work cut out for him in the first year, but that's likely what we said about Mike Smith (Falcons) and Tony Sparano (Dolphins) prior to last season. We know how those two fared.

That being said, there are holes nearly everywhere. Offensive linchpins Orlando Pace and Torry Holt are both probably on their way out, we haven't seen quality play from Marc Bulger in a few seasons, and the defense is suspect all over the place. Expect the Rams to get young all over the place as they attempt to rebuild and Spagnuolo looks to put his stamp on the franchise.

Free Agents: Victor Adeyanju (RFA), Richie Incognito (RFA), Mark Setterstrom (RFA), O.J. Atogwe (franchised), Ronald Bartell (UFA), Fakhir Brown (UFA), Jason Craft (UFA), Anthony Davis (UFA), La'Roi Glover (UFA), Adam Goldberg (UFA), Brandon Gorin (UFA), Dante Hall (UFA), Nick Leckey (UFA), Dane Looker (UFA), Ricky Manning (UFA), Travis Minor (UFA), Eric Moore (UFA), Rob Petitti (UFA), Brett Romberg (UFA), Gary Stills (UFA), Cory Withrow (UFA)

Draft Picks: 1(2), 2(3), 3(2), 4(3), 5(2), 6(3), 7(2)

Needs

1. Offensive line - They're going to take who they hope to be a franchise tackle with the second overall pick -- probably the monstrous Eugene Monroe from Virginia -- and this is a fine move. There's still more work to be done on this group, though. They could use a center, and there are some free agent options. I wouldn't mind shoring up the entire thing, but that won't be possible in one offseason.

2. Linebackers - I don't want to single anyone out, so I'll just say their linebackers are collectively really bad. Middle and strong-side would be the most important ones to fill first, but any help in this area will do.

3. Defensive Backfield - Todd Johnson will not cut it as a starting strong safety, so expect the Rams to sign a veteran to jump him on the depth chart. Tye Hill still hasn't really shown the potential he was once thought to have, due mostly to injuries. Even if he does stay healthy and play well, he'll need some additional help at corner. Fortunately for the Rams, O.J. Atogwe has been retained via the franchise tag.

4. Nose Tackle - Abysmal run defense last year exposed the need to find a real hole-plugger in the middle. There aren't many available, though, so it should be interesting to see how Spagnuolo works to fill the interior line void.

5. Wide Receiver - With Torry Holt departing, they are awfully thin and inexperienced here. Donnie Avery has shown enough promise to know he's going to stick, but he's their number one wideout once Holt goes (assuming he does). Keenan Burton is their only other hope here -- and he only caught 13 passes as a rookie -- so expect to see a few receivers selected in the draft.

6. Backup Running Back - When Steven Jackson was injured, the running game was hopeless. Granted, an improved offensive line could change things, but the Rams were not running out quality NFL runners in SJax's absence.

7. Quarterback? They probably can't address this just yet, but is Bulger really the quarterback Spagnuolo envisions taking him to the next level? I sincerely doubt it.

 

[Bob Magaw]

a nice, very recent (today, 3/3 in fact) chat transcript from the insider's insider for the rams, jim thomas... i think he does these weekly (where they are routinely posted at the rams homer board i frequent)... if so, i'll try & port them over here regularly... good stuff... JT is without a doubt my best conduit for all info rams (the aforementioned homer board is also pretty handy, when taken in aggregate )... sorry for the rough, jumbled, at times non-spaced formatting, but this was how i got it...

___________________________________________________________________

BOB: JT: Short and sweet. In your opinion that Brown is the kind of guy who can light a fire under Incognito????

Jim Thomas: Brown says he's not really the outspoken leader type, although you'd never know it by his words at his introductory press conference. But I think he should be a good influence on Richie.

Dejan: Hi Jim from Dejan, Serbia!

First of all I want to thank you for all of your answers and expertise it's been great.Few questions for you:

1.first of all what are our next moves in FA? Who does Spagnuolo and Billy like most as our next candidates in FA?

2.Are RAms interested in Dre Bly, Jermaine Phillips (if deal with Butler goes down maybe)?

3.Is it possible for Rams to sign WR's Washington and Brandon Jones in FA? Would this signings mean an and for Holt?(HOPE NOT)

4.I know this chat is about free agency but i would like to see Rams drafting in 2nd round RB from Ohio State Beanie Wells, do you see that as possible?

Once again thanks for your answers and bye from Serbia fans!

Jim Thomas: 1.) The Rams are still working on Butler; after that they regroup and start working on the second wave.

2.) Rams do have some interest in Phillips if Butler falls through, but I don't think they have any in Bly.

3.) Washington has signed with the Titans; Jones with the 49ers. I think Holt is gone no matter what.

4.) It's doubtful Beanie Wells will be there in the second round.

sjm0229: With the Rams run defense one of the worst in the NFL, why won't we go for Kennedy from the vikes?

Jim Thomas: Kennedy?

jimmy: Hey Jim,

The Rams need to add a vet WR, with guys like Bryant Johnson, Brandon Jones, and maybe Coles off the market. Who could we be looking at?

Jim Thomas: The list is shrinking, that's for sure. Devery Henderson from the Saints could be one possibility.

Gman: The Rams need to make some very important decisions on Alex Barron. If they would look at his tape when he played LT for a year, they would see that he is better at LT than he is at RT. He is the prototypical LT, with the big frame, long arms, and good footwork necessary to play that side. In addition, he made fewer mistakes on that side, and seemed more motivated as well. I think it is a mistake to assume that a good LT should automatically be good on the right side; they are two different positions that require different attributes.

So what do you think: Is Alex Barron the LT of the future? Should they lock him up with a long-term deal now, before he gets too expensive (eg. Ron Bartell)?

Jim Thomas: I think the Rams are considering the possibility of trying Barron at LT. That of course depends on a lot of other moves, namely, do they take a tackle at No. 2 overall. Barron hasn't really progressed much in his time here. I don't think the Rams are anywhere near thinking about him as a long-term solution at RT or LT.

Gman: I keep hearing talk about moving Witherspoon to WLB, because he is undersized to play in the middle. Is that true? He's 240 lbs, which is the same weight, or slightly heavier than Jon Beason, Antonio Pierce, Mike Peterson, Paul Posluzny, Lofa Tatupu, and many other excellent starting MLBs. Tinoisamoa is the same exact size (6'1" 240 lbs) as Witherspoon. If they want to move Witherspoon because his best position is WLB, why not give Pisa a shot at the middle? Or how about Culberson?

Do you think that they have enough quality LBs on the squad already and should address other areas instead?

Jim Thomas: Listed roster weights (and heights) are often misleading. Pisa, for example, actually weighs about 220-225. I think Witherspoon is closer to 230 than 240. Culberson was a disappointment last year on the strong side, losing his starting job to Chris Draft. It's my sense that the front office wants to upgrade the linebacker position. (Out of all the LBs on the roster, Draft is probably the best suited to play MLB.)

johndeere: i know spaggs is busy,but do you get the feeling he don't like talking to reporters,or is this normal for a coach....just wondering....ty

Jim Thomas: My early read is that he's not going to be nearly as available in the offseason as any of his predecessors with the St. Louis Rams: from Brooks to Vermeil to Martz to Linehan. But we'll see.

Rams' 'Homer': Jim, got a question; How do you think Charlie Batch would do -as a back-up/"kick in the pants'?

Jim Thomas: I don't think Bulger would feel too threatened by Charlie Batch.

Dan from Honolulu: So does the Jason Brown signing (whoopee) signal the end/peak of the Rams' veteran signings? Tell you the truth, I'm not as thrilled as everyone else seems to be. Brown is a largely unproven commodity, and he's got flop written all over him in my eyes. How does the Brown signing affect the Rams' draft strategy in the first 3 or 4 rounds if anything?

Jim Thomas: I'm guessing you filed this before the Bartell signing. I'm curious, why do you think this has flop written all over it. The guy has been durable and dependable. And he was certainly well known by other teams. Baltimore offered him $6.25 million to stay; Philly, Washington, and Miami were very interested in him. We'll see what happens once the games starts, but it was an upset for the Rams to land this guy. He was widely regarded as one of the top players, regardless of position, available in the draft.

As for draft strategy, had the Rams not signed Brown (or a center), I think they might have seriously targeted the position in the second round of the draft. They now have the flexibility to look elsewhere in Round 2.

Kevin: I know that parting ways with Pace would save a good amount of cap space, but I think if we release him we force ourselves into a situation where we have to draft an OT second overall instead of going after the best player, Aaron Curry. MLB is also a need for us and I'd really like to see Curry as a ram. If we do get rid of Pace, do you see the Rams going any other direction than tackle with the pick?

Jim Thomas: That would seem to be the case. There's not a lot of options remaining in free agency at tackle. But there is a scenario where the Rams could take Curry at No. 2, and then go tackle in the second round. Under that scenario, they might switch Barron to left tackle and then start the rookie second-rounder at right tackle.

Eli: hi Jim,

thanks for your time. One question, do you think the rams will go after Lance Moore, the wide receiver from the saints. Last season he had 79 receptions for 928 yards and 10 td's!

Jim Thomas: Well, keep an eye on this one. But generally, this isn't the kind of move you jump out on early. You wait until April, near the end of the restricted free agent period, before you make this move. (Thus letting the Saints, or whatever club it might be, spend more of their money in March, etc.)

marctheram: Thanx Jim! What are the chances that the Rams will give Jeff Garcia a serious look as a FA QB pick up?

Jim Thomas: I'm not going to kiss and tell in terms of sources. But someone who's close to Garcia said over the weekend that he hadn't heard from the Rams. And someone in the building here at Rams Park said the team wasn't interested. Could that change? Possibly. Maybe Garcia is looking for a starting job. Maybe the Rams know at the this point that he's asking too much money. Maybe Shurmur didn't like him. I don't know. But in theory, it sure seemed to make a lot of sense.

bfulton: I'm confused. I hear all this talk about how salary cap prohibitive it is to trade or cut big ticket players but NE trade's two big ticker players for just a second round pick because it helps them on the cap. What's the truth?

Secondly, if not Green or Garcia, who are the Rams targeting for the back-up QB slot? Berlin?!?

As always, thanks for reporting and insight.

Jim Thomas: I'm sure the Chiefs will restructure Cassel's contract to help them cap-wise. Since Cassel was working as a franchise tag player, the one-year tender, there was no negative cap ramifications to trading him. As for Vrabel, I'm not familiar with his contract.

One name I've heard in the hallways at Rams Park is Gus Frerotte. But it could be just gossip. I've gotten no real confirmation that the Rams are seriously interested, which is why I haven't written about it in the paper or blogged it.

Ram101: Now Jim, Looks like the Center position was were the Football guys thought we needed to start, not to say that I told you so but I told you so, OT is not as bad as the middle of the line is providing they don't trade Big O, Now, you saw J Smith and Monroe at the combine do you feel after seeing them both work out that J Smith is the one closes to being NFL ready, and Have you heard anything about B J Raji being in the mix for the #2 pick?

Thanks Jim, You do a great job for us! Fact!

Jim Thomas: There are some at Rams Park who like Jason Smith better at this point, thinking that he's more physical than Monroe.

There are some at Rams Park who like Eugene Monroe better at this point, thinking that he's more athletic.

Monroe is probably more NFL ready. J. Smith is still new to the position.

As for Raji, don't rule him out as a first round pick for the Rams. It's not as if anyone in the building has told me the Rams are interested. But he's certainly a top 10 pick and the Rams do need another body at DT.

Kiefer Williams: Hi Jim,

Thanks for taking your time doing these chats.

I have a few questions for you. The first is regarding the Jason Brown press conference. Is there anywhere that I can watch it? The second would be about Fred Robbins, DT Giants. I was wondering, because I have heard he may be released, if the Rams will pursue him to stick inside on a rotation with Carriker and Ryan. Considering Spagnuolo's relationship with the Giants. Also, are there any updates on Holt or Pace? Any teams interested? I would love for Pace to restructure and return at a lesser price to open up drafting Curry with the 2nd pick, and take the best possible OT in the 2nd round. There is a rumor on the boards in the chat room that talks may have come up about a possible Bulger and the #2 pick for Cutler and the #12. I don't see this happening at all for cap reasons and many others. I heard that the Saints offered Bartell a contract, but that the Rams also have an offer up. Do you have any insight about how much either of the contracts are for? And finally, do you know about any upcoming visits the Rams have scheduled?

Thanks,

Kiefer

Jim Thomas: The Rams do want to add at DT; I don't know much about Robbins, but due to the Spagnuolo tie-in, it makes sense if he's released.

No updates on Pace and Holt; but again, I would be surprised if either player is pack.

I really don't see the fascination with Cutler. He throws a lot of interceptions.

As to the Saints and Rams contracts on Bartell see my newspaper story in today's P-D. The offers apparently were pretty similar.

timmeno: Good sign in Brown. How about moving Barron to OLT, and signing Barnes and making him a ORT. Moving Pace to Oakland for a 2rd/5rd/rb M.Bush. And Holt to CHI, for a 2rd and 4rd. and Trade down from #2 to Philly for the 21/28 and 2rd. Now we would have a backup RB and draft picks.

21.

28.

2nd rd.

2.

8.

18.

21.

3rd

2.

Jim Thomas: I know these trade scenarios are fun to consider. But it really doesn't make much sense talking about the more elaborate ones like this. Plus they take a lot of time to develop.

Nick: Jim, Dan Pompei wrote in the Chicago Tribune that Eugene Monroe will be red flagged by some NFL teams because medical testing at the NFL Combine revealed what Pompei only referred to as "knee issues." Have you heard anything more about this, and do you know if the Rams are one of the teams that are concerned about Monroe's knees? Or is this just another instance of pre-draft misinformation being put out there to try and get a guy to slip a bit?

Jim Thomas: The Rams obviously were privvy to all of the medical info at the draft. To the best of my knowledge, they are still very interested in Monroe.

