Scott L: Terry Glenn and the Cowbooys appear to be having issues regarding contract and health, would he fit as a spped reciever flnaking Holt or is that spot taken definitaively by Bennet
Jeff Gordon: To me, he is an injury waiting to happen. I'd rather see Avery and Burton get their shot.
=================
Joe: Jeff,
With some Rams fans (including myself) somewhat surprised that the Rams didn't address their LB depth earlier in this past draft can you tell me what your opinions are of Quinton Culberson (undrafted LB from last year's draft and had an outstanding game in his only start at LB in the Rams final game), Chris Chamberlain, Marc Magro and Vince Hall (really like the physical type game he plays!)? Personally, I think Culberson will be a very good player for the Rams and I also think Vince Hall might end up being their best rookie LB (even though he wasn't even drafted). Have any of these players shown you anything so far this offseason and which players do you think will make the final Rams roster?
Thanks for your time!
Jeff Gordon: The coaches love Culberson, who had a great camp last year and then stood out when he finally got his chance. McGarigle stepped up last year, so perhaps one of the kids will do the same. We get a lot of Hall shout-outs, given his college productivity, but we'll see.
===================
Barry: Hey Gordo,
Thanks for all you do. I have not heard much about the Rams third key to success -- special teams. Any comments?
Jeff Gordon: Well, they have great kickers. That's a start. Their return game is up in the air. Is Hall still viable? Don't know. Stanley? Don't know. As for the coverage teams, well, let's see what happens with some of these draft picks.
==================
Curt: Dear Jeff,
IF, and I stress IF, Orlando Pace comes back as his old self and ends up back in Hawaii, what could the Rams get for him in a trade next February (draft pick)?
If Torry Holt shows no lingering knee issues and posts 90 receptions and 1,200 yards, what could the Rams get for him?
Both will be mid-30's, and costing the org $14 million in 2009, no?
Jeff Gordon: At his advanced age? A lot less than you think, unfortunately.
==================
Aron: Who has been the most impressive rookie so far besides Long?
Jeff Gordon: The insiders rave about Burton's ability to go get a football.
=================
Chris: Gordo:
Couple of questions:
How comfortable are you with what the Rams currently have at FB and LB positions? Do you see them going forward with their current roster or are there any likely June cuts or FA options on the horizon?
Is Bruce Gradkowski a viable long-term answer for the Rams at QB or is he just insurance for this season in case Bulger/Green go down?
Jeff Gordon: Bruce has some upside, but it remains to be seen how comfortable he will be in this offense. Is he more suited for the West Coast? We'll see. He will make camp more interesting, for sure.
Linehan definitely is looking for a pure run-blocking FB, freeing Leonard to be a passing down specialist. He seems happy at linebacker, believing that Culberson will push Draft for a starting spot. But let's see how all the young candidates do. Veteran back-up LBs pop loose as the summer winds down.
=================
fyyff1: HI JEFF. ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAMMERING ON THE AVERY PICK. BUT I BELEVE THAT SAUNDERS SEES SOMETHING IN HIM AND FEELS HE CAN GET THE SAME SORT OF RESULTS OUT OF HIM AS A SIMILER TYPE PLAYER IN NEW ENGLAND. DOES THE NAME WES WELKER RING A BELL? I FEEL HE WILL NOT USE AVERY JUST FOR THE HOME RUN PASS BUT WILL UTILIZE HIS SPEED ACROSS THE MIDDLE FOR THE CATCH AND RUN PLAYS LIKE WELKER IN NEW ENGLAND. WHAT IS YOUR FEELING ON THIS?
Jeff Gordon: I agree, but not enough to use all caps. Laughing
=================
Tom S.: Have you heard anything about the Rams possibly taking a look at LeCharles Bentley. I wouldn't think it would be a bad thing to bring him in and have a chance to be the starting center. He's a former pro-bowler and probably wouldn't cost too much.
Jeff Gordon: The Rams are looking for one more offensive linemen, but there is already significant competition for the interior line job. Romberg and Incognito are both proven at center. I don't know how much the Rams will spend to add even more depth.
==================
Superjim: Hi Gordo,
I was never sold on the Trent Green acquisition, the financial side particularly but now I am even less pleased with it. By my maths if we kept Frerotte and paid Isaac it would come out as exactly the same cost as Green's deal for this season. Sure Frerotte looked poor last year but am I really convinced Green is an upgrade? No, I think both guys have serious question marks by their name.
Now though, with the Gradkowski signing (a good bit of business I think) it makes Green very expendable. So why sign him?! I understand we couldn't have known Gradkowski would be available, but clearly someone from Tampa was going to be looking for a new home and there were other options, perhaps better options, out there for far less money. I'd be surprised if even Culpepper would have cost us what Green is. Would you agree we overpaid for Green and are now regretting it?
Are there any updates on the contract negotiations for Jackson/Atogwe/Long/Avery?
