Nick’s Mailbag for Feb. 4, 2009

Luke Heinrichs

Hey Nick, I was wondering what kind of free agent strong safeties there will be available. To me this seems like a big need although Offensive tackle and Middle linebacker are also pressing needs.

NW:  There’s no doubt that strong safety is a position of need. Todd Johnson is so valuable as a special teamer and did a solid job in replacing Corey Chavous late in the season but there’s a good chance the Rams will search for one in the offseason. Some safeties to keep in mind that are scheduled for free agency: New York Giants’ James Butler, Green Bay’s Atari Bigby (restricted free agent), Miami’s Yeremiah Bell, Baltimore’s Dawan Landry (RFA) and Jim Leonhard and Tampa Bay’s Jermaine Phillips.

Vince Garcia

Nick have you heard any news on Steven Jackson’s hip injury. Is it going to linger on?

NW: I’m assuming you are referring to the quad injury that plagued him for most of the season. He had some hip issues a few years ago but those don’t seem to be a problem. As for the quad, it was an injury that just required rest. I think he proved in the season finale he’s good to go and an offseason of working out and rest should only make him better.

Pedro Canjura

Okay, I know this may sound ridiculous, but what are the chances the Rams can sign Haynesworth and Asomugha? Also, if we draft one of those projected tackles that we're expected to draft, any chance Pace can be moved to the right and have Barron move inside? Or even place Pace at RG?

NW: The chances of signing either or both of those guys are very slim. I’ll be stunned if either ever sees the light of day on the free agent market without at least having a franchise tag on them. As for your OL shuffling questions, it’s an interesting one to think about. I would think Pace would still have a shot to handle the left side with the youngster moving in on the right side and Barron there for depth. But there’s a lot of ways you can go with that, depending on who said draftee might be. As far as Pace or Barron at guard, I don’t see Barron being anything but a tackle. Pace would be more capable of that move but I doubt we’d see it.

Alex Herbez

What are you're thoughts on the Rams drafting a QB in the draft?

NW: I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they tried to grab one anytime beginning in round 3 or so.

Steve Kaplan

Do you feel that the Rams can turn this around in one year, what do you think they need to do to get this turned around? I think they have so many holes to fill it will take years before they can. I have been a fan since 1950. I just hope they can get this done.

Thank You

NW: Steve, fret not my friend. The NFL is a crazy league. As a Rams fan since 1950, you should know as well as anybody that things can turn on a dime in this league. Do the Rams have holes? Absolutely. But I don’t think they have more holes than, say, the Falcons did going into last season. We saw how they turned it around. With everyone seemingly on the same page and a new coach in place, it can happen and it can happen fast.

Andy Polen

Is there any talk about where the summer camp will be? I live in N.W Indiana and was able to go the Mequon last year. I am hoping the Rams will do this again this year.

NW: There’s been no official indication of any kind and haven’t had a chance to ask Steve Spagnuolo if he even likes going away to camp. But my sense is that it will be back in St. Louis this year.

Sean Fakete

Hey Nick,

First of all i think you are great at answering everybody’s questions and you have great input.

Now that the season has been over for awhile, I think we can analyze how well the Rams did in the NFL Draft last season.  What do you think about the performance of each of the players the Rams drafted last year and what do expect from those players in the upcoming season?

NW: Thanks for the kind words, Sean. I personally prefer not to judge a draft class until three years down the line. That said, I think you have to be encouraged by what you saw from this year’s class. To me, it appears you came out of it with three probable starters in Chris Long, Donnie Avery and John Greco. I think Avery and Long can both be special players in the long run and Greco can be a solid starter. Justin King has potential if he can recover from his foot injury and Keenan Burton has flashed some upside. If all five of those guys turn into starters or valuable contributors, that’s a heck of a draft. For whatever it’s worth, there is a segment of people upstairs that believe Roy Schuening  also can be a solid player in this league.

Craig Wilson

Hi Nick Writing from Pasadena Ca.