BE13.DROOPY: hey jim do u think we're gona get curry in the draft i think he would make our defense better. also whats up with bartell are we going to get him back and james butler I think we should get him he already knows spags defense and would only help our defense to learn quicker final thing jason brown said he thinks our team will be better than a .500 team is he just really confident or do you think we have a chance of being that good

Jim Thomas: Right now, I think you'd have to say that Curry would be a strong consideration for the Rams in the draft. But let's see what happens with the rest of free agency leading up to the draft and how that might shape things.

As for reaching .500, I think it will take more than signing Brown, and re-signing Bartell to get there.

Ed in Vancouver: HELLO JT,

Who do you see the Lions taking w/ the 1st pick in the draft? I really believe the Lions will mess us up by taking J-Smooth Jason Smith OT Baylor. Reason being at the end of the day teams build around QB/LT/DE thus were forced to take E. Monroe.

I hope we get J-Smooth he's the cornerstone piece we need, do you agree/disagree or thoughts???

Jim Thomas: Who knows about the Lions, particularly with a new regime in there in terms of coach and front office. I'd say their three options at this point are QB, OT, and LB. Even if they take J. Smith, the Rams would still have Monroe or Curry as options.

Ed in Vancouver: HELLO JT,

Do you think Patrick Chung will be still on the board for us in the second rd??? I wonder if the Pats jump up to get him w/ the 34th pick??

Do you for see us signing 'A' DB this week~~ wink wink??? At this point I wonder if we gotta get Bartell done at his price, your thoughts???

Jim Thomas: I do think Chung will still be there.

Ed in Vancouver VCR: HEY JIMMY,

Can you find out were Wade and J. King stand in Spags vision please...thx

Jim Thomas: I think the veteran minicamp, which I believe is scheduled for early April will help Spags form an opinion. Although I'm not sure King will be cleared to practice by then.

Ed in Vancouver VCR: Hey Jimmy,

If I was playing poker vs. Billy I bet Pisa will end up being cut. Does my pair of 9's hold up???

Jim Thomas: Too early to tell.

Dave: Jim - The Brown signing was a great start! Then - nothing. I'm sure there's a lot of behind the scenes going on, but it looks like once again the Rams are not really committed to pursuing help through free agency. Shouldn't there have been other players pursued? Butler and Bartell have gotten away. What else is out there worth looking at?

Jim Thomas: Obviously, by now you know that Bartell has re-signed.

DanishRam: How would you rate the signing of Jason Brown - was it a good price or did the Rams overpay?

Jim Thomas: Sure, they overpayed. That's what happens in the first week to 10 days of free agency. But I do know this: a lot of teams were interested in the guy.

david: Jim,

I am confused by the signing of Jason Brown. How come most of the sports media establishment did not have Brown high on their radr./ For example the fre agency preview section of The Sporting News did not have Brown listed in their top 5 free agent tackles!!! Also Peter King said the Rams gave an awful lot of money to a player nobody has heard of. What are we to make of this as Rams fans?

Jim Thomas: Uh, Brown plays center not tackle.

He was highly regarded.

Roger Cromwell: Hi JT,

So far I like what I see with FA. I do hope we just trade the big contract guys and get down the road re-building for the future. My question is this, Do you think Chip would keep this team if he turned it around by putting his personal stamp on it? I for one hope he does. I used to be at the games in LA when I was a kid and still miss his dads leadership Perhaps he's a chip off the old block ! Thanks for taking or questions.

Jim Thomas: I think more success on the field would help convince Chip to continuing owning the team. But the stadium issue is real. And eventually _ not right away, but eventually _ the estate taxes could be a problem.

biggame1190: Hey JT

do you know if the Rams have looked into Sean Jones the SS from the Browns. His Stats look really good. Kinda Like OJs for the turnovers except for FF. Do you see the rams bringing this guy in as a plan B if we dont Butler signed?

Thanks

Jim Thomas: I'm not aware that the Rams have contacted Jones. But I do think he and Jermaine Phillips (Tampa Bay) are possible "Plan Bs" if the Rams don't sign Butler.

david tomlin: Jim, Thanks for taking the time to take my questions. Have you heard how D. Stanley and K. Burton are recovering from their injuries? With the signing of Brown, do you think that lowers the need to draft a OT in the first round? IF Pace is retained he would still be better than any rookie they draft. The Rams could then draft someone with the 1st pick who could make a sooner impact and draft a OT in the 2nd or 3rd round to groom. Lastly, have their been any C. Wroten sightings at Rams Park? It would be nice if the new coaches could get something from his talent. Thanks alot

Jim Thomas: Haven't heard anything on Stanley and Burton.

Brown really has no impact on what happens at tackle, because he's a center.

Wroten is still under league suspension; I don't think he gets cleared until May.

The Rookie: Thank you for your insight. Any chance the Ram go down a few spots get some picks and get BJ Raji out of Boston college?

Also what does the phrase "According to league sources" actually mean? Could this include the paperboy to Devaney or a secretary that got a free sub? An agent that is trying to get more money for his client? What do you consider a "league Source" I consider it someone that is employed by the NFL not the players or the media. Your thoughts?

Jim Thomas: "According to league sources" could be an agent; it could be a coach; it could be a league employee; it could be a scout; it could be a front office executive.

It is not a paperboy or a secretary.

vanessa stewart: will the rams make a run for ray lewis, or julius peppers 2009

Jim Thomas: Don't think so.

ljramsfan: Two Words: Tyler Thigpen. Lock 'em up!!!

I thought that he would be a good backup here in STL since they have Matt Cassel now in KC. He is mobile, exciting, and familiar with the new QB coach **** Curl.

A lot of people knock him because his team was 2-14, but there was no evidence that was his fault.

Jim Thomas: It would have to be a trade because Thigpen isn't a free agent.

frankelsigep: Jim,

What have you heard about signing a back-up QB? Any chance it would be Chris Simms. He showed some promise before getting hurt with the Bucs and he is still young enough to be out QB of the future, when Bulger loses his nerve or gets destroyed by someone Barron forgot to block.

Jim Thomas: I think guys like Boller (Brown's gun-shy remarks notwitstanding), Losman and Simms all should be worth a look. Particularly, Boller and Losman because they have some starting experience. They could at least be guys you could play for a game or two if Bulger gets hurt while you develop a young QB (draft pick.)

lloydsugarbear: Thanks for keeping us informed Mr. Thomas and also for the Q&A's. My question is simple, do you think that maybe we can draft the kid Curry and the LB Brinkley from SC he is 6'2" and 250 plus and runs a 4.6 forty in the first two rounds. Put him in the middle and then Curry at SLB side with Spoon on the WLB, we are set at LB for years. Or do you think that is overkill on that position, I feel that this positions has been ignored for years by the Rams? You think its possible for them to get a second rounder for Pace and maybe a third rounder for Holt. Also do you think Philly would be interested in either one of them to make a trade offer to the Rams. I am a LB at heart and just want LB's on this team, remember I wanted the the Carpenter kid last year. Heck I would take the MLB from Ohio St. in the second round. I feel we need to upgrade this position period and this is a good LB class and a chance for the Rams to upgrade.

Jim Thomas: With needs at a lot of positions, drafting 2 LBs in the first two rounds could be overkill.

At this point, I think second_ or third-rounder might be high on either player.

I think Philly is looking to get younger at tackle. But if their stymied in their attempts to do so, I guess it's not out of the question that they might make a run at Pace.

dominic: Hey Jim:

The Rams did it!!! Goodbye Drew Bennett!! No more ever needs to be said about him.

1)Did the Rams make an offer to Ron Fields? If so,what is the latest?

2)Would you trade our 1st to Cleveland for their 1st and 2nd because they really really want Curry? I love him as a player,but we need more good players instead of 1.Your thoughts?

3)And since your gut tells you that Orlando is going,does this mean we draft a tackle number 1?

And there are ALOT of us out here who appreciate your efforts and honest reporting.Dont allow the few idiots to get you stop being who you are.

You gotta love Jim Thomas!

Jim Thomas: 1.) Fields signed with Denver.

2.) Sure, I'd make that deal. Curry, both OTs, Crabtree, and Raji can't all be gone by No. 5.

3.) It's looking more and more like an OT at No. 2, but again, the Rams could still take a tackle in the second round, and move Barron to LT.

L&L: What level of interest do the Rams have in Leonard Weaver?

Jim Thomas: See my blog on Around the Horns.

RamFanInCA: Hi Jim,

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. On Friday, there were a lot of rumors floating around that Jason Brown didn't want to come here. We were hearing that he was using the Rams as leverage to get more money from Baltimore. What can you tell us about that? Where did that come from? Thanks again!

Jim Thomas: I think it was sour grapes created by those in Washington, Philly, and Baltimore because he didn't sigh here. A lot of time, teams that don't land a player will feed the media negative stuff. I don't know for a fact that this happened. But I do know for a fact thatBrown was grousing some on the plane ride to St. Louis. It was a 6 a.m. flight, and he'd gotten next to no sleep because of all the calls after midnight eastern time at the start of free agency. Plus, it was one of those so-called regional jet _ i.e. smaller than a bread box.

I also know this, by Friday night at dinner with team officials he was telling his agent _ Harold Lewis _ "I love you" because the trip went so well, he hit it off with the Rams' coaches and front office, and he realized that St. Louis was a nice fit.

If you saw him at his press conference _ both the "formal" at-the-podium part, and the "informal" off-to-the-side part _ he was definitely jacked up about playing in St. Louis.

RamFanInCA: Hi Jim,

Can you tell us if Devaney is viewing Curry as a MLB, or strictly as an OLB? I'd love to see him fit in as a MLB and slide Will over to WLB.

Jim Thomas: I think he views Curry as someone who could play anywhere at LB.

mars: JT, how do so many so-called Rams fans NOT KNOW that we re-signed Bartell?? Startling............

Jim Thomas: I think some of the questions were posted on Monday before he re-upped.

eternalramnation: JT,

Why would the Eagles make a run at Pace when they just signed Stacy Andrews?

Jim Thomas: If they lose Thomas to free agency and Runyan doesn't recover as quickly from his surgery as expected.

Mike: Does releasing Drew Bennet effectively clear some cap space for 2010 (assuming the same labor agreement is in place) by taking the hit for his signing bonus in 2009?

Jim Thomas: Sure it does. He was scheduled to count $5,450,000 against the '10 cap. Now, he counts nothing after '09.

eternalramnation: JT,

Are we looking at any DT's in free agency like Elis Wyms or Dewane Robertson?

Jim Thomas: They had interest in Cole (Green Bay) but he signed with Seattle and Fields (SF) but he signed with Denver. The Rams definitely want to add a DT somewhere along the line.

BlackNailed: What about Billy Bajema?

Jim Thomas: Hes no Boo Williams.

Mike: Hey Jim. Short questions for you. How close are we to getting Butler? If we do sign him do we slow down in the free agency market?

Jim Thomas: I don't really have a sense on how close. As any Rams fans know, dealing with the Postons is always tricky. They rarely get deals done quickly. They obviously were looking for a bigger contract than was offered in St. Louis, or he wouldn't have left town.

On the other hand, it seems clear that St. Louis would be a good fit for Butler, and it sounds like he wants to be here. If the Rams did land Butler, I think that would complete their "first wave" of free agency _ with Brown and Bartell.

Eric M.: Do you have sense of Rams' management opinion of Barron and Incognito and what do you think the probability is that they are here in 2010?

Also, if the CBA is not extended, does this affect the FA status of either player after this year?

Jim Thomas: I don't really have a sense of how they feel on both guys. (Obviously, they tendered Richie. But who knows, they may not match if he gets an outside offer, and would thus pick up a third-rounder.)

Good question on the CBA. I think if 2010 is uncapped, it takes 6 seasons (instead of the current 4) for a player to reach unrestricted free agency. If that were the case, I think Barron and Incognito (and Atogwe if he plays in '09 under the franchise tag tender, would be restricted free agents entering '10.

chaban: Thank you for your time. Hope your son is doing well at the Point.

I've written to you several times but have never had the luck to be chosen as one of your questioners. I hope this time is different.

Kiper has the Rams picking Andre Smith with the 2nd pick. Please tell me this is about as wrong as can be for all the obvious reasons.

What feeling do you get from the Rams' people you have talked to about which way they are leaning in the first round - defense or offense - or can't you tell us do to predraft posturing.

Now that we have Bartell and Brown in the fold, do you think we will get Butler? Are we still going to go after Leonard Weaver as reported? That sure would fill a couple of holes. I assume they are waiting as he is sort of a secondary type FA and also the longer they wait hopefully the cheaper he will come.

Last one, who else do you think the Rams might go after in FA besides Butler and Weaver?

Thank You.

Jim Thomas: I don't know who the Rams will pick at this point. But I know they WON'T pick Andre Smith. They weren't high on him entering the NFL Scouting Combine because of some of his issues, and obviously the Combine did nothing to help his cause with respect to the Rams.

As for Weaver, I know there's some interest by the Rams, but again, my sense is they are looking more for a hammer type FB than a blocker/runner-receiver.

dodgersrf: Hi Jim,

Any feedback on what Bulger thinks of the Rams new direction on offense? I think he will do very well with more time to throw and less time needed to throw.

Jim Thomas: Don't have any insight on Bulger. But there's a minicamp coming up in a month _ with a new head coach, the Rams get an extra one _ and we'll try to talk with him then.

ramerhead8696: Hey JT GREAT JOB you sure get me thru.

2 questions

1)If butler does sign is a fullback our next priority?

2)I heard on 101 ESPN that Oakland is interested in Pace. Wouldn't it be smarter to keep him and get what you can for Holt?

Thanks yor awsome

Jim Thomas: 1.) I don't know what the next priority is for the Rams after Butler. A lot of the known "secondary wave" guys that the Rams had at least some interest in already have signed WRs Washington (to Titans) and B. Jones (to SF); DTs Cole (to Seattle) and Fields (to Denver). A lot of the RBs are gone (Arrington, Ward, Buchhalter, Taylor, Morris).

The Rams have talked to TE Bajema of SF but he's visiting the Jets today.