Thanks Gordo
Jeff Gordon: The Rams are happy with Green. But I have my doubts, given his concussion history, Getting Bruce Gradkowski was a plus, since he could really offer valuable insurance if he learns the offense.
================
jerry Cox: Jeff,
I don't hear anything about Donnie Avery. How did he do in recent workouts? Does he have a chance to help the club next year? Does he play like a 2nd rounder pick?
jerry
Jeff Gordon: He and Burton should both be impact rookies. Both are progressing on schedule.
===================
The Show: Hi Gordo, thanks for the time. I'm excited about some of the defensive moves the Rams have made this offseason. My concern is the solid but aging Chavous and up and down Carter. How are the young safety prospects? Is Chaimberlin a real possibility?
Thanks again
The Show
Jeff Gordon: Linehan told Bernie he is looking to add another DB before camp -- and I'm guessing safety would be his first choice. Carter hasn't progressed much to this point, you're right. The depth there is iffy. As for Chamberlain, the team originally saw him as a linebacker prospect who could move back in a pinch.
====================
Rich: Hey Gordo,
Do you think Klop will ever live up to his draft status?
They took this guy in the second round in 06 and he has all of 2 TDs to his credit.
Not to mention the Rams picked up free agent TEs in back to back off-seasons.
In my mind the question of what kind of TE Klop is can be summed up in his two catches last season.
Is he the guy who caught a short pass for all of one yard?
Or is he the guy who turned a one yard pass into a 36 yard catch and run for a TD?
Thanks.
Jeff Gordon: The Rams have hope for him this year, since Becht arrived to assume a blocking role. Saunders knows how to use a TE in his offense. If McMichael gets nicked up along the way, Klop could play a role. Linehan singled him out for praise during the OTAs.
===================
Fresno Ram Fan: Hey jeff,
I was just wondering how Torry's mindset is now that OTA's are completed. Is his knee healthy in your opinion? Wanted to know how do you think the Ram fans in STL will react when Bruce comes back to town? Believe me, when we go to SF, he wont be hearing Bruuuuuce but Boooooooooos. thnx for keeping us Ram fans in CA updated.
Jeff Gordon: Rams fans ought to applaud Bruce. After all, the Rams opted to terminate his deal and make him a free agent. How hard did the team really try to re-sign him? If fans want to boo, they should boo team management. As for Torry, we'll see. He needs to shake off the 3-13 finish like everyone else. He will have to "manage" his knee problems for the rest of his career. I believe he will enjoy playing in this offense for Saunders.
Jeff Gordon: To me, he is an injury waiting to happen. I'd rather see Avery and Burton get their shot.
=================
Joe: Jeff,
With some Rams fans (including myself) somewhat surprised that the Rams didn't address their LB depth earlier in this past draft can you tell me what your opinions are of Quinton Culberson (undrafted LB from last year's draft and had an outstanding game in his only start at LB in the Rams final game), Chris Chamberlain, Marc Magro and Vince Hall (really like the physical type game he plays!)? Personally, I think Culberson will be a very good player for the Rams and I also think Vince Hall might end up being their best rookie LB (even though he wasn't even drafted). Have any of these players shown you anything so far this offseason and which players do you think will make the final Rams roster?
Thanks for your time!
Jeff Gordon: The coaches love Culberson, who had a great camp last year and then stood out when he finally got his chance. McGarigle stepped up last year, so perhaps one of the kids will do the same. We get a lot of Hall shout-outs, given his college productivity, but we'll see.
===================
Barry: Hey Gordo,
Thanks for all you do. I have not heard much about the Rams third key to success -- special teams. Any comments?
Jeff Gordon: Well, they have great kickers. That's a start. Their return game is up in the air. Is Hall still viable? Don't know. Stanley? Don't know. As for the coverage teams, well, let's see what happens with some of these draft picks.
==================
Curt: Dear Jeff,
IF, and I stress IF, Orlando Pace comes back as his old self and ends up back in Hawaii, what could the Rams get for him in a trade next February (draft pick)?
If Torry Holt shows no lingering knee issues and posts 90 receptions and 1,200 yards, what could the Rams get for him?
Both will be mid-30's, and costing the org $14 million in 2009, no?
Jeff Gordon: At his advanced age? A lot less than you think, unfortunately.
==================
Aron: Who has been the most impressive rookie so far besides Long?
Jeff Gordon: The insiders rave about Burton's ability to go get a football.
=================
Chris: Gordo:
Couple of questions:
How comfortable are you with what the Rams currently have at FB and LB positions? Do you see them going forward with their current roster or are there any likely June cuts or FA options on the horizon?
Is Bruce Gradkowski a viable long-term answer for the Rams at QB or is he just insurance for this season in case Bulger/Green go down?
Jeff Gordon: Bruce has some upside, but it remains to be seen how comfortable he will be in this offense. Is he more suited for the West Coast? We'll see. He will make camp more interesting, for sure.
