Nick’s Mailbag - Sunday, February 24, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS –

It’s my last day here at the combine and as a reward or punishment depending on how you look at it; we are coming at you with a super sized mailbag today. But it doesn’t end here, be sure to keep sending those questions as the mailbag will become a more permanent fixture here at stlouisrams.com.

Don Montervino

Hi Nick, are the Rams going to get a better back up QB?

NW:  Don, I think the Rams will investigate ways to shore up that position whether by adding another veteran to compete with Gus Frerotte or finding a youngster in the draft to develop behind Bulger and Frerotte. I think finding a quarterback with upside is more of a priority than some realize.

Ruben Campos
 
Nick,

I have 2 questions. What happened to all our cap money? Jim Thomas had reported in late January that Rams' had over 15 million in space. Were there a ton of incentives earned last year that go into this years cap? Can the Rams afford to do enough in FA and the Draft to be a playoff contender in 2008?

NW:  I can’t speak to previous reports on cap space, but I know that there is only about $7 million in wiggle room right now. There are some hefty roster bonuses and such due soon such as the one for Leonard Little and the one for Isaac Bruce. That may not have been factored in to others’ projections. I don’t think any incentives from last year would kick the number this year.

As for affording to do enough to become a playoff contender, I definitely think it’s a possibility. Remember, this is the NFL, and anything can happen from year to year. Rams fans should know that better than anyone. You aren’t going to get enough talent in this weak free agent class to put you over the top, but there are things that can be done in free agency and the draft that can bolster the roster. But that’s not the only way to improve. Getting and staying healthy would be tops on the list of other ways to get better and a better offensive performance led by new coordinator Al Saunders and some coaching adjustments could also go a long way. I’m not predicting a return to the playoffs, but I don’t count out anything in this league.

David Tomlin

Nick, What are the chances that Dominique Byrd and Claude Wroten can turnaround and become players?  Also, how much do you think Carriker's injury will hurt him and will he stay at DT?  Who from last year's draft class should we look out for to breakout this year? Thanks for your response.

NW: The chances for Byrd and Wroten to get it going are pretty much entirely up to them. There’s no doubt that both have plenty of talent, but neither gets on the field much. The only ones to blame for that are them. They have to want to take that next step and prove it on and off the field. I still have some hope for Wroten, not sure if Byrd will get another chance.

The Carriker injury is no joke, he is going to miss considerable time, including the entire offseason program. The good news is that Carriker is absolutely relentless in how he attacks working out and the game as a whole. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll come back as good as ever and ready to improve. At what position he comes back at remains to be seen, but it’s a safe bet it will be one of the two tackle spots. It just depends on what direction the Rams go in the draft and what they can add in free agency.

As for a breakout guy from last year’s draft class, that’s a good question and I’m going to cheat a little bit. I actually think a prime candidate for a break out at this early stage of the offseason is someone who wasn’t technically in the draft class. Linebacker Quinton Culberson showed a lot of promise last season on special teams and in a cameo on defense at the end of the year. At this point, we don’t know who will be the strong side ‘backer entering the season, but if given a shot I believe Culberson might have what it takes to start and stick at that position.

Craig Harvey

Are the Rams going to do anything about beefing up the offensive line in the draft so Bulger won't get killed like he was last year?

NW: That’s one of their top priorities in this offseason. Expect plenty of additions on the offensive line whether through free agency or the draft.

Carl Pugliese

What are the Rams looking to structure or restructure this year? What is their main priority to better the team? As a devoted Ram fan, can we expect a better performance from the O line and defense?

NW: As I mentioned above and wrote about extensively earlier this weekend, the top two needs are clearly the offensive and defensive lines. I can’t tell you what to expect because we don’t know what changes will be made. I’ll say this, though. From the people I have talked to about new offensive line coach Steve Loney, I believe his addition alone will improve the play of the offensive line.

Justin Me

If the Rams draft Dorsey, what happens to Carriker? Is it just me or does Sedrick Ellis seem like the better pass rusher?

NW: If the Rams add Dorsey, I expect Carriker to become the starting nose tackle like he was for most of last year with Clifton Ryan there for depth. Make no mistake, I’m as big of a fan of Ellis as there is, but I do believe Dorsey is just a bit more dynamic. He is so disruptive in so many ways. In some ways, Ellis might be the better pass rusher, but at the NFL level, I would expect Dorsey to be even better because he won’t likely face the constant double teams right away.