2.) I have been unable to confirm any Raiders interest in Pace. Myself, I'd like to see both players stay with the Rams with some kind of restructured deals. But it sure doesn't look like it.

beast39: JT,

You have said before that the Rams are interested in free agent fb Leonard Weavor. I know he scheduled a visit with the Saints. Do you know if the Rams are planning to have Weavor visit St. Louis?

Jim Thomas: As I mentioned in my blog last night, the visit to New Orleans never took place. Weaver's agent just happens to be St. Louisan Leonard Weaver, who would love to have him with the Rams. We'll see. As of now there are no trips planned by Weaver anywhere.

desousa209: Hey Jim

Great Job this offseason. Thanks for keeping us filled in. My questions:

1. Do you think Butler will be wearing blue and gold?

2. How do you grade the Offseason moves so far?

3. Who do you think the Rams draft Crabtree, Curry, or Monroe in the 1st round?

4. Who do you like best of those three players and why?

Thanks

M. DeSousa

Jim Thomas: 1.) 60-40

2.) B+, but it's still early

3.) Gun to my head now, I say Monroe.

4.) Curry, I think he's the best prospect of the three, particularly with Crabtree's stress fracture.

ravenzevenflow: Hey Jim, with TJ Housamazilly signing with Seattle and how far could Crabtree drop in the draft?

Jim Thomas: Depending on how his surgery goes, and it's a wise move to get it done now, I don't think he drops out of the top 10.

COGzilla: Any word on leonard weaver?Hope they still have interest...could fill the blocking back role as well asa a big back #2 to jax.

Corners-Great we have bartell, but now what?Any interest in bringing back craft or manning jr?Do you think King will realistically battle for the second corner spot?

Jim Thomas: See earlier answers on Weaver.

No doubt corner is still a thin position even with Bartell back.

I think there's some interest in bringing back Craft first, and then Manning Jr. failing that.

I think it would be very optimistic to think King could compete for a second corner spot. He had 2 good weeks of training camp, that's it, before his season-ending foot injury.

4thandJuan: Hi Jim,

What was up with Spagnuolo calling up Derrick Ward? Seems like nothing came of it. Was Spags acting on his own, without Devaney and Demoff necessarily on board?

Jim Thomas: I'm sure the Devaney and Demoff knew that Spags was calling him. They all seem to be on the same page. Nothing ever came of it because I'm sure Ward wanted to go somewhere where he had a better chance of being the starter or at least sharing the workload. And even in these times, the price was kind of high for a No. 2 or even a No. 1A (more than $4 million per year).

Memphis Ram: 1) How much salary cap space is there left for the Rams after the Brown and Bartell deals?

2) Was Greco ever given a legit shot at RT last year or did the Rams see his 33" arm span and automatically label him a guard?

3) When do OTAs start?

Thanks for you time.

Jim Thomas: 1.) Don't know, but I'll find out.

2.) Not really. They just didn't think he looked quick enough on the edge during drills.

3.) Offseason conditioning program (weight lifting, running, etc.) starts March 16, or in less than 2 weeks. First minicamp is in early April. OTAs (the "lighter" practices known as organized team activities don't start until May.)

jon in kentucky: Do the rams have interest in Brian Robiskie, if not what other reciever do you see possible for the rams to draft?

Jim Thomas: Don't know, I don't have a read on the receivers at this point (in terms of Rams interest) other than the big 2 _ Crabtree and Maclin.

Billy Bob: Do you think Barron would be an effective blocker if he was moved to right guard - similar to what Dallas did with Leonard Davis? It would seem to me that he would likely cut down on the false starts if he was moved inside. In addition, if the Rams drafted a tackle at the #2 slot, and started him at right tackle, that would be a good-sized offensive line to run behind.

Jim Thomas: I don't see Barron as being bulky enough or powerful enough to play guard. Obviously Davis is a massive guy, which I think made the switch easier.

Will: Hello Jim,

1. Minus the penalty issues how would you rank Alex Barron's durability and pass/run blocking?

2. If Barron could correct his penalty problems would be be a good replacement at left-tackle when Orlando Pace rides off into the sunset and into Canton?

3. Do you think Andre Smith could drop into the Ram's arms in the second round? He never missed a game as a starter for Alabama and is considered to be brutal in the run game.

4. If Andre Smith could be picked up in the second round and Barron's penalty issues got resolved how would a future line of Barron, Bell, Brown, Incognito, Smith look on paper in respects to talent, toughness and durability.

5. Is there a high percentile chance that if Aaron Curry, another 3 year starter who did not miss a game due to injury, is there at number two we draft him-period.

Thank you for taking our questions, have a good week-Will.

Jim Thomas: 1.) I'd rate Barron high on durability and toughness. He's a better pass blocker than a run blocker, although he remains susceptible to the bull rush.

2.) I think Barron could be a decent LT. He did fairly well there in '07 replacing the injured Pace.

3.) I don't think the Rams touch Smith no matter how far he drops, although I don't think he gets to the second run. A. Smith is considered a punishing run blocker, though.

4.) I'll skip this because I don't think it's going to happen.

5.) I think he's a serious candidate, but I think OT is in play as well, and maybe WR (Crabtree, if surgery goes well) or DT (Raji).

True_STL_Gangster: The more I look at Pace's cap number ($6 million), the more I feel they are going to keep him. An above avg./good LT for one more year at $6 mil does not sound so bad (Holt IMO is gone). If the Rams elect to keep Pace, does it look like Aaron Curry is the pick at #2? As of now, what is the Rams' status with the pick? How do Holt and Pace affect the Rams draft strategy?

Thanks, Jim.

Jim Thomas: Obviously, a roster without Pace and Holt means the Rams have big needs at both positions. But what happens in the rest of free agency between now and the draft affects the picture too. If the Rams don't have Pace, and don't sign a tackle in free agency, obviously that greatly increases the probability that the team takes a tackle at No. 2 overall.

scott: Hi Jim

How would you rate Butler?

thanks

Jim Thomas: Good, not great, but certainly an upgrade over Chavous. A young ascending player who knows the defense, and who could be a steadying influence on the back seven.

Columbia_Man: Can you remember any other franchise completely turning itself around in such a short period of time?

Jim Thomas: It's pretty rare, almost unheard of, when you consider new ownership, new front office, new coaching staff, and what figures to be a lot of roster changes. But something similar is going on in KC right now, as well.

riverumbbq: Curry or Jason Smith ?

Have the Ram's targeted a back-up QB ?

Thanks.

Jim Thomas: Don't forget Monroe.

As for backup QB, I'm not sure. Who knows, maybe Garcia even gets back in the picture later on down the line, once the market settles down.

siusalukis101: what are the chances at pursuing jason taylor?

Jim Thomas: It sure seems like the Rams are going after younger players, rather than players who are closer to the end of their careers. So I'd say doubtful at this point. But who knows? This is a knew regime, and obviously I'm still getting to know them.

Rich: Good morning Jim,

Even though the Rams managed to reel in Bartell, do you see them going after another veteran CB?

I can't see the new regime banking on either Tye Hill making a rebound or Wade suddenly morphing into a reliable corner. Not to mention who knows how Justin King is going to turn out.

I figure they would be looking bringing in a guy like Jason Craft - at the very least he could give some competition for the other starting job.

Thanks again for these chats.

Jim Thomas: I don't think it's a great year for corners in the draft. I'd say it's possible after the market dies down some that they could go after someone.

rbc1: Considering how the offseason has gone, and where it is heading.... what do you see the Rams doing Draft day with the 2nd overall pick? OT? LB? WR?

Jim Thomas: It's still too early to tell. Let's wait and see how more of the free agency period shakes out.

Rams Fan In China: JT,

Thanks for continuing these chats during the offseason. My question has to do with NFL overtime. It seems that there has been some chatter the last few months about the NFL reviewing sudden death overtime. All the proposals I've heard seem way too complicated, i.e. a system like the NCAA where each team gets the ball in the red zone, or the overtime ending with the first team to score a touchdown, etc.

I'm kind of a purist, and I don't like the idea of changing the fundamental way the game is played for overtime. How about this instead: No more overtimes in regular season NFL games. Regular season games that are tied at the end of regulation end as a tie. During the playoffs, the overtime period is not sudden death, and games that are tied at the end of overtime continue with full overtime periods until a period ends with one team ahead.

I think this is reasonable, without resorting to some kind of convoluted changing of the rules just for overtime (exhibit A= the NHL). The player's association will like it because the players will play fewer total minutes if there is no regular season overtime. The NFL will like it because overtime playoff games will be instantly memorable (just imagine the NFL films narration of a six quarter playoff game!) TV networks will like it because they won't have overtimes cutting up their evening programming schedule. Ties during the regular season have the added bonus of making the playoff picture more interesting (just ask the Eagles).

What do you think?

Jim Thomas: I'd like to see the current system, with just one tweak. If the team that receives the kickoff scores on the first possession of OT, the other team gets one possession to try to score. Call it "nearly sudden death" OT.

I don't see why you should be penalized for losing the coin toss.

I suspect this will once again be a topic of discussion at the NFL owners meetings at the end of this month.

scott-duncan3008: I notice we are interested in another TE. I thought Fells was outstanding last year. Great hands and yardage after the catch, fairly fast. Why does he not get the "love" of the coaching staff? He seems like he could be a star in the making.

Also, who do you think has the edge so far in being our kick and punt returner and did we retain our special teams coach from last year? Why fix something or one of the only things that was not broken? I thought they showed huge improvement last year.

Jim Thomas: Fells showed some potential, no doubt, particularly as a pass catcher. But he was still very raw. And I would say only marginal as a blocker.

I think it's too early to know for sure on return men.

And although Al Roberts was a fine gentleman I don't think the special teams were very good last year. They ranked 22nd in punt coverage, 32nd in kickoff coverage; 21st in punt returns and 22nd in kickoff returns.

Dell: Couple of questions - As far as a back up QB shouldn't the RAMS being go after Leftwich? He still is a good QB and can provide the Rams with some insurance just incase Bulger isn't playing upto quality level. Leftwich could step in or atleast push Bulger to perform better.

Also has the new coach spoken to Holt or Pace? With all the rumors about dropping them, can't both sides come to some kind of agreement to restructure there contracts. You would think that these two guys are more concerned with winning than money, if they are paying attention to all of the improvements that the Rams organization is trying to do. What's the chances that we keep atleast one of these guys? I'll admit its hard to get a good LT so they may have to pay Pace what he wants, but Holt really should restructure his contract to benefit the Rams so they can get him some help. If neither one of these guys don't do this, they have lost my respect as a fan.

Jim Thomas: Don't know about any interest in Leftwich.

I'm not aware that Spags has talked to Holt and/or Pace, but I'm not sure he's talked to many players yet.

I still think both players are gone. But with the cap unexpectedly going up $4 million two days before the start of free agency, I think the Rams could afford to keep one of the two.

mike barttelbort: 1. Will Claude Wroten be in camp with the Rams?

2. I like Leroy Hill better then Piso, would we be better off?

3. I am leaning towards Curry in the First, Andre Smith may make himself available in round 2 the way he is dropping,

4. I think the Rams will take Chase Daniels in the 5th if he's still there.

Jim Thomas: 1.) Don't hold your breath.

2.) Hill was franchised.

3.) Right now, I'd say it's Curry or an OT.

4.) Don't hold your breath.

Franklin: Oh Jim,

What are the job prospects like for Brett Romberg and Nick Leckey? Assuming that we won't hear Romberg's "Big Ugly" radio report on local stations this coming fall?

It's me,

Franklin!

Jim Thomas: I think Leckey and Romberg possible could be backups somewhere. Who knows, maybe one of them re-signs here as a low-contract backup.

Todd from Michigan: Hi Jim and great job with the free agency news, and thank you.

Jim I was wondering about the FB position I know you said some were devided on Weaver but is there any interest in Jon Kuhn from Green Bay. I know Weaver is the better runner and reciever but I think Kuhn is the better lead blocker and is that what the Rams are looking for.

Jim Thomas: Kuhn is restricted, although there is no draft pick compensation if the Packers choose not to match. Normally teams wait until later in the free agency period to make a move on RFAs. So we'll see.

Todd from Michigan: Hi Jim very happy and lucky to have you as our beat writer. So thank you.

Jim any interest in WR Michael Jenkins from Atlanta.

Jim Thomas: I though Jenkins re-signed with Falcons last November, I believe.

Cards4520: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

1.) How would you rate (on a grading scale) our secondary if were to sign Butler? If we draft Curry, (also we get Butler) how would you rate our defense as a whole?

2.) Who are they looking to fill the Fullback position? (hopefully not Brian Leonard)

3.) Do Pace or Holt even want to stay here for the tranistional phase?

Jim Thomas: 1.) I'd say C+. They need another corner. Or two.

1A.) I'd say B- (this is assuming Butler signs as well). They need another corner or two, plus a run-stuffing DT.

2.) I've mentioned Weaver, Evans, and T. Smith. But Corey McIntyre (Buffalo) is another possibility.

3.) That's debatable. We all know Holt wasn't very happy last season.

cardsnumber7: Hi Jim,

Could you please predict our starting Oline for this season? with or without Pace?

Where does Greco fit into all this?

Thanks

Todd W.

Jim Thomas: Sorry, it's just too early to tell.

Superram13: Jim, What are the chances the Rams could surprise everyone and grab Malcomb Jenkins with their first pick?

Jim Thomas: Well, he ran a very slow time (for a corner) at the Combine, and I don't think you take a safety that high unless you think he's the next Ronnie Lott.

safaribill: Any chance Rams trade Holt to Giants for a D Lineman?

Jim Thomas: Hmmm. The Giants do seem to have a bunch of them, don't they?

gnykin2: JT, your blogs are music to my eyes. Love the constant heads up. Any chance Jacob Bell turns into the above-avg guard we though we were getting, or do the people at Rams park (yourself included) think that is probably wishful thinking? I think he does need to add a little weight.

Jim Thomas: I think it's way too early to call him a bust. The coaches feel he played better down the stretch.

Paul: Jim,

Anything new on James Butler? Are Rams still talking with him or his reps?

Would Leonard Weaver be a good fit for the Rams?

