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Nick's Mailbag: Tuesday

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

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Mailbag

MOBILE , Ala. –

Senior Writer Nick Wagoner will answer your questions about anything and everything Rams or Senior Bowl this week from Mobile , Alabama .

Eric Nagel

So, let’s suppose the Dolphins pick Glenn Dorsey, or Matt Ryan or someone who they think is a good pick. If Darren McFadden was on the board, would the Rams pick him? I mean, from what I've been hearing he is a great talented player, and should someone of that skill level not be passed up? I know the Rams have many issues, but is it worth it to grab him should they be able to?

NW: This is a question we will almost certainly find out the answer to, Eric and it’s certainly a good one. Personally, I believe Steven Jackson is one of the three best backs in the league. The Rams clearly have a lot of needs and you could always argue a 3-13 team simply needs to take the best player regardless of position. I think in this scenario, a lot of thought will be given to drafting him, but there will be plenty of thought about moving down and trying to get extra picks from a team that covets McFadden. To answer your question more directly, I think the Rams will explore all of the options, but ultimately McFadden won’t be in a Rams uniform in 2008.

John Stamper

Hey Nick,

What’s the interest in looking at Owen Schmitt; does he get a look?

NW: John, Good question. Schmitt was a guy I wanted to see when I got here also because I was impressed with him in the Fiesta Bowl. I left this morning’s practice disappointed in what I saw, though. Check out our Scout’s Take feature for more on Schmitt, but two of the three scouts I spoke with brought him up and not for positive reasons. They all agree he’s a bit stiff. One fullback making a better impression is Arkansas’ Peyton Hillis. He is built like a brick and has surprisingly good athleticism. He could be someone of interest for the Rams as they continue to remodel the offense around centerpiece Steven Jackson.

Machelle Darvanian

Now with the passing of the dear Ms. Georgia Frontiere what is going to happen to my beloved team? And what major changes are going to happen so we can have a winning season again?

NW: Obviously, the loss of Georgia is one that is tough for everyone considering all she did for the franchise and the city of St. Louis. She will be greatly missed. To answer your question, though, the Rams will be under control of her son, Chip. He and his sister Lucia will be the majority owners for the time being and probably for at least the short term (two-four year) future. Beyond that is anyone’s guess, but Mr. Rosenbloom “gets it” and understands the importance of all that has happened in St. Louis and for the Rams. As for major changes, clearly there are plenty that need to be made, but it’s still too early to tell what those will entail. Expect the Rams to be aggressive in free agency if there’s a name player that can help and they will once again spend to the salary cap to improve the situation.

Nick Pasco

As a ram fan what positions in the senior bowl should I be focusing on?

NW: To be completely honest with you, Nick, as a Rams fan you should be focused on every position in the Senior Bowl. There isn’t a position on the team where the Rams couldn’t use some help. Obviously, the offensive and defensive lines are probably the most pressing areas, but receiver, linebacker and safety are also positions of need. Keep an eye on quarterback, too, as the Rams have interest in finding a youngster to develop.

Nick Pasco

Nick lets say the Rams take Chris Long with their first round pick, what would you say they’re looking at in the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th round picks?

NW: Of course, this all depends on what they come out of free agency with, but assuming they grab a speedy receiver in that market, I don’t think it would be out of line to go offensive line with at least two of those three picks. They have to get another young offensive tackle and some help on the interior, particularly at center would be helpful. If they don’t get a receiver in free agency, that becomes a need. Safety, linebacker and quarterback would also be on the list. If it was me, I’d load up on offensive linemen.

Scott Walker

Sedrick Ellis has looked like a monster so far in the senior bowl practices, any chance the Rams trade down a few spots (like 4 or 5 spots) and select Ellis?

NW: Scott, good eye. You have clearly been paying attention. Ellis is the best player here and there’s no doubt about it. I mentioned in my Senior Bowl preview that he could be in play if the Rams do move down via trade and I think he would be an excellent addition. Here’s a question, though. If Ellis is this good, how much better could Glenn Dorsey possibly be? Nothing against Dorsey as I haven’t seen him in person, but he’d have to be off the charts to be that much better than Ellis. I don’t know where the Rams value Ellis in relation to Dorsey, but a scout from a different NFC team told me he has them equal on his board. If that’s the case, it would make sense for the Rams to move down and get an equal player and pick up some extra picks, wouldn’t it? We’ll have to wait and see, but there’s no question Ellis has the tools to be a special player.

Josh Otto

Hey Nick if you could, tell me what you think of Iowa 's Charles Godfrey, I heard he could make a good switch to FS in the NFL with his athleticism, and he's a really good tackler. What would you think of him in the 2nd round? Or keep him at CB.

NW: Josh, I didn’t get a great opportunity to focus on Godfrey, but I promise I will look at him more and give a better answer later this week. From what I saw, I think you are absolutely correct in that he doesn’t appear to be a cornerback at the next level. He’s 5’11, 207 pounds, good size for a corner, but not necessarily too big. I don’t know if he’s second round material, especially since he would potentially be a safety at the next level, but there’s no doubt the Rams could use some help at safety, particularly the strong safety spot where Corey Chavous is getting up there in years. Again, I’ll watch him more closely Wednesday and throughout the week and get back to you with more.

Sean Fakete

What do you think the chances are of the Rams trading down in the first round? I would hate to see that happen. It is exciting to watch the draft knowing your team is going to pick second.

NW: Sean, I think the chances are pretty slim. That said, you always have to have an open mind in these situations. The Rams need help at a variety of positions and one way to help that would be to acquire more picks. Still, this draft is deep overall, but doesn’t have more than three or four “sure things” if there is such a thing. If you pick second, you guarantee yourself a shot at the likes of a Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey or Darren McFadden. If you move down, it’s a little more of a crapshoot. That’s the risk of moving down. In this case, I wouldn’t expect a major move unless someone falls in love with McFadden and offers a huge package to slide up and get him. It would take something crazy, but whispers around Mobile say Oakland is in love with him already. We’ll have to wait and see how it plays out.