I'm sure the new coaches will be evaluating players and making some tough decisions on moving on and making changes they feel are in the best interest of the team.

Based on the prior position coaches feelings where do you think we have the 2nd stringers that could be counted on to start in 09 at any of the 22 positions on off/def. ?

Lastly what happened to Culberson this year?

NW: Well, I think some of the obvious guys who could get expanded roles (even if it means not starting) would include Greco at guard, Burton at wide out and potentially Jonathan Wade at cornerback depending on a variety of factors. Hard to answer without seeing what other talent is brought in.

Culberson struggled to gain traction because he had trouble with some of the defensive schemes and alignments. A lot of defense is being assignment sound and that wasn’t a strength of his. Still, he has a lot of raw physical ability that if translated properly could make him a starter again.

Devin Green

Given how today's NFL structures the draft, free agency, etc., how long do they project it taking a team to go from the bottom of the rank and file to the top?  Everything else equal, they must have some science behind their processes to help elevate the losers and neutralize the winners?

NW: Science? Science? I don’t know about science. Ron Burgundy might say it’s science but I don’t think winning and losing in the NFL is as complicated as chemistry or physics. It’s about making good football decisions and putting good players into position to succeed. The teams that do that regularly seem to win the most.

Tyler Willey

How are the rams going to make the O-line solid for Bulger? Bulger got a huge contract so might as well build around him and get the guy a little time to set his feet. If Bulger does not perform this year, do you think he will be on the hot seat?

NW: Quarterbacks are always on the hot seat. As for building an O line, I’m not sure there’s a blueprint for that. You can get great linemen in the first round of the draft a la Orlando Pace or you can get undrafted free agents a la Adam Timmerman (who the Rams signed as a free agent). There’s not set way to do it but it helps to know what kind of line you want (in this case, a big powerful one that loves to road grade) and then put it together.

Rob Ahlenstorf

Nick, I know that there is a lot of other exciting college players for the Rams to draft. The Rams have certain needs, but when do we seriously start thinking about drafting a quarterback? I'm not knocking Bulger, but.....

NW: Don’t be surprised if the Rams add a signal caller either through free agency or the draft.

Tony Nap

Hello Nick;

I truly believe that if the rams want to be successful as early as next season here are two things they need - Let me know if you agree:

A big "Stud" for a safety, we need somebody that will pop any receiver that goes over the middle and can tackle! Next is a durable and (bigger) linebacker. The Rams need that presences in the middle and can fill gaps quick and also can tackle! Thanks Nick your feedback is important.

NW: No arguments here. They say you should treat it like baseball and build your team up the middle. A big presence at middle linebacker combined with an intimidator at strong safety sounds good to me.

Leslie Benjamin

Do you think the Rams would consider bringing Michael Vick on as a back up QB or another offensive position?

NW: Nope.

Richard Horner

I was wondering who the top free agent backup QBs are? And who would the Rams consider signing?

NW:  Some names to know: Jeff Garcia, Byron Leftwich, Kyle Boller, Rex Grossman, J.P. Losman, Patrick Ramsey and J.T. O’Sullivan.

Paul Rodgers

Nick,

I have been a Rams fan since Pat Hayden was quarterback, and I remember the later years when we had the leagues leading rusher 5 out of 6 years. What do you think it will take to get an offensive line that is capable of getting us back to those days? Can we do it thru the draft or do we need to spend some money and go get some of the top free agents?

NW: The first thing is to identify what type of team and line you want. Billy Devaney has said multiple times he’d like to get bigger and more aggressive. That starts in the trenches with the big uglies. Like I said above, there’s no set formula for building this thing but it’s definitely an area the Rams will address this offseason.

Floyd Saine

Hello Nick,

I know it is a priority to sign both Atogwe and Bartell but is it realistic to assume the Rams will re-sign both? And if they had to let one go which would be your best guess?

I am hoping the Rams sign them both. They are two of my favorite players.