Jim Thomas: No news on Butler. But they're still talking. I'm going to get off this chat now, so I can make some phone calls. I do think Weaver would be a good fit, an excellent fit, but I don't get a vote at Rams Park.

Tons of questions today. I answered as many as I could. See you next time.

 

[lyon812]

Thanks for the transcript.

I'm still sold on OT at #2. Though the thought of Curry is enticing from a love-the-talent perspective, I'd rather they aim for a Laurinitis in 2. If he lasts that long. =p I suspect Maualuga won't last that long, though. That being said, I'm weak in my knowledge of MLB prospects. Who would you find as a good fit if those two aren't around?

 

[Bob Magaw]

Thanks for the transcript.I'm still sold on OT at #2. Though the thought of Curry is enticing from a love-the-talent perspective, I'd rather they aim for a Laurinitis in 2. If he lasts that long. =p I suspect Maualuga won't last that long, though. That being said, I'm weak in my knowledge of MLB prospects. Who would you find as a good fit if those two aren't around?

the two top MLB prospect exhaust my knowledge at this early point in the pre-draft process... should be interesting to see the draft publications, which are reportedly just hitting the news stands...assuming for our purposes here they were to take LT with the 1st, and didn't like the remaining MLB prospects, WR definitely a need position (especially if holt is traded/released due to refusing to restructure), though not sure if possible "bigger" WR targets, which would fit given the stature of avery/burton, such as nicks, britt or robiskie, will be at the 2.3... possibly none of them? i think i mentioned somewhere upthread, though, that given our WRs are so young (avery/burton both just second year players, & further raw & inexperienced as they didn't turn in full seasons in 2008 due to injuries), a vet or two would be ideal... the problem is, some of the WRs i think STL had their eyes on, like nate washington (TEN) & brandon jones (SF), already signed elsewhere... oh well, i think most rams observers, & for that matter the informed league followers at large, would advocate patience & realize the rams have far too many holes, after years of bungled drafting & free agency moves, to fix everything in one offseason... but we are off to a great start, in terms of the free agency signings so far, & rams fans have to be excited by the vision & ability to execute it by the front office/coaching staff on display so far, in the early going...MIA & ATL weren't expected to do much in 2008, so the moral there could be there is hope based on recent precedent that turnarounds can come about far faster than expected with the right leadership... also, if they don't get butler (though it sounds promising that they may have the inside track, but the poston's are notorious for not signing deals quickly), SS a glaring hole with chavous being cut & nobody on the roster currently who could slide in... i heard they like patrick chung, but not sure if he would be worth the 2.03, & i doubt he lasts to 3.02...i'm with you... getting a LT makes too much sense... it isn't the sexiest pick, but it may be the smart play... but the prospect of curry in the middle of our defense for the next decade makes me drool...i'm starting to think that the top 4-5 players are pretty good & evenly matched, & since the rams roster has holes all over the place, we will get a good/great, approx. same BPA player to fill approx. same desperately-needed-filling hole no matter which direction we turn to... whoever we get should make the team better, just in different ways, so its possible that we can't go wrong no matter what, which is reassuring... i'm slightly emphasizing/prioritizing the LT because i know how near irreplaceable the good ones are, in a roster architecting sense, but i recognize curry & possibly crabtree could be special prospects...another factor influencing my leaning towards LT... i can think of multiple examples of teams succeeding at high levels that didn't have expensive/high pedigree WR/LB positional groups (NE before moss & mayo & PHI spring immediately to mind, in recent history), but its hard to think of team with a lousy OL being competitive... i'm fired up by the jason brown signing, but based on last year, the OL is still in need of rebuilding & an infusion of talent, & pace is in the twilight of his career, & could be gone soon...

 

[Bob Magaw]

some scouting profiles & video highlights of some of the top rams targets at 1.2...

eugene monroe...

nfl draft countdown scouting profile

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingrepo...gene-Monroe.php

youtube highlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qna40zT5FVk

aaron curry...

nfl draft countdown scouting profile

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingrepo...Aaron-Curry.php

youtube highlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEwCf7huMgs...feature=related

michael crabtree...

nfl draft countdown scouting profile

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingrepo...el-Crabtree.php

youtube highlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ySmg1f8ZSM...feature=related

initial impressions & general observations of the highlights...

monroe - nice to see him against USC as far as level of competition... i liked what i saw, other than a few mistakes... as advertised, very athletic & light on his feet, fairly well schooled... a knee bender, definitely not a stiff... better at pass blocking, more of a directional than a drive blocker in the run game... i haven't scouted jake long much, but those who claimed he won't be mistaken for joe thomas are right...

curry - wow... WOW!!! this was the guy that really roared off the screen... not saying we shouldn't take monroe, but if we pass, somebody else might be getting a serial pro bowler, & possibly the next ray lewis... the complete package... great instincts... shockingly FAST with proverbial sideline-to-sideline range... EXPLOSIVENESS really stands out on film... finds the ball carrier, always around the ball, good at avoiding blocks, great balance & stays on his feet... barbaric, medieval striker, people invariably go backwards when he makes contact... BLOWS... THEM... UP (curry is a BAD man... a patient pigskin professor who tirelessly instructs dense ball carriers with continuous object lessons in applied physics... 254 lbs. + 4.54 40 = OUCH)... yet plays under control... disciplined & rarely out of position (well, these were the HIGHlights, not the lowlights package... )... plays with great field awareness & football smarts, i was impressed with one sequence where he was not fooled by misdirection & made the play... looks fluid in coverage, can stay with receivers downfield... didn't see him blitz much, but was terrifying when given the chance... ZERO doubt in my mind he could add this to his arsenal & repertoire if given the chance... imo, not a difficult or controversial projection to MLB, looks like he can do it all... elite, superb conditioning, never seems to change speed (MAXIMUM!), no matter what time of the game it is... will give your thesaurus a workout trying to come up with creative superlatives & descriptive terms worthy of the physical tools, athleticism, talent & overall skill set of this prodigy & phenom... more torn than ever between monroe & curry, the gap is nearly closed & the picks are virtually indistinguishable... if we opt away from LT, i like him even better than crabtree... only LBs with the rarest talent should be taken here... curry falls into this category... legit candidate as the #1 overall prospect in the draft, wouldn't fault DET for taking him (i definitely would over stafford, a no brainer), though, like us, they could be powerfully drawn to the LTs... also, after seeing him on path to the draft, liked the fact that his "models" who he patterned his game after were the original LT & **** butkus... nice role models! was also impressive, and oozed charisma while being interviewed briefly by paul burmeister at the combine... if we don't go LT, i can't imagine being any more sold on this guy...

crabtree - outstanding hands & RAC ability... tough to get a read based on the highlight package, as there are so many bubble screens, which doesn't give a great window into his route running chops (& don't think he can get away with that as much as a pro)... the little i saw, he flashed nice quickness... one concern is that against texas (presumably one of his better opponents), he didn't get a lot of separation (but he did haul in the receptions with only the tiniest window... big body, adept at positioning, coming back to the ball, strong hands, great concentration, outstanding competitiveness, might have a steve smith-like attitude... the ball is HIS when it is in the air & contested)... it will only get harder in the NFL... boldin does appear to be a reasonable comp player, and crabtree might be even faster & more fluid through his (occasional) routes, & boldin is a super star, so seemingly his physical tools, skill set & overall game should translate to the next level... while he definitely isn't andre or calvin johnson in terms of speed (nearly all WRs would suffer with that harsh size/speed comparison), or even the slower fitzgerald, he wouldn't need to be in order to become a difference maker for the rams... not imo as elite of a physical specimen & athlete at his respective position as curry... but if we decide we need offense more than defense (not sure what possible basis we would come to THAT conclusion, though, but just in case... a better rationale might be that its harder to get good WRs than good LBs, but is that even true... boldin went in the 2nd, in recent years, defensive rookies of the year willis & mayo went around top 10), i do like him a lot & would be thrilled to get him...

 

[lyon812]

Thanks for the transcript.I'm still sold on OT at #2. Though the thought of Curry is enticing from a love-the-talent perspective, I'd rather they aim for a Laurinitis in 2. If he lasts that long. =p I suspect Maualuga won't last that long, though. That being said, I'm weak in my knowledge of MLB prospects. Who would you find as a good fit if those two aren't around?

the two top MLB prospect exhaust my knowledge at this early point in the pre-draft process... should be interesting to see the draft publications, which are reportedly just hitting the news stands...assuming for our purposes here they were to take LT with the 1st, and didn't like the remaining MLB prospects, WR definitely a need position (especially if holt is traded/released due to refusing to restructure), though not sure if possible "bigger" WR targets, which would fit given the stature of avery/burton, such as nicks, britt or robiskie, will be at the 2.3... possibly none of them? i think i mentioned somewhere upthread, though, that given our WRs are so young (avery/burton both just second year players, & further raw & inexperienced as they didn't turn in full seasons in 2008 due to injuries), a vet or two would be ideal... the problem is, some of the WRs i think STL had their eyes on, like nate washington (TEN) & brandon jones (SF), already signed elsewhere... oh well, i think most rams observers, & for that matter the informed league followers at large, would advocate patience & realize the rams have far too many holes, after years of bungled drafting & free agency moves, to fix everything in one offseason... but we are off to a great start, in terms of the free agency signings so far, & rams fans have to be excited by the vision & ability to execute it by the front office/coaching staff on display so far, in the early going...MIA & ATL weren't expected to do much in 2008, so the moral there could be there is hope based on recent precedent that turnarounds can come about far faster than expected with the right leadership... also, if they don't get butler (though it sounds promising that they may have the inside track, but the poston's are notorious for not signing deals quickly), SS a glaring hole with chavous being cut & nobody on the roster currently who could slide in... i heard they like patrick chung, but not sure if he would be worth the 2.03, & i doubt he lasts to 3.02...i'm with you... getting a LT makes too much sense... it isn't the sexiest pick, but it may be the smart play... but the prospect of curry in the middle of our defense for the next decade makes me drool...i'm starting to think that the top 4-5 players are pretty good & evenly matched, & since the rams roster has holes all over the place, we will get a good/great, approx. same BPA player to fill approx. same desperately-needed-filling hole no matter which direction we return... whoever we get should make the team better, just in different ways, so its possible that we can't go wrong no matter what, which is reassuring... i'm slightly emphasizing/prioritizing the LT because i know how near irreplaceable the good ones are, in a roster architecting sense, but i recognize curry & possibly crabtree could be special prospects...another factor influencing my leaning towards LT... i can think of multiple examples of teams succeeding at high levels that didn't have expensive/high pedigree WR/LB positional groups (NE before moss & mayo & PHI spring immediately to mind, in recent history), but its hard to think of team with a lousy OL being competitive... i'm fired up by the jason brown signing, but based on last year, the OL is still in need of rebuilding & an infusion of talent, & pace is in the twilight of his career, & could be gone soon...

Yeah, Curry's a flippin' beast, and I agree that the top players are fairly evenly matched. I don't think we'll go wrong. Like you say in your last paragraph though, I just find success predicated on the OL. There are so many "need" positions that it's crazy. We need a better LB. We need a CB opposite Bartell. We need a safety. We need a DT. I'm waiting anxiously to hear good news about Butler signing. It would fill a major hole and give us much more flexibility in the draft. I think we have a good shot with Spags and Bartell advocating for us. What I'm most afraid of is who they'd go after if he didn't sign. Anyway, providing we get Butler, I think that makes our draft priorities OL-LB-CB-DT. Even though we need a WR, going into the draft, I think the Rams are like, ok, we drafted young receivers last year, they showed promise. Since the FA WRs have been snapped up, I think they stick with Holt or sign a cheap veteran (ala McDonald, Engram, Toomer) as acceptable roster filler until next year--and they can mentor Avery/Burton. I know there's been talk of signing another CB beyond Bartell/Butler. Still, I think we have offensive talent that needs to either mature or rebound. However, we severely lack defensive talent, which is why I think we focus on it in the draft.

 

[•TheRealMcCoy]

thanks for the updates Bob!! Keepem coming.

A side note,

If the Rams are looking for a 3rd down RB and a backup for SJ, why not try to ink J.J. Arrington of Arz?? The deal with Denver has fallen apart(for reasons I am unsure of)! Arrington is a great return man(Stanley coming back from injury, so hole there) and an above avg. 3rd down/backup RB? Just seems to make sense to me?? Pittman and Leonard have FAR from impressed me?? Even as a backup??

 

[Bob Magaw]

thanks for the updates Bob!! Keepem coming.A side note,If the Rams are looking for a 3rd down RB and a backup for SJ, why not try to ink J.J. Arrington of Arz?? The deal with Denver has fallen apart(for reasons I am unsure of)! Arrington is a great return man(Stanley coming back from injury, so hole there) and an above avg. 3rd down/backup RB? Just seems to make sense to me?? Pittman and Leonard have FAR from impressed me?? Even as a backup??

good point on the need for a competent backup RB...because they have steven jackson as a starter, it may not seem like as pressing a need (for example, you need one starting RB & they have one... they need three starting LBs, & maybe have one)... but jackson has a history of being dinged (holding out during training camp & reporting late couldn't have helped last season)... this is becoming a two RB league... in fact, spagnuolo's previous stop used THREE RBs liberally... & the days of the GSOT are over, spags has talked about wanting to make the run game the focal point of the offense (new OC shurmur came from PHI, where they pass disproportionately, so it will be interesting to see how that shakes out), so it is even more imperative to upgrade at the position... i think spags reportedly called ward, but i doubt if anybody realized what a monster contract he would command from TB (especially given that he is 29-30?)...not to bash minor & pittman, but it seemed like there was a huge dropoff when jackson was out of the lineup... just another example of almost criminal negligence by previous regimes in allowing the overall roster to become depleted in talent & depth at multiple position groups... JT had a nice list of avail RBs left which i'll try & run down & edit/add in below... they may be waiting for the market to calm down so they can take advantage of some bargain shopping (which would be a smart move as long as things don't get TOO picked over, and this front office/coaching staff seems to be smarter than the ones immediately preceding... which wouldn't be too hard... )...the draft could also be an option, by itself or in conjunction with free agency... imo, we won't see a high pick spent there (like the 2nd or 3rd), but you are right, it is a big hole that needs to be addressed... could be another case that with so many holes, even with the combined additions in the 2009 free agency & draft, doubtful we can fill all of them... we almost have to be better in 2009, but this looks like a several year rebuild, if not complete teardown from the ground up...probably biggest holes...LT (favorite at 1.2 - monroe, otherwise might try & use their 2nd pick here on a RT, flip barron to LT, speculated by JT)MLB (could be 1.2 - curry, maybe lauranaitis if he drops to 2nd)SS (hopefully butler in FA, otherwise maybe patrick chung in draft?)WR (maybe big WR in draft, like nicks, britt or robiskie, though not sure they drop to 2nd... they really need vet)also said to be looking for FB, blocking TE, rotational DT, backup RB, SLB, maybe developmental QB, & other than long & the marginal talent adeyanju, little & hall are pretty old at DE...