Linehan definitely is looking for a pure run-blocking FB, freeing Leonard to be a passing down specialist. He seems happy at linebacker, believing that Culberson will push Draft for a starting spot. But let's see how all the young candidates do. Veteran back-up LBs pop loose as the summer winds down.
=================
fyyff1: HI JEFF. ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAMMERING ON THE AVERY PICK. BUT I BELEVE THAT SAUNDERS SEES SOMETHING IN HIM AND FEELS HE CAN GET THE SAME SORT OF RESULTS OUT OF HIM AS A SIMILER TYPE PLAYER IN NEW ENGLAND. DOES THE NAME WES WELKER RING A BELL? I FEEL HE WILL NOT USE AVERY JUST FOR THE HOME RUN PASS BUT WILL UTILIZE HIS SPEED ACROSS THE MIDDLE FOR THE CATCH AND RUN PLAYS LIKE WELKER IN NEW ENGLAND. WHAT IS YOUR FEELING ON THIS?
Jeff Gordon: I agree, but not enough to use all caps. Laughing
=================
Tom S.: Have you heard anything about the Rams possibly taking a look at LeCharles Bentley. I wouldn't think it would be a bad thing to bring him in and have a chance to be the starting center. He's a former pro-bowler and probably wouldn't cost too much.
Jeff Gordon: The Rams are looking for one more offensive linemen, but there is already significant competition for the interior line job. Romberg and Incognito are both proven at center. I don't know how much the Rams will spend to add even more depth.
==================
Superjim: Hi Gordo,
I was never sold on the Trent Green acquisition, the financial side particularly but now I am even less pleased with it. By my maths if we kept Frerotte and paid Isaac it would come out as exactly the same cost as Green's deal for this season. Sure Frerotte looked poor last year but am I really convinced Green is an upgrade? No, I think both guys have serious question marks by their name.
Now though, with the Gradkowski signing (a good bit of business I think) it makes Green very expendable. So why sign him?! I understand we couldn't have known Gradkowski would be available, but clearly someone from Tampa was going to be looking for a new home and there were other options, perhaps better options, out there for far less money. I'd be surprised if even Culpepper would have cost us what Green is. Would you agree we overpaid for Green and are now regretting it?
Are there any updates on the contract negotiations for Jackson/Atogwe/Long/Avery?
Thanks Gordo
Jeff Gordon: The Rams are happy with Green. But I have my doubts, given his concussion history, Getting Bruce Gradkowski was a plus, since he could really offer valuable insurance if he learns the offense.
================
jerry Cox: Jeff,
I don't hear anything about Donnie Avery. How did he do in recent workouts? Does he have a chance to help the club next year? Does he play like a 2nd rounder pick?
jerry
Jeff Gordon: He and Burton should both be impact rookies. Both are progressing on schedule.
===================
The Show: Hi Gordo, thanks for the time. I'm excited about some of the defensive moves the Rams have made this offseason. My concern is the solid but aging Chavous and up and down Carter. How are the young safety prospects? Is Chaimberlin a real possibility?
Thanks again
The Show
Jeff Gordon: Linehan told Bernie he is looking to add another DB before camp -- and I'm guessing safety would be his first choice. Carter hasn't progressed much to this point, you're right. The depth there is iffy. As for Chamberlain, the team originally saw him as a linebacker prospect who could move back in a pinch.
====================
Rich: Hey Gordo,
Do you think Klop will ever live up to his draft status?
They took this guy in the second round in 06 and he has all of 2 TDs to his credit.
Not to mention the Rams picked up free agent TEs in back to back off-seasons.
In my mind the question of what kind of TE Klop is can be summed up in his two catches last season.
Is he the guy who caught a short pass for all of one yard?
Or is he the guy who turned a one yard pass into a 36 yard catch and run for a TD?
Thanks.
Jeff Gordon: The Rams have hope for him this year, since Becht arrived to assume a blocking role. Saunders knows how to use a TE in his offense. If McMichael gets nicked up along the way, Klop could play a role. Linehan singled him out for praise during the OTAs.
===================
Fresno Ram Fan: Hey jeff,
I was just wondering how Torry's mindset is now that OTA's are completed. Is his knee healthy in your opinion? Wanted to know how do you think the Ram fans in STL will react when Bruce comes back to town? Believe me, when we go to SF, he wont be hearing Bruuuuuce but Boooooooooos. thnx for keeping us Ram fans in CA updated.
Jeff Gordon: Rams fans ought to applaud Bruce. After all, the Rams opted to terminate his deal and make him a free agent. How hard did the team really try to re-sign him? If fans want to boo, they should boo team management. As for Torry, we'll see. He needs to shake off the 3-13 finish like everyone else. He will have to "manage" his knee problems for the rest of his career. I believe he will enjoy playing in this offense for Saunders.