NW: I fully expect both players to be Rams next year. Maybe they won’t both get long term contracts right away, but worst case scenario you get one signed long term and tag the other. I don’t think the choosing one or the other scenario is much of a thought in the team’s mind. 

Jason Krutz

Hey Nick! With our new coach being a defensive guy do you think the 1st pick in the draft will go to that side of the ball?

NW: I think the Rams will take the best player they can with the second overall pick.

Ray Esquibel

Nick,

Will the Rams retain Torry Holt which could be arguably there greatest receiver of all time?

NW: It remains to be seen what Holt’s status is but he is under contract for another year.

Klaes Petersson

Whit all this talk about getting a bigger and more powerful C, how do you feel about going after one of the top free agent OG's like Goff, Andrews or Carey and moving Incognito to C were he has shown in the past that he can handle himself.

NW: I don’t think we’ll see Incognito back at center. He played well at right guard last year and don’t see him moving. If you recall, he had some issues with shotgun snaps and the line calls weren’t his forte. He’s at his best when he can line up and come after you from the guard spot.

Jack Fenton

Hey Nick, love reading your mailbag, I got a question for you. With all of the rams' needs what is most likely to be improved through the free agency period, the offense or defense or possibly a little of both? Thanks

NW: There are holes to fill on both sides but most would contend the biggest needs are on defense where a middle linebacker, a strong safety, a big defensive tackle and some depth at corner are pressing needs.

Matt Stevens

What position do you see the Rams addressing with the #2 pick in the first round of the draft? Do you think the Rams are more interested in Maualuga or Curry? Would it make any sense at all to grab Crabtree that early? Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

NW: I’m not sure where the Rams have those linebackers ranked but I do know they like Curry (most every team does; what’s not to like?). As I wrote last week, I’m fully on board with the Crabtree idea if the Rams can grab a top level offensive lineman in free agency. I see Crabtree having an immediate impact and having a long, excellent career in the league.

Hoff

Nick:

Thanks for the response on Vilma….etc.  I totally agree with you on Crabtree I just figured that the Rams would pass on Crabtree to fill a greater need.  Also it would probably push Holt out the door which would leave a very young and talented wide receiver core but also a very inexperienced group. You mentioned signing a tackle but what other big name tackles are out there besides Jordan Gross from Carolina?  I am pretty sure Carolina will franchise him don’t you think?  Or would you just wait and draft the best available lineman with the 2nd round pick?  I know it is early but is that your wish list on Crabtree or is that the new buzz from the Rams because there might not be a true #1 overall tackle in the draft. Or could this be the Rams trying to start rumors so they can trade down?  Not a bad idea but trading down is easier said they done.  I am still with you take Crabtree!!!   Sorry for rambling.  Your thoughts?

NW: No conspiracy theories here, it just makes a lot of sense if you can address a need in free agency to then address another need while taking the best player in the draft. I’d be a bit surprised if Gross is even available but with Julius Peppers also a free agent, Carolina might not be able to make it all work. Other tackles of starting caliber that could be available include Cincinnati’s Stacy Andrews, Jacksonville’s Khalif Barnes, Miami’s Vernon Carey, Pittsburgh’s Marvel Smith and Max Starks and Green Bay’s Mark Tauscher. None are as good as Gross but there’s some potential in many of those guys.

Richard Owens

What are the possibilities that we go with a Michael Crabtree, Malcolm Jenkins, or Aaron Curry rather than an offensive linemen in the first round?

NW: It’s all going to depend on what happens in free agency as well as how the Rams grade all of those players.

Ivan Guevara

Hey Nick, everyone knows that there is no doubt that the Rams need a reliable Running back backing up S. Jackson. Do you think Knowshon Moreno or LeSean McCoy will be of interest in the second round, or will the Rams go late with a running back, or do you think a back will be picked up in free agency, your thought? Thanks for your time.