 

[Bob Magaw]

JT has a good recent list of what is left at different positions that might be of interest to the rams, after the initial flurry of free agent activity in the opening salvo week...

excerpted, the business part of below article relating to available RBs...

"...still some options: Tatum Bell, DeShaun Foster, Rudi Johnson, Kevin Jones, Lamont Jordan, Deuce McAllister, Michael Pittman and Dominic Rhodes are all looking for work."

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/st...F1?OpenDocument

NFL Free Agent Market Slows Down

By Jim Thomas

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

03/04/2009

Now that cornerback Ron Bartell has decided to return to St. Louis, agreeing to a four-year deal, the Rams are two-thirds of the way along in their Killer Bs strategy to open free agency.

Baltimore center Jason Brown signed with the team on Saturday. Bartell agreed on Monday. And James Butler ... ?

Call Butler a work in progress. Talks continue with Kevin and Carl Poston, the agents for Butler, the safety from the New York Giants. Butler has gotten nibbles from the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers but so far has taken no trips.

The Rams remain optimistic they can get a deal done with Butler in what has been a soft safety market so far. On Tuesday, Baltimore safety Jim Leonhard agreed to terms with the New York Jets, but it was for a modest $2 million a year — $6 million over three years.

While Rams executive vice president Kevin Demoff continues to work on the Butler deal, the Rams also were working on the next phase of their free-agent plan, the "second wave" of free agency.

In theory, the market calms down after the first week or so of free agency, meaning players can be signed at more reasonable prices. Trouble is, many of the free agents who appeared to be on the Rams' radar have signed elsewhere.

At wide receiver, Pittsburgh's Nate Washington signed with Tennessee, and Tennessee's Brandon Jones signed with San Francisco. The Rams had talked to agents for both players and there was a time over the weekend when it appeared one or both would be visiting Rams Park.

Two New Orleans receivers could be possibilities for the Rams: deep threat Devery Henderson and restricted free agent Lance Moore. But Moore was tendered at a second-round level, and that's probably too steep a price for the Rams, since they obviously have a high second-round pick.

At defensive tackle, Green Bay's Colin Cole signed with Seattle and San Francisco's Ron Fields signed with Denver. It's believed the Rams had interest in both. It seems a certainty that the Rams would like to add another defensive tackle to the mix with Clifton Ryan and Adam Carriker.

At running back, the shelves are rapidly diminishing. Derrick Ward (Tampa Bay), Fred Taylor (New England), J.J. Arrington (Denver), Correll Buckhalter (Denver), Cedric Benson (Cincinnati), and Maurice Morris (Detroit) are all off the market.

But there are still some options: Tatum Bell, DeShaun Foster, Rudi Johnson, Kevin Jones, Lamont Jordan, Deuce McAllister, Michael Pittman and Dominic Rhodes are all looking for work.

At fullback, Tony Richardson (New York Jets) and Corey McIntyre (Buffalo) re-signed with their clubs, and Detroit's Moran Norris signed with San Francisco. But Heath Evans, Lorenzo Neal, Terrelle Smith and Leonard Weaver remain on the market.

The Rams are known to have at least some interest in Evans and Weaver but don't want to spend a ton of money at the position. Neal has had a great career, but at age 38 may not have much left.

League-wide, there hasn't been a lot of movement on the quarterback market so far. But two sources now have told the Post-Dispatch that the Rams aren't interested in Tampa Bay's Jeff Garcia as a potential No. 2 behind starter Marc Bulger. Quarterbacks such as Byron Leftwich, J.P. Losman, Kyle Boller and Chris Simms remain available.

The Rams also are exploring their options for a backup tight end. The team has talked about bringing in San Francisco's Billy Bajema for a role as a blocking tight end, but no visit has been set yet. Bajema visited the New York Jets on Tuesday.

And what about the all-important offensive tackle position? The best guys are gone. Jordan Gross re-signed with Carolina just before the start of free agency. Vernon Carey re-signed with Miami; Cincinnati's Stacey Andrews went to Philadelphia; and Jon Stinchcomb re-signed with New Orleans.

jthomas@post-dispatch.com

 

[•TheRealMcCoy]

Hold your breath STL fans!! This should FINALLY be an exciting/interesting off season!??

Another WR to keep in mind that is down the board some is Dillard (out of Rice I believe). He is a bit smaller, but GREAT hands and fights for the ball like a Steve Smith(Car)!! Maybe could be had in 3rd rd?

Also, on a side note, still many backup capable RBs left(too many to note). So a bit overly excited on the JJ Arrington post. Sorry.

Many holes to fill still Rams! Keep it up.

 

[Bob Magaw]

nick's mailbag (3/4)...

somewhat repetitive Q & A session... a recurring theme that seems to keep getting hammered on, though curry (& to a lesser extent crabtree) are by no means "out of the mix" for the 1.2 pick, at this time, things seem to be trending towards a LT... should come down to monroe or jason smith... not certain who they would pick if both were available (DET takes stafford, for instance), other than i thought JT suggested a preference for monroe... but he also noted that smith has his advocates & proponents in the building...

fun to see him gently chastise the impatient fans who think the rams haven't done enough in free agancy so far (HUH! )

http://www.ramsrule.com/theoriginalherd/dc...51592&page=

Nick’s Mailbag – March 4

Bob Cuba

Nick,

One draft and one non-draft question.

1. Why is Crabtree considered above Maclin in the draft? JMac offers more--return man and WR--than Crabtree, and JMac is faster. Crabtree is an inch taller, but so what. It's not like he is 6' 4".

2. Enjoyed your explanation about strong side LB vs. weak side LB. What is the difference between strong safety and free safety? Do they require different skills?

Thanks.

NW: 1. In a word, production. Crabtree pieced together two of the greatest receiving seasons in college football history and has the hands and intelligence to do that at the NFL level. I like Maclin a lot, too and he is faster but people still wonder how he fits as a pure receiver. I think you could make a good case that the pair is closer than some believe, though.

2. Funny you should ask that because it depends on who you ask. Some teams don’t even use strong and free safety designations, some use left and right safeties and use them interchangeably (this is mostly done in Cover 2 defenses where safeties are asked to split the field in half). To answer your question, though, a strong safety is generally the guy who is supposed to be the bigger of the two. In most cases, when you hear about “hard hitting safeties,” it’s usually the strong safety. The strong safety’s responsibilities are similar to the strong side or SAM linebacker. He lines up on the strong side, where the tight end usually lines up. Often times, the strong safety is asked to cover the tight end in passing situations. He also is regularly asked to cover fullbacks or running backs on passing downs. Against the run, the strong safety is normally asked to play closer to the line of scrimmage and when you hear the term “eight men in the box” for teams trying to stop the run, the strong safety is almost always that eighth man (the four DL, plus three LBs and the SS).

The free safety has a bit more freedom to roam the secondary and make plays. His job is more of a read and react type of responsibility and the best free safeties are widely known for their ability to diagnose plays. Playing deep in coverage is the main job of a free safety and when teams run play action passes, it’s usually with the idea of freezing the free safety to open up a potential deep pass one on one on the outside.

Sean Smith

Has there been any interest shown from the Rams in Khalif Barnes from the Jaguars. At 6'5", 325lbs. and only having been in the league for 4 years, and he is an UFA. It seems that this is a tackle the Rams should go after. Makes the line bigger, makes the line stronger, makes the line better. It seems to me that there are just too many "ifs" surrounding each tackles coming out in the draft. Sure there are several good prospects in the draft, but none that are worth the number 2 selection. Maturity issues, footwork and experience, strength and size for others. It just doesn't make me sure of any of them the way you could be sure when we got Pace several years ago in the draft or even Long to Miami last year was a solid tackle in many ways. I think the way to go is taking one of the several young and already experienced and solid tackles that are out in free agency. Then take Curry with the number 2 selection, a much safer pick and make the D so much stronger. What do you think? Always enjoy reading your thoughts, thanks for the answers!

NW: The Rams do not have much interest in Barnes. He was a guy that was sort of in consideration when the team drafted Alex Barron but he’s had some off the field issues and has been inconsistent on the field. There’s almost no chance the Rams make a run at him.

Eric Newton

Huge NC rams fan, if Hakeem Nicks were to make it to the 2nd round would the rams bite? Watched him his entire career at UNC and would bring a physical WR replacing Bennett!

NW: He’d certainly be a tempting option in round two, though I strongly suspect he’ll be gone before the Rams come back on the clock.

Joe

Nick, how far do you think James Laurinaitis could fall? Far enough for the Rams in round two? What about Clay Matthews? Also, do you see Zack Follett from Cal being a good sleeper at linebacker? What are your feelings on him?

NW: I definitely am starting to believe Laurinaitis could fall to round two. If the Rams take a tackle in round one, he could be awfully appealing there. I think Matthews has moved up enough to land in the latter stages of round one. Follett is more of an outside ‘backer and I’m told he’s very good at shedding blocks and coming up with the big hit but he is a bit inconsistent. Coverage is also a problem for him. Might be worth a flyer in the middle rounds.

Sean Smith

In your February 25, 2009 the last question was about former Rams draft pick Jeff Smoker from Michigan State. You said you were unaware of where he is currently and wanted to know if anyone knew where he is. I saw him with the Arena Football League in 2008. He was with Arizona Rattlers. Which is interesting given the question was is there any thought to bringing him back as the backup, especially now that Green has been released this becomes more interesting. But it is more interesting when you consider that many thought the reason Kurt Warner was so effective in 1999 was the fact that he was used to playing in the Arena league where you have to get rid of the ball quickly. Given the fact that we have such a horrible Offensive line, maybe an arena league Quarterback could be an option to deal with this. Ha-ha.

NW: Thanks for the update. Glad Smoke landed on his feet. He was a good guy who just didn’t have the decision making skills to be a NFL quarterback.

Todd K.

Hey there Nick,

I know you have touched this question before but Aaron Curry is tearing up the combine and the OT position is very DEEP. How serious are the Rams on Curry as their first pick and can you see them picking Curry in the 1st and an OT in the 2nd?

Thanks,

TK

NW: It’s a possibility but tackle seems to still be the top priority.

Chris Ferretti

The Rams have drafted a few corners over the past years specifically Wade and King. Where do these guys fit into the future of the Rams and do the Rams think they could become solid starters and improve the secondary?

NW: Hard to say on King, who was off to a good start before his foot injury. The Rams do have high hopes for him to rebound, though. Wade actually flashed some glimpses last year. It’s important to remember that Wade is still relatively new to the position after playing receiver at Tennessee for a couple years. Both figure into the mix but it remains to be seen how much they can contribute. As it stands, Ron Bartell and Tye Hill would be your likely opening day starters if the season began today.

Louis Rodney

What is the St. Louis Rams regular season schedule for 2009-2010?

NW: The schedule has not been released yet but it will be in the near future. We’ll have it here as soon as that information is available.

Joseph Devito

If the Rams select an offensive tackle with the second overall pick of the draft, will he actually sit on the bench behind Pace. It would seem to me that with the new coaching staff in place they would want to start turning things around immediately. Wouldn't it be more logical to draft a Pettigrew or Curry who could have an immediate impact and begin the teams return to respectability?

NW: Nope. A tackle picked second would start from day one, whether it’s on the left or right side would remain to be seen but there’s little chance he’d be on the bench. Steve Spagnuolo said at the combine that he wouldn’t want to put undue pressure on anyone drafted right away but it’s almost certain that whoever is drafted second will play from day one.

Nick

I read about you not being big on Pat White's performance in the Senior Bowl and thought he'd better move to receiver. Why is that? From my understandings, Pat White was the MVP of the senior bowl for playing his position, and I believe he'd be the end of the scrambling curse. Think Michael Vick, but he can pass accurately too.

NW: I wasn’t talking about the Senior Bowl game; I was talking about Senior Bowl week and the live practices. I had multiple scouts tell me that he simply doesn’t have what it takes to be a successful NFL quarterback and he’d need to move to be an effective NFL player. From what I saw, none of the quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl really had what it takes with the possible exception of Rhett Bomar and the occasional glimpse from Graham Harrell.

Jacob DeWilde

Hey Nick, do you know anything about last year's leading tackler in the NCAA Nathan Williams from Murray State ? He is a middle linebacker who has a great head for the game. I go to Murray State , so I got several chances to see him and he is always around the football. I just wanted to know if you know of him or if the Rams have any interest in him for the later rounds of the draft. He reminds me of Adam Archuleta. Thanks.

NW: Not familiar with him but next time I see a scout I’ll ask.

Longtime Fan

I don't see talent or depth at the cornerback position, but it does not seem to be on management's "radar". Everyone seems to be talking about other positions when it comes to FA. Do you see anyone out there that they might be interested in, or did you see any possibilities at the combine in terms of sleepers/late rounders? I am not a believer in hill, craft, or anyone else on the roster outside of OJ and Bartell. This should be a major priority as it looks like we go OT in round 1 and there is not enough talent or depth on our d-line to pressure QBs consistently. This puts even more pressure on our shaky CB's. Your thoughts?