Roger Schutt

GREAT reporting, Nick!  I've pretty much ALWAYS known that football games are won or lost "in the pits," so it's about dang time the Rams addressed the REAL needs of THIS or ANY football team!

Since you've already had great dialogue about the Rams' OL and DL needs... I have two questions regarding the "skilled" positions on offense, please.

Question #1) Quarterback.  Bulger may become Bulger again, given better protection... but we currently could suit up NO ONE behind him exciting or reliable.  Beyond the 1st round, is there anyone draft available you'd like to see groomed as our QB of the future?!  I'd like the Rams to acquire a great field general with smarts, EXCELLENT MOBILITY, the ability to pass from the pocket or roll out, with a strong and accurate arm.  Who wouldn't, right?!  Do you see anyone like this in the draft, Nick?  Question #2) Brian Leonard.  In my opinion, NOT a fullback (especially with both shoulders recently operated on).  Where does Leonard fit for 2008?  Thanks, Nick!

NW: Thanks for the kind words, Roger. To answer your questions:

I mentioned him briefly the other day, but I really like San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson as a potential later round developmental quarterback. I think he’s better than Tavaris Jackson was when he came out and went in the second round a couple of years ago and Jackson has started a bunch of games for the Vikings. Johnson is raw, but he is mobile, has a strong arm and tremendous upside potential.
I’m not exactly sure where Leonard fits, but I agree that he’s at his best in a one-back set. He’s never going to be a hammer of a blocking fullback, that’s not his game. But I do believe he can be a useful player because of his versatility. He’ll likely be a guy that comes in on third downs and catches some passes and picks up some tough yards in short yardage situations.
Jarrod Murphy

Between Jake Long, Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis who do you think the Rams should draft with the #2 pick?  At the NFL level does Jake Long project better as a left or right tackle?  If the Rams draft Jake Long could Orlando Pace or Alex Barron move to guard until Orlando Pace retires like Leonard Davis did for when he converted to guard with the Cowboys last year?

NW: If I had my pick of that group, I’d take Chris Long. I believe Dorsey is the best player in the draft, but the difference isn’t major and the Rams badly need a defensive end more so than a tackle. Additionally, I think Jim Haslett’s defense is ideal for Long because he likes to move guys around and do different things. Long can do a little of everything, even standing up as a rush linebacker. It just makes sense. I love Ellis too, but I’m not sure he’s a great fit in the Rams’ system.

I have grown more convinced from conversations with people who know more than I do that Jake Long can play left tackle in the NFL. But for my money, he’s a Pro Bowl caliber right tackle in the NFL. I compare him to Jon Runyan as an overpowering right tackle.

If the Rams took Jake Long, I’m not sure how things would shake out. Based on their respective builds and size, Long would actually make the most sense moving in to guard. Pace and Barron are built like tackles and would likely stay there though I wouldn’t be surprised under your scenario if he at least got a shot to compete with Barron for the right tackle job.

Tom Ferraro

Will Orlando Pace be healthy enough to play again? What do think the biggest concern is for the Rams next year? Which side of the ball do they need the most help?

NW: Tom, things look good on Pace as Linehan told us Friday that he’s as committed as ever to getting back into shape and playing well in 2008. The biggest concern has to be finding a way to protect Marc Bulger and getting a pass rush from the front four against opposing quarterbacks. I think both sides need help, but the offense probably needs the most if only because it struggled more in 2007.

Craig Wilson

The Kansas OT, Anthony Collins looked like a player with very little body fat today and is a quality prospect who I've heard carries a 2nd round grade would the Rams be interested in his selection at say the top of round 3 if they don’t go OT with either of their first two picks ? And will any small sized LB's be considered for conversion to SS such as W. Woodward of Kentucky and be considered in the Draft in say rounds 4-6?

NW: Good eye, Craig. I have pegged Collins as a guy that could be of interest in round two or three for the Rams if they go defense in round one as expected. I can’t speak to projecting certain players to new positions, but I’m not sure Woodyard is a guy that would be a good fit based on his performance at the Senior Bowl.

Brandon Parks

I just wanted to know if the Rams are going to get active in free agency or trades. DeAngelo Hall is available and so are many others. Also, who is now the owner and making personnel decisions?

NW:  There’s not much to get active with as the free agent pool is extremely shallow. Hall would be too costly in picks and money and I’m not sure what direction the Rams could go that would improve the team. Giving up picks would go against the philosophy of Devaney and Linehan in building through the draft. The new owner is Chip Rosenbloom, son of Georgia Frontiere. Billy Devaney was hired as Executive Vice President of Player Personnel and will have a major say in all decisions.