NW: You make some valid points but the re-signing of Bartell was huge. I think the Rams are definitely looking to add another defensive back though it could come in the form of a veteran that has already been here such as Jason Craft. Bringing back Craft, re-signing Bartell and Atogwe and the potential addition of James Butler would improve you all the way across the back line. Craft played pretty well as a nickel and has some chops as a blitzer. Then, don’t be surprised if they add another DB at some point in the draft.

Grant Drakeford

Why don't the rams ever try to get a big name player in free agency? They sit and wait for the draft every year. They need a WR OR LB in free agency.

NW: They just signed the best offensive lineman available on the market and one of the two or three best cornerbacks re-upped on a long term deal. Most of the “big name” players never even hit the market and the few that do are usually there for a reason. You build a team through the draft and you supplement by making shrewd moves in free agency. Look at the teams that usually sign the flashy names in free agency and tell me how they’ve done. I’m talking teams like the Redskins or the Raiders. The results aren’t pretty.

Drew C

Hey Nick,

Why don't the Rams ever wear throwback jerseys like most other teams do every now and then? I think it would be awesome if they could wear the old yellow and blue jerseys or even the vintage blue and white. Are they not allowed to do this? Because I see every other team pretty much do it so I'm wondering if the Rams ever will?

NW: You’re in luck. The Rams will rock the blue and yellow uniforms of 1999 vintage to honor the 10-year anniversary of the Super Bowl squad a few times next season.

Jerry Bennett

Nick, what do you think of these three guys? Adam Goldberg, John Greco, and Roy Schuening what do think of any of these guys starting on the o-line next season.

NW: Goldberg is a free agent but I think the Rams would like to have him back for depth. Schuening has a ways to go to crack the lineup but I think some might be sleeping on Greco’s potential. He might not start right away next year but don’t be surprised if he’s in a dogfight for one of those guard spots. He’s got the makeup and potential to be a good one.

John T.

Hey Nick,

Now that we have Brown do you think the Rams will draft a defensive player or a wideout? Your thoughts? Thanks for the insight.

NW: Brown doesn’t play tackle so I think it still looks like it’s trending the direction of Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith. Again, a lot can change between now and then so nothing is set in stone. If it’s not going to be one of those tackles, Crabtree, Curry and maybe even Maclin are still in play.

Alex Bianchi

Nick do you think that Jason Brown is as good as he’s worth? I mean being the number 1 paid center in the league better come with some great play or else we just blew a bunch of money that we could have used on something else such as a defensive player.

NW: I absolutely think he was worth it. If this team wants to get bigger and be more physical and run the ball, this is a great place to start. And, based on listening to him talk on Saturday, he seems to perfectly fit the bill of everything Billy Devaney and Spagnuolo are trying to build here. If you want to sign big time players and you want to do it early in free agency, you have to be aggressive and willing to meet said player’s price.

Scott Hernandez

Hey Nick you are a great writer. I was wondering why every time I see the draft predictions on ESPN everyone with the exception of few keep putting the Rams with Andre Smith. Now I know none of the Mock Drafts have any reliability, but do you think the Rams are truly interested in taking him over Jason Smith? Don't get me wrong Andre is a great player, but I think he has shown us all how lazy and bad of a decision maker he can be. I have met Jason Smith personally and he is a great guy. He has great skill and he actually taught me very well. He has great leadership skills which is highly needed in our O-Line. I just wanted to know what you think will really happen. I just want to state my opinion Jason Smith is the guy to go with. Go Rams!!!

NW: I can tell you with absolute certainty that Andre Smith won’t be the team’s pick at No. 2 overall. If it’s going to be a tackle, it’s between Eugene Monroe and Jason Smith.

Dwayne Bass

Will the Ram's Draft party be held at Ram's Park or the Edward Jones Dome again this year? I like it a lot better when they have it at Ram's Park...

NW: I’m told that decision has not yet been made but it will be in the coming weeks.

Kenny Moore

Why does it seem that the Rams are content with what they have? This isn't a 9-7 team that narrowly missed the playoffs, and in need of a couple of players to get over the top. This is a team at the very bottom for the last two years.

NW: In what way does it seem the Rams are content with what they have? They have made a ton of changes to the front office and obviously the coaching staff. So because the Rams haven’t signed every free agent possible that means they are content? Take a deep breath, relax. Changes are coming but remember that prices drop as we get further into free agency. When this first wave of signings is through, there are good deals and more moves to be made and the Rams have already inked the best OL available and one of the top two or three CB’s re-signed.

Edward Adame

I love the signing of Jason (JW) Brown nice job rams; do you think that the rams will now concentrate on defense, especially LB Aaron Curry to help the defense, as well as Witherspoon, who could hopefully go back to OLB?

NW: Again, I’m not sure how signing a center would shift the focus away from drafting a tackle. Tackle remains one of, if not the, top need on this team. That doesn’t mean Curry is out of the mix, not by a long shot, but tackle is still a serious need.

Anthony Ortega

Hey Nick,

Since the Rams signed Jason Brown and possibly signing Giants safety James Butler, Are the rams going to still draft an offensive lineman for the second overall pick? And if not, what are the possibilities to draft Aaron Curry for the second overall pick and draft an offensive lineman in the second or third round of the draft?

NW: See above.

Richard Layne

Nick, with the signing of ex-Raven center Jason Brown as the new center for the Rams, who do you think will the Rams go after next with respect to its offensive and defensive units in upgrading the team involving free agency and the upcoming draft in late April?

NW: As it stands, Giants safety James Butler is still the top target. It looks like a very realistic possibility that a deal can get done with him. If that does indeed happen, the Rams will look to bring back some of their veteran free agents (guys like Goldberg and Craft) and then search for some other, cheaper options on the free agent market. Linebacker, tackle, defensive tackle, fullback, tight end, backup quarterback and running back remain as needs.

Joseph Devito

What is going on? Free agents are flying off the board like crazy. Trades are being made. The Rams big move was to sign a 6'3" center? (so much for getting bigger). This roster finished 2 and 14, and their focus is to bring back Victor Adeyanju. On top of all this they intend to draft a tackle with the second overall pick to wait behind Orlando Pace. Sounds like a recipe for 1 and 15.

NW: I really have no idea what you are talking about. First of all, how many centers in the league are taller than 6’3? The Rams wanted to get bigger, that doesn’t mean taller. This isn’t the NBA. Jason Brown is around 320 pounds, that’s about 30 pounds more than any center they trotted out last year. That’s getting bigger, much bigger. They re-signed their best cornerback in Bartell and they are still working to sign Butler . And oh by the way, we are a whole five days into free agency! If they draft a tackle, he won’t be waiting behind anyone. Chill out, take a deep breath, relax. Things are shaping up quite well so far. There’s a lot of work to be done but how anyone can take this attitude toward what’s happened so far is beyond me.

Ryan Miller

Hey Nick. I was just wondering why it is that the Rams have not made a move on a free agent linebacker? The Brown signing is a great signing in my opinion. Are there any other O-linemen that the Rams might sign, or are they going to wait until the draft? I know Butler left without a contract and can still be signed, but what do you think the odds are of that happening? And if we can’t get him, do the Rams have interest in any other safeties in free agency? Finally, do you think the Rams would have any interest in bringing in Derrick Brooks or Cato June? Are there any linebackers on the radar right now? Thanks for your time Nick.

NW: Let me try to address question by question. There are some linebacker options the team could pursue but none that are worthy of rushing to sign. Most would be for depth and potential starter pending on the draft (think Morlon Greenwood type). The Rams could look for a tackle or even a backup tackle in free agency but it’s fair to expect any additional linemen that don’t come through the draft to likely come from the group of the team’s own free agents (Goldberg, for example). I think there’s a very strong chance Butler signs here. No interest in Brooks or June. Both are weak side ‘backer types and neither really fits what the Rams are trying to do defensively.

SFC Soza

What’s up nick? I saw the Brown signing and am elated that they are trying to shore up that very bad O-line. My question is what do you feel the Rams priorities are for free agency?? Do they look for another wide out?? Maybe defensive tackle??? And are they willing to spend the money to get some better than average talent. I have always thought that the Rams are notorious bargain shoppers and haven't put their hearts and pocketbooks into getting some better than average talent at key positions (O-line, D-backs) what do you think??

NW: First, thanks for all you do for us.

I think the needs remain the same though you can now scratch off center and cornerback isn’t as severe of a need had you lost Bartell. Receiver, nose tackle, linebacker, fullback and depth at running back, quarterback and tight end are still needs. The Rams have already proved they are willing to spend what it takes in signing Brown and bringing back Bartell. It’s not worth it to spend just for the sake of spending. It’s about drafting and developing talent, retaining that talent and supplementing through free agency.

Rick Kuesport

I've been reading your mailbag for several weeks and there has been a lot of discussion on whether the Rams should go offense vs. defense with their fist pick. I believe, as many do, that championships are won with a strong defense. My reasoning is this: 1) you can take advantage of field position by making a team go three and out deep in their territory (shorter field), 2) offensive scoring opportunities via turnovers as well as defensive scores, 3) defense players must run to the ball which requires more energy. The quicker they get off the field the more rest they get and will be fresher in the second half. The Rams' defense was awful in the latter parts of the game due in part to fatigue, and 4) defense plays a greater role in controlling game momentum if it consistently stuffs the other team. With that being said, Josh Brown may be the best kicker in the league that can win the low scoring close games. Also, Jackson averaged over 4 yards per carry. We still have Pace and the draft has several good OTs that may be around with the second pick. Bulger is a pocket passer and most of the pressure was in his face up the middle. The signing of Jason Brown was big! It's a no brainer! Draft Curry or whoever they feel is the best MLB, then move Spoon to OLB. This upgrades to areas of need on the defense. If the Rams don't draft defense first, they are going down the wrong path to success! What are your thoughts?

NW: You can take your pick of the clichés in building a football philosophy. You say defense wins championships. Another cliché says games are won in the trenches. If you believe the first, then you probably want Aaron Curry. If you lean toward the second, you likely want a cornerstone offensive tackle. The bottom line is, you take the best guy available at No. 2 and go from there. I like Curry a lot and I’ve made no secret of that but I also think a tackle is a serious, serious need.

Chris Bushnell

With the Rams signing Jason Brown, does this mean that Michael Crabtree is going to be wearing blue and gold this coming season?

NW: I’m not sure how the two correlate unless you thought the Rams would draft a center at No. 2 overall.

Roger K.

With there being so many pressing needs to address, what are the chances of the Rams trading down in the first round and picking up some extra picks? Are they so set on nabbing one of the "big three" OTs that there's no chance of this happening?

NW: It’s only a big two now, at least in the Rams’ eyes. And the chances of trading down are the same as they ever were. You have to find a dance partner and you have to get a good package in return.

Bo Bowen

Thanks for your mailbag. I get great info about the Rams from you all the way down here in Georgia.

I have two questions for you. First, do you think the Rams are very interested in Pittsburgh's free agent Bryant McFadden? I think he would be a monster as a starter for the Rams especially if they can get James Butler.

Second, since Drew Bennett and Trent Green have been released, are the Rams plans to draft a WR and QB earlier in the draft than expected changed? In other words, do you think the Rams are leaning towards Crabtree or Maclin more than before?

Thanks again!

NW: With Bartell back in the fold, McFadden is not an option.

I don’t think the release of that duo has lessened the priority on tackle or linebacker. A receiver will still be a need as is a backup QB but many of the other needs still need to be addressed before either of those moves to the head of the line.

William Figurski

Hey Nick,

I really enjoy your feedback. I'm a long time rams fan located just north of Pittsburg , catching a lot of grief. My question is, with the recent signing of Jason Brown, and resigning of Incognito, our offensive line is looking pretty good. That gives us Pace, Bell , Brown, Incognito, and Barron. Do you think we may target Curry or even Crabtree with our number two pick?

NW: Don’t sleep on John Greco. Nothing has changed as far as draft needs. Tackle is still likely the top priority but Curry and Crabtree are still strongly in the discussion, especially Curry.

Dustin Stevenson

Do the rams have any interest in the remaining linebackers? Mike Peterson from Jacksonville is a solid player even though he has some injuries. Also what about his teammate Khalif Barnes the OT?

NW: No interest in Barnes and none that I’m aware of in Peterson. Some linebackers out there might be of interest for depth.

Joey Diaz

Why don't the Rams pick up a play making wide receiver instead of an offensive tackle? I feel that with a deep threat like Avery, a veteran like Holt and a play maker like Crabtree that the Rams offense would be able to live up to it's once known name as "The greatest show on turf".

NW: The greatest show is over. It has been for a while. Nobody is trying to recreate a magical time in history. This team wants to run the ball and protect the quarterback. That’s going to be their offensive identity. Yes, the Rams need another receiver and yes they will probably get one but based on the type of team they are trying to be, it’s just not as much of a priority.

Nathan Andres

Your thoughts on safety James Butler and the potential of the Rams signing him? The way this free agency is shaping up so far for the Rams. I don't see anyway they use the there 1st round pick on anything but a tackle at this point. Thanks and keep fighting the good fight.

NW: I would tend to agree with you on that Nathan, though things can change swiftly. As mentioned above, I would be surprised if Butler doesn’t end up a Ram.

Mark Talbott

Hey Nick. Love reading your mailbag, good stuff. So what do you think of our boys signing Bartell and Brown, Is O.J. a lock? Do you think it would be possible of them going after Curry in the first round and getting a quality tackle in the second? I am very impressed with what is going on, the people the front office seem to be focused on making us a contender again. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

NW: I think we can all agree that everything seems to be on the right track. Tackle is still the most likely first round scenario but that’s by no means set in stone.

Tyler Schuler

Hey Nick, thanks for the awesome coverage of the rams. I really feel a big wideout is a must this season. Will the rams rely on Burton or will they draft one in the later rounds?

NW: The Rams still have high hopes for Burton but he needs to stay healthy. Another receiver or two, whether through free agency or the draft, will be added at some point this offseason.

John R.

Hey Nick, I can’t help but notice that the Rams have not seemed to be very interested in any free agent middle linebackers. Everyone says how important it is to get one. Are the Rams eying one in the draft? Curry did not play in the middle in college, would they move him there? What it looks like to me is that Coach Spags is fine with Witherspoon in the middle at the moment and Pisa on the weak side, then if Curry doesn’t go number one and we picked him up, he would be strong side. I think that’s what I would do, do you have any insight? Thanks!

NW: My sense is that Curry would be moved to the middle if he were to be the guy in the draft but anywhere he can play any of the three linebacker spots and probably be equally effective at all of them. It’s too early to tell where guys would fit in under this scenario. For now, the focus is getting the best players you can and then plugging them in after the fact.

Chris Smitheram

Nick, I was wondering about a couple players and how they will fit in this coming year? First is Jacob Bell. How is his health, weight and attitude. Next would be Randy McMichael? What do you see from him returning?

NW: Haven’t seen either of them yet though conditioning programs starts on the 16th. I’ll be sure to catch up with them then.

Dishank Patel

Nick!

I was wondering, why is Ray Lewis still there and no one even touched him? I don't think he really has any interest in the Rams but, do the Rams have any interest in him.......any chance he will land here?

NW: For the same reason any big name free agent is still there…money. Ray wants a lot of it and nobody is apparently ready to give it to him. The Rams simply can’t afford him. He’s likely to remain in Baltimore though I have a hunch that New England is a dark horse in that race.

Thomas Byrd

How much better a LT are Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe over Alex Barron who has been playing out of position at RT since he was drafted?

NW: Hard to say because I haven’t seen Smith or Monroe actually play in games other than some highlight reels. Barron is a more natural LT and he did a solid job there two years ago. Possibility exists if other things happen that Barron could get a shot to slide back to that side.

 

[•TheRealMcCoy]

St. Louis Rams receiver Torry Holt asks for his release

By Jim Thomas

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Email thisShare thisPrint this

Realizing he no longer fits in the team’s plans, seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Torry Holt has asked for his release from the Rams, league sources told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday.

The Rams have been shopping Holt, 32, on the trade market, but so far there have been no takers. Holt is due a $1.25 million roster bonus on March 17, so it’s unlikely he will be a Ram beyond then.

But with free-agent wide receivers being signed daily around the NFL, and hundreds of millions of dollars already spent six days into free agency, Holt is seeking some closure to his time in St. Louis.

 

[Bob Magaw]

no link at this time, but sounds like great news on the butler front... JT a very authoritative & reliable source of rams news, announced on the radio that he thinks the contract is a done deal, awaiting only the formality of an announcement... by retaining emerging talent bartell & pairing butler with the multi-faceted atogwe, the rams should have the makings of their best secondary in a while...

"Jim Thomas reported on Bernie Miklasz Show that he believes the deal with James Butler is done, but it will take a day or two for the Rams to announce it because of their new policy of releasing news under Coach Spagnuolo..."

thoughts on his bio & fit with the rams defense...

http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-foot...er_james00.html

two time semi-finalist for the jim thorpe award (nation's best DB), two time ACC all-academic team, won state championsip in triple jump as a prep, so he sounds talented, athletic & smart... & he knows spags system, could provide leadership & fill what has been a gaping defensive hole for years, give STL flexibility to get stronger at another position in the draft, & shouldn't break the bank... also, his pro stats have been going up each year, so he is an ascendant player, & at around 26 (like brown & bartell), in a real sweet spot & ideal age for free agent... far enough removed from being a rookie to be experienced but young enough to not be that close to breaking down... the rams would like to add talent everywhere on the roster, but specifically become bigger, tougher & more physical... butler has nice size at a listed 6'3" 215...

:X

 

[TheWick]

Finally a real strong safety...been awhile!

 

[lyon812]

Good. He's a sure tackler and pretty smart already, with room for improvement. My only concern with him is his tendency to be beat over the top due to a seeming lack of great speed. I'm hoping that he and Atogwe will really complement each other well, though. This could be a great tandem.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Good. He's a sure tackler and pretty smart already, with room for improvement. My only concern with him is his tendency to be beat over the top due to a seeming lack of great speed. I'm hoping that he and Atogwe will really complement each other well, though. This could be a great tandem.

good point, though we could probably say that about a lot of SSs (vulnerable to being beat deep over the top) around the NFL landscape... just being a younger, faster, more athletic & reliable open field tackler than the declining chavous of recent years could be a massive upgrade for the overall defense... on the bonus plan, he is familiar with the transplanted scheme, & his steady veteran presence (as opposed to if they had to draft a rookie SS like chung) will help get everybody lined up right, invaluable for a defense in transition...the rams new front office, coaching staff & contract negotiator are batting a 1.000 so far in free agency... early on they targeted jason brown, retaining bartell & adding butler... pending the latter, which should be a formality now, mission accomplished... the first, biggest & by most important phase of free agency has concluded for the rams...they can now turn their attention to seeing if they can get something in trade for pace & holt (probably not a 3rd for either, maybe a conditional pick like a 4th or 5th?)... they will probably be tough to trade unless they rework their deal, so they do have some leverage, & would no doubt prefer to be released so they can have their choice of teams to negotiate with (& retain control over preferences for location, chances of winning, etc)... holt could get released by 3/17 as noted above, as a reporting bonus is due... possibly the rams could pay it (just $1 mil?) to buy themselves some time to work out a deal, but it is unclear how likley this is... the rams aren't that far over the cap (reportedly just $2.8 mil) until they make at least one move (pisa tinoisamoa makes i think $4 mil this season, & it is unclear if he is in the team's future plans... STL is thought to prefer shunting will witherspoon to WLB, & maybe drafting a MLB like lauranaitis)...they can now shift to the less urgent second phase of free agency, filling holes at lower priority positions... frerotte was in town & could be the backup QB, ex-saints FB mike karney reportedly could be in town tuesday (after early reports that they might have interest in SEA FB weaver, it may not be mutual, he may be more expensive than they are comfortable with at the position... karney would be more of a pure banger, which could be their preference - to have a big, physical presence to lead up into the hole & pave the way for steven jackson... the rams want to morph from being a finesse, passing-oriented team into a smashmouth, NFC East-type offense, with a physical, pounding run game being the focal point)... they were looking at a blocking TE from SF... a veteran WR to complement the raw & not very battle tested avery & burton would be nice... defense still needs talent & depth at every level... a rotational DT (not sure who is left?), even if they draft a MLB need a SLB, & possibly an upgrade at nickle or dime CB...

 

[mmarsian]

Is it a confirmed signing already?

 

[Jackal King]

Confirmed: St. Louis Rams reach deal with SS James Butler

By Bill Coats

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

League sources confirmed Monday night that the Rams and free-agent strong safety James Butler have agreed to contract terms. An announcement out of Rams Park is expected Tuesday. Butler, who spent the previous four seasons with the New York Giants, reportedly will get a four-year deal that, with incentives, could net him $17 million. Butler, 6 feet 3 and 215 pounds, is 27.

All for now . . .

 

[mmarsian]

Haha yup...just saw the news blurb on MFL:

Josina Anderson, of FOX 31 in Denver, reports free-agent S James Butler (Giants) has agreed to terms on a four-year deal with the St. Louis Rams. The team is reportedly worth $14 million that includes $3 million in incentives that escalate it to a $17 million dollar package, according to league sources.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Confirmed: St. Louis Rams reach deal with SS James Butler

By Bill Coats

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

League sources confirmed Monday night that the Rams and free-agent strong safety James Butler have agreed to contract terms. An announcement out of Rams Park is expected Tuesday. Butler, who spent the previous four seasons with the New York Giants, reportedly will get a four-year deal that, with incentives, could net him $17 million. Butler, 6 feet 3 and 215 pounds, is 27.

All for now . . .

i thought he might max out at around $3 mil a year, but was hoping the rams would go up to $4 mil if that is what it took (sounds like $3.5 & potential for $4+ with incentives)... nice to see they did what was needed to take care of business... i think enough time had passed for the poston's to get the pulse of the market for a second-tier such as butler (he was one of the top available free agents at safety, but not viewed as an elite safety the caliber of ed reed/troy polamalu)... & that was probably a moot point, as butler never scheduled any other team visits, had friends on the rams & was known to want to be reunited with new HC spagnuolo... money presumably factored in at some level, & his loyalty to spags probably wouldn't have extended to accepting a LOW BALL offer from the rams, but all things being equal, if the offer was in the ballpark & approx market value (& it appears to have been), it wasn't a very well kept secret that STL was his most logical & likely destination...* nfl countdown's latest mock has the rams taking jason smith (assuming lions don't... he currently has them taking stafford, with a franchise QB no doubt also a huge need for DET, if stafford is... scouts are divided on that question)... monroe almost certainly in the direction, & most likely curry (possibly crabtree, too), but STL thought to be locking in on a LT & long term replacement for the pace, who's best years are behind him... he may be a future HoFer, but pace has become an unacceptable injury risk due to his recent checkered medical history, and his level of play is solid but no longer elite & in line with his hefty pay grade...

http://www.draftcountdown.com/sub/Mock-Draft-A.php

 

[Bob Magaw]

from mike sando's NFC west blog at espn... including a positive profile of butler from scout's, inc... does further corroborate the better in run support than in pass coverage reports, but also specifically mention overall upside...

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest

With Butler, Rams' secondary emerging

March 9, 2009 11:02 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Rams' contract agreement with Giants free agent James Butler, confirmed by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, came together amid a tough market for strong safeties.

The Rams had already invested in franchise free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe and cornerback Ron Bartell. The softening market presumably made it easier to justify adding Butler. The Rams certainly had a need at the position -- even before they released Corey Chavous.

We can now envision a Rams secondary featuring Bartell, Butler and Atogwe as starters. Butler started 26 games for the Giants over the last two seasons.

Scouts Inc.'s profile on Butler described him as a player with "upside" and one with good on-field communication skills:

He is an interchangeable player who moves downhill quickly off pre-snap reads. He has good size and range, but is still raw in coverage. He is a competitive player with toughness, but does have some space limitations in deep zones. He shows good transitional skills, but does have some tightness in his hip rotation off speed turns. Butler looks to be more natural in short zones than deep zones. Even though he does have some straight-line range in deep zones, he has average quickness and burst when closing. He has above-average anticipation and downfield awareness.

He does have some ball skills and knows how to use his size and long arms to make plays. He shows a good knack for timing up blitzes off zone fires. As a run defender, he is reckless with his body when he attacks downhill. He is a willing insert player who plays with balance and control in run support. He displays the speed to attack alleys while maintaining leverage on the ball carrier. However, he does have a tendency to play out of control at times. Overall, Butler is an intriguing young player who should eventually move to the next level as he continues to develop.

 

[•TheRealMcCoy]

This is great news!!

Keep it up Rams!! Hopefully this years Dolphins from last year(bad to playoff team in one year)!!

Now lets sign a Vet. WR or two!! A FB!! And maybe add a LB and DB? Than go hunting for skill players in the draft!! No more Klopenstein and Leonard 2nd rders please!! LOL

 

[lyon812]

Good scouting report on Butler, thanks. I think we got him at a very reasonable price considering the Bell/Wilson deals. So, now our holes are OL-LB-WR-CB-NT.

I'm not sure which of those we'll be able to address at this point, as the remaining free agent names aren't that exciting, and we need to clear cap space pronto.

I have to keep reminding myself this is a multi-year rebuilding process. I'm starting to hope we target a WR that falls to the 3rd/4th. Smith-Laurinitis-Iglesias could conceivably happen.

 

[•TheRealMcCoy]

Good scouting report on Butler, thanks. I think we got him at a very reasonable price considering the Bell/Wilson deals. So, now our holes are OL-LB-WR-CB-NT.I'm not sure which of those we'll be able to address at this point, as the remaining free agent names aren't that exciting, and we need to clear cap space pronto. I have to keep reminding myself this is a multi-year rebuilding process. I'm starting to hope we target a WR that falls to the 3rd/4th. Smith-Laurinitis-Iglesias could conceivably happen.

I would love to get Laurinitis in the 2nd rd!! That would be great! Fills a HUGE hole? So Im wondering, still a few things lingering and wondering what will happen?? 1) Pace? Do we still cut or trade him? restructure??2) Holt? Same as Pace??3) Pisa Tinoisamoa?? Could save 4 Mil in cap space?? Hes oft injured!4) And last free agents? We still need to think WR if Holt is gone? Avery / Burton are too young to handle load by themselves? Our WR group(which was at one time a few years ago top 3 in the league) is THIN!!! I heard rumors of bringing in Lance Moore from NOS?? But that just wouldnt make sense at all!! Rumor I hope!! His 2nd rd tender is way too high for a slot WR??!!Anyone have any new inside to any of these questions??

 

[Avery]

from mike sando's NFC west blog at espn... including a positive profile of butler from scout's, inc... does further corroborate the better in run support than in pass coverage reports, but also specifically mention overall upside...

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest

With Butler, Rams' secondary emerging

March 9, 2009 11:02 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Rams' contract agreement with Giants free agent James Butler, confirmed by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, came together amid a tough market for strong safeties.

The Rams had already invested in franchise free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe and cornerback Ron Bartell. The softening market presumably made it easier to justify adding Butler. The Rams certainly had a need at the position -- even before they released Corey Chavous.

We can now envision a Rams secondary featuring Bartell, Butler and Atogwe as starters. Butler started 26 games for the Giants over the last two seasons.

Scouts Inc.'s profile on Butler described him as a player with "upside" and one with good on-field communication skills:

He is an interchangeable player who moves downhill quickly off pre-snap reads. He has good size and range, but is still raw in coverage. He is a competitive player with toughness, but does have some space limitations in deep zones. He shows good transitional skills, but does have some tightness in his hip rotation off speed turns. Butler looks to be more natural in short zones than deep zones. Even though he does have some straight-line range in deep zones, he has average quickness and burst when closing. He has above-average anticipation and downfield awareness.