Taylor Buck

Now something that doesn't directly relate to the draft and free agency. What is your opinion on acquiring Shaun Rogers and DeAngelo Hall through trade? I believe Rogers would come relatively cheap, say a 4th or 5th rounder, while bringing the size of a true nose tackle and the possibility for a 3-4 defense more likely. While Hall could be pricier, could our second rounder get it done considering it is almost a 1st. What do you think? Is Rogers too much of a question and is Hall too much?

NW: I don’t think either of those moves is a good idea for the Rams right now. Hall and Rogers will cost a lot of money to add and their fair share in picks or players in a trade. In addition, both have caused problems off the field and in the locker room and neither fits a major need. The Rams need to put their resources into finding pass rushers on defense and brick walls for the offensive line. Spending money on a risky guy like Rogers or Hall limits what you can do at positions of real need.

Walter Logan

Why is Martin Rucker not working out at the Combine?    Paper says it's cause he tweaked a hammy but I wonder if he's trying to improve his numbers by working out (at MU?) at a date closer to the draft.  What round would you expect him to be drafted?

Will the Rams go for the best athlete overall or the best athlete at the positions at which they need help (yeah, I know they need help everywhere).

Are any other MU players at the Combine?

NW: Walter, be honest. Are you just trying to get on my good side by asking about Mizzou players? If so, it worked!

Rucker tweaked his hamstring preparing for the combine. He has too much to prove to skip working out here for any other reason. His story checks out from a couple of calls. I think Rucker is a third or fourth rounder right now, probably leaning more toward round four. His blocking leaves a lot to be desired and he isn’t overly explosive in terms of speed or route running. He’s a monster to bring down after the catch, but making that catch in the first place will be difficult for him.

The Rams will draft the best football players to help their team. Picking as high as they are, they are in the good position of having need meet value more often than not.

Receiver Will Franklin and cornerback Darnell Terrell are also here. I had hoped to see Tony Temple, but he did not get the invite. Franklin is projected as a fourth or fifth rounder, but if he runs well, he could work his way into the third round. He’s a great athlete. Terrell is projected into the late rounds as well. That’s disappointing. A year ago, I asked a scout what he thought of some of the Missouri guys and he tabbed Terrell as the best pro prospect in the bunch. Then, Terrell went out his senior year and made a grand total of zero plays. He’s a great athlete and looks the part, but he really disappointed. Here’s hoping he gets it going at the next level and has a good workout here.

Greg Mikkelson

How can one player out of college change the way a team would play?

NW: Greg, are you trying to get me to go all philosophical on you? I’m no Socrates, but I can point to some recent examples of high draft picks who came in, made a huge impact and made their team a lot better in one year. Adrian Peterson did it for the Vikings last year, Randy Moss did it for the same team in 1998, Edgerrin James in Indianapolis, Tom Brady in New England, Shawne Merriman in San Diego, the list goes on and on. A single player doesn’t completely alter the way a team performs but the right guy can significantly alter a team’s fortunes and history has proved that.

Jeff Culkosky

Nick,

Are the Rams going to push hard to sign Justin Smith in free agency? If they do, will it come down to Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis with the second pick? I would like to see the Rams take a shot at John David Booty in the fourth round if he is there. What are your thoughts on him? Thanks for your time.

NW: I’d be surprised if Smith is a top target for the Rams unless his price tag is lower than expected. He’s probably the best end on the market, but he doesn’t provide many sacks for what he will likely command in terms of dollars. I am fairly high on Booty. I think he has a lot of experience in a pro style offense. I’m not sure he’ll ever be a high end starter, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a nice, long career as a backup somewhere.

Harold Lewis

Second round. Who will be on the Rams list for that pick? It may their most important pick.

What do you think?

NW: It’s hard to tell now as things sort themselves out, but if you go by what most of the intel says so far, an offensive tackle will be a high priority in that spot. Most draftniks believe that at least four offensive tackles (Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Jeffrey Otah and Chris Williams) will go in the first round. Assuming that happens, you have Anthony Collins, Sam Baker, Gosder Cherilus and Carl Nicks still on the board with the second round pick. Of course, there’s no guarantee the Rams will go offensive tackle there, either. Any number of receivers could also be on their mind there and the potential is always there that they could simply just take the best player regardless of position in the second round. Bottom line, it’s hard to project what the Rams are going to do with the second pick of the draft let alone in the second round. But hey, that’s what makes this part of the offseason fun, no?