He does have some ball skills and knows how to use his size and long arms to make plays. He shows a good knack for timing up blitzes off zone fires. As a run defender, he is reckless with his body when he attacks downhill. He is a willing insert player who plays with balance and control in run support. He displays the speed to attack alleys while maintaining leverage on the ball carrier. However, he does have a tendency to play out of control at times. Overall, Butler is an intriguing young player who should eventually move to the next level as he continues to develop.

To chime in as a Giants fan who has watched Butler a lot over the past few years, he is a solid role type player but not an emerging star. I think he is a good player for the Rams to bring for although he isn't a world beater, he won't hurt the team on the field, plays through injury, and he knows Spags defense schemes very well which should help the defensive transition to Spags' fairly complicated scheme. He lacks the speed of the better safeties in the league but makes up for it somewhat as a fairly heady player.The Giants showed no inclination to resign him but I believe that it has more to do with needing to get Kenny Philips more playing time and prioritizing money elsewhere.

 

[•TheRealMcCoy]

from mike sando's NFC west blog at espn... including a positive profile of butler from scout's, inc... does further corroborate the better in run support than in pass coverage reports, but also specifically mention overall upside...

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest

With Butler, Rams' secondary emerging

March 9, 2009 11:02 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Rams' contract agreement with Giants free agent James Butler, confirmed by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, came together amid a tough market for strong safeties.

The Rams had already invested in franchise free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe and cornerback Ron Bartell. The softening market presumably made it easier to justify adding Butler. The Rams certainly had a need at the position -- even before they released Corey Chavous.

We can now envision a Rams secondary featuring Bartell, Butler and Atogwe as starters. Butler started 26 games for the Giants over the last two seasons.

Scouts Inc.'s profile on Butler described him as a player with "upside" and one with good on-field communication skills:

He is an interchangeable player who moves downhill quickly off pre-snap reads. He has good size and range, but is still raw in coverage. He is a competitive player with toughness, but does have some space limitations in deep zones. He shows good transitional skills, but does have some tightness in his hip rotation off speed turns. Butler looks to be more natural in short zones than deep zones. Even though he does have some straight-line range in deep zones, he has average quickness and burst when closing. He has above-average anticipation and downfield awareness.

He does have some ball skills and knows how to use his size and long arms to make plays. He shows a good knack for timing up blitzes off zone fires. As a run defender, he is reckless with his body when he attacks downhill. He is a willing insert player who plays with balance and control in run support. He displays the speed to attack alleys while maintaining leverage on the ball carrier. However, he does have a tendency to play out of control at times. Overall, Butler is an intriguing young player who should eventually move to the next level as he continues to develop.

To chime in as a Giants fan who has watched Butler a lot over the past few years, he is a solid role type player but not an emerging star. I think he is a good player for the Rams to bring for although he isn't a world beater, he won't hurt the team on the field, plays through injury, and he knows Spags defense schemes very well which should help the defensive transition to Spags' fairly complicated scheme. He lacks the speed of the better safeties in the league but makes up for it somewhat as a fairly heady player.The Giants showed no inclination to resign him but I believe that it has more to do with needing to get Kenny Philips more playing time and prioritizing money elsewhere.

Thanks for the insight Avery. Much appreciated.On the Holt front(also put in the Holt thread):

(KFFL) John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans are the two most likely suitors for the services of St. Louis Rams WR Torry Holt, should Holt be released. However, two or three more teams will emerge as bidders if and when Holt is released.

 

[Bob Magaw]

from mike sando's NFC west blog at espn... including a positive profile of butler from scout's, inc... does further corroborate the better in run support than in pass coverage reports, but also specifically mention overall upside...

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcwest

With Butler, Rams' secondary emerging

March 9, 2009 11:02 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The Rams' contract agreement with Giants free agent James Butler, confirmed by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, came together amid a tough market for strong safeties.

The Rams had already invested in franchise free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe and cornerback Ron Bartell. The softening market presumably made it easier to justify adding Butler. The Rams certainly had a need at the position -- even before they released Corey Chavous.

We can now envision a Rams secondary featuring Bartell, Butler and Atogwe as starters. Butler started 26 games for the Giants over the last two seasons.

Scouts Inc.'s profile on Butler described him as a player with "upside" and one with good on-field communication skills:

He is an interchangeable player who moves downhill quickly off pre-snap reads. He has good size and range, but is still raw in coverage. He is a competitive player with toughness, but does have some space limitations in deep zones. He shows good transitional skills, but does have some tightness in his hip rotation off speed turns. Butler looks to be more natural in short zones than deep zones. Even though he does have some straight-line range in deep zones, he has average quickness and burst when closing. He has above-average anticipation and downfield awareness.

He does have some ball skills and knows how to use his size and long arms to make plays. He shows a good knack for timing up blitzes off zone fires. As a run defender, he is reckless with his body when he attacks downhill. He is a willing insert player who plays with balance and control in run support. He displays the speed to attack alleys while maintaining leverage on the ball carrier. However, he does have a tendency to play out of control at times. Overall, Butler is an intriguing young player who should eventually move to the next level as he continues to develop.

To chime in as a Giants fan who has watched Butler a lot over the past few years, he is a solid role type player but not an emerging star. I think he is a good player for the Rams to bring for although he isn't a world beater, he won't hurt the team on the field, plays through injury, and he knows Spags defense schemes very well which should help the defensive transition to Spags' fairly complicated scheme. He lacks the speed of the better safeties in the league but makes up for it somewhat as a fairly heady player.The Giants showed no inclination to resign him but I believe that it has more to do with needing to get Kenny Philips more playing time and prioritizing money elsewhere.

Thanks for the insight Avery. Much appreciated.On the Holt front(also put in the Holt thread):

(KFFL) John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans are the two most likely suitors for the services of St. Louis Rams WR Torry Holt, should Holt be released. However, two or three more teams will emerge as bidders if and when Holt is released.

i'd echo that thanx, avery...the homer insight is much appreciated...

chavous lack of speed over the top & filling in the alley for run support were gaping holes for the rams D a few different ways... if butler can be more reliable there it will be a great boon to the stop unit... does spags play interchangeable R & L safeties, or do they have defined SS & FS roles... even in latter case, FS still has to tackle in run support at times & SS has to be able to cover the TE & flooded zones... but if they do have more defined roles, atogwe might be better in pass coverage & best deployed there, & butler could move towards the LOS and help out in run support more...

despite a lack of elite speed, is it fair to say he could still be improving, or in your opinion does he look maxed out & about as good as he is going to get?

i think the rams defense were gouged & eviscerated for the most rushing yards given up in franchise history last year (a big reason for their 2-14 record, & 5-27 past two seasons)... if butler can make the run defense more stout & consistent than it was on chavous watch the impact could be massive, & he will be forgiven for giving up the occasional big play over the top... spags certainly knows his strengths & weaknesses, & can hopefully scheme him to maximize his ability to unleash the former, & minimize exposure to the latter...

 

[Avery]

i'd echo that thanx, avery...

the homer insight is much appreciated...

chavous lack of speed over the top & filling in the alley for run support were gaping holes for the rams D a few different ways... if butler can be more reliable there it will be a great boon to the stop unit... does spags play interchangeable R & L safeties, or do they have defined SS & FS roles... even in latter case, FS still has to tackle in run support at times & SS has to be able to cover the TE & flooded zones... but if they do have more defined roles, atogwe might be better in pass coverage & best deployed there, & butler could move towards the LOS and help out in run support more...

despite a lack of elite speed, is it fair to say he could still be improving, or in your opinion does he look maxed out & about as good as he is going to get?

i think the rams defense were gouged & eviscerated for the most rushing yards given up in franchise history last year (a big reason for their 2-14 record, & 5-27 past two seasons)... if butler can make the run defense more stout & consistent than it was on chavous watch the impact could be massive, & he will be forgiven for giving up the occasional big play over the top... spags certainly knows his strengths & weaknesses, & can hopefully scheme him to maximize his ability to unleash the former, & minimize exposure to the latter...

In Spags' system the safeties are fairly interchangeable.I guess he could still be improving. His play was much improved last year over 2007 but I think his lack of top physical skills will limit him to an average safety who does give up the big play over the top and to the sides from time to time. I think his immediate value to the Rams is higher then it would be for another team for his familiarity with the defense will make him a "field coach" to help get the players in the right position.

It's hard to say what the fair market value is for a player for with escalating contracts. I don't think you can even compare what a player at a given position got last year compared to this year, but having said that I felt about Butler this year much the way I felt about Gibril Wilson last year. I would have loved to see him back in Giants blue at about 1/2 of what he got but Spags clearly loves the guy and that has to mean something too.

Hope that helps.

 

[lyon812]

Appreciate the insight.

Mike Karney signed for a reasonable price = Good news.

Pace released = good news for the cap, sad news to see another Greatest Show vet gone. If I'm not mistaken, only Holt is left..for now.

 

[Bob Magaw]

rams reach agreement with recently released ex-saints free agent FB mike karney (3 years - $3.6 mil.)... fills a need for a bigger, stronger & more physical lead blocking-type FB... could help spring steven jackson for more big plays, help convert more short yardage situations, & be a boon in the red zone, where the rams haven't been very good for a while... the rams front office & negotiating team have been hitting on all cylinders to start off the free agency period...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?i...=st.+louis+rams

Source: Karney, Rams agree to contract

By John Clayton

ESPN.com

The St. Louis Rams finally have a full backfield after reaching a three-year contract agreement with fullback Mike Karney on Tuesday night.

Karney agreed to a three-year, $3.6 million contract that includes $1.2 million in guarantees, according to a source. The Rams have been struggling at that position since they released Madison Hedgecock in 2007. Hedgecock ended up becoming a Pro Bowl alternate for the New York Giants last season.

The signing of Karney gives St. Louis a chance to be more successful in two-back formations. The 27-year-old Karney was named to the All-Pro team in 2006 when he played for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints released him on March 5, putting one of the league's more respected fullbacks on the market. The Rams were quick to have him in for a visit.

The 5-foot-11, 258-pound Karney had 46 career starts in five seasons with the Saints. Karney will be the blocking back for Rams halfback Steven Jackson.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

________________________________________

earlier in the day, came the expected announcement that pace would be cut... i couldn't find the link, but copied & pasted the story from a homer site... noteworthy is that rams GM devaney reportedly mentioned for now the plan is to move barron to LT, LG jacob bell to RT, second year player john greco filling the LG role vacated by bell, jason brown the new center & richie incognito reprises his RG role... JT had alluded to this as a possibility in a chat last week (at least the barron shifting to LT part... he speculated about taking a rookie RT after round one)...

barron was a LT in college, is a more natural LT & supposedly played better there than at RT when called upon as a ram... i thought bell preferred OG & had trouble keeping up his weight last season (around 280 lbs?)... brown & incognito are straightforward starters, & greco was groomed for a starting guard spot as a rookie, so that news isn't a stetch or big surprise...

they have said they have the flexibility to take the best player at 1.2... i'm not sure LT isn't still the pick (jason smith or monroe), but unless it is a smokescreen, maybe it can be taken at face value, & if they find curry (or crabtree) better value at 1.2 than a LT, they opt for the better talent with the greater chance to be a difference maker... less pressure to force a pick on a positional need basis... when LT, LB & WR are all positions about equally needed... well, maybe not LT anymore...

where i'm not convinced LT ISN'T a need... barron hasn't exactly excelled as a RT, comes up for a new contract soon, & if they don't agree on his value, he could hit the open market... bell, also, underwhelmed at LG (though he reportedly closed out the season stronger), so not sure it is a given that he succeeds at RT... of course, it would be much easier & cheaper to fill the RT spot, whether in the draft or free agency...

the STL new suddenly more competent & effective front office/coaching staff/scouting dept brain trust could also be thinking this is almost certainly a several year rebuild, & if curry is the best player in the draft & smith/monroe aren't elite prospects, better to take the sure thing & go after another OT next year... again, if LT, LB & WR roughly similar needs, they may think that the defense needs more help than offense... the defense in some ways is coming off their worst season in franchise history... curry could be a serial pro bowler, the rams ray lewis, who when paired with second year chris long, is capable of being one of the faces of the stop unit, changing the culture & identity of the oft maligned defense into one that is tougher, more hardnosed & physical, making his teammates play better with his intensity & example & elevating the play of the entire defense... that would be a welcome development to long suffering rams fans!

DET could throw a monkey wrench into that plan (if it is so), if they bypass stafford & the LTs & take curry... that might be a bit of a surprise, but respected scout mike mayock has been a vocal detractor of stafford, & would it be such a huge surprise if the lions opt for curry, given that the rams may be planning just that (& curry is increasingly being talked about as a legit #1 overall pick, & possibly the safest pick in the draft)? if that transpires & that scenario plays out, it is unclear whether the rams would turn their sights back to a LT, or switch to crabtree (they reportedly like maclin, but very likely NOT at 1.2)...

____________________________________________________

03.10.2009 7:33 pm

Pace’s release part of overhaul by new St. Louis Rams regime

By Bill Coats

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

There were about 6 millions reasons (one for each dollar the Rams saved under the salary cap) to release Orlando Pace. Still, it was a difficult task for Billy Devaney, who has been the team’s general manager for less than three months.

“It’s really tough,” Devaney said Tuesday afternoon, just minutes after he’d informed Pace, who has spent all 12 of his NFL seasons in St. Louis. In 1995, the Rams made Ohio State’s Pace the first offensive lineman in 27 years the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

Still, the new braintrust at Rams Park — basically, Devaney and coach Steve Spagnuolo, with the blessing of owner Chip Rosenbloom – is determined to put together a roster that it feels will be manned with enough talent to right a franchise that has suffered through two miserable seasons (5-27), hasn’t placed a team in the playoffs since 2004 and hasn’t posted a .500-plus record since ‘03.

With Pace gone, Alex Barron becomes the new left tackle, and if his offseason tutoring goes well, Jacob Bell will assume Barron’s old spot at right tackle. Recently signed free agent Jason Brown is the center, and Richie Incognito and John Greco are the favorites to start at guard.

Of course, free agency continues, a trade is always a possibility, and who knows what kind of shuffling could occur during training camp? But barring a surprise or an injury, this likely is the offensive line that will open the season for the Rams.