NW: Last year, the Rams had designs on taking Felix Jones in the second round had he fallen that far. To me, that means they are serious about getting another back behind Jackson and they would be willing to make the move again if there’s another back they think of as highly in the second round.

Joe Iezza

Looking into your crystal ball, what avenue will the Rams address in the offseason, regarding free agency and what players do you see them making a strong push on signing.

NW: My crystal ball is a little fuzzy; can I borrow yours? It’s hard to say what happens until all of the tags have been placed and tenders given. The free agent list now will likely look much different than what it will be when the market opens. Hard to pinpoint too many names with so much up in the air but guys that would interest me were they to hit the market include Gross, Karlos Dansby, Butler, Bart Scott and Derrick Ward.

John T.

Who you think the Rams will pick? I am hoping they pick Crabtree, what do you think of that pick?

NW: Too early to make a prediction. Crabtree would be excellent.

Donald Perkins

A number of mock drafts prediction indicate that the Rams should select Baylor Offensive Tackle Jason Smith.  He appears to be a better choice than Alabama Andre Smith.

NW: There’s a good group of offensive tackles in this draft and everyone seems to have an opinion on them. I don’t know enough about them to rank them but I believe that Virginia’s Eugene Monroe is well liked by the Rams.

Donald Perkins

With the second round selection should the Rams select a linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver or best player available? How would you list their position needs.

NW: Hard to say what they would take in the second round without knowing who they took in the first and did in free agency. Safe to say they are always looking to grab the best player available. In no order, needs include middle linebacker, strong safety, big defensive tackle, offensive tackle, center, backup running back, receiver, cornerback and fullback.

Jeff Litow

Besides the draft, what personal changes can be made that will impact the 2009 season?

NW: I think we’ve already seen some of the major changes that could go a long way toward this rebuilding job. Putting Devaney in charge, beefing up the pro personnel department, adding a new contract negotiator/chief operating officer, all of those moves seem to have everyone on the same page and heading the right direction.

Tim Issar

Nick,

It has come to my attention that the rams only have 8 million dollars to spend this offseason. What to you think the realistic free agency movements will be and do you think it possible to re-sign O.J and Ronny Bartell? Also, is there any news of trades and cuts to clear some cap space?

NW: It’s my understanding the cap number is closer to $15 million than that. It’s going to be very possible to bring both back. Nothing new on cuts or salary clips yet. The new coaching staff still needs a chance to evaluate the current roster before making any determinations.

Oscar Herrerra

Say Nick, you're doing a great job covering the Rams, thank you! Will Leonard Little, Fakhir Brown, Claude Wroten, Drew Bennett, Torry Holt, Orlando Pace, Nick Leckey, Richie Incognito, Mark Setterstrom, Alex Barron, Joe Klopfenstein, and Trent Green be back with the Rams? All these players are right on the edge because of their age, health, salary, and poor play. I look forward to your response. You're the greatest! Thank you.

NW: Too early to tell what about most of that list because you have a coaching staff that isn’t terribly familiar with the current roster yet. There are a lot of factors that come into play on those decisions. I’d expect that some will return and others won’t but I doubt there’s going to be a major housecleaning that sweeps all of those names out.

T.J. Cray

Bringing in Steve Spagnuolo, how do you think the Rams will adjust to having a former defensive coordinator as head coach prior to having offensive coordinators doing the job?

NW: I’m not sure how much of a difference that makes but I’ll be sure to ask some players when I get the opportunity. I do know that some Rams defensive players I’ve talked to are fired up about having a defensive coach. It seems and I’m admittedly stereotyping here that defensive coaches are naturally more the fiery type of leaders than the quiet, “genius” types. That could play very well in this locker room.

Benoit Chenier

Nick,

There is some speculation out there that the Rams will try to sign Amani Toomer what are your thoughts; also what is the latest news on O.J Atogwe are they holding contract talks, losing a guy with this kind of caliber would be devastating. Also what is your take on the draft who are the rams interested in.

NW: See above for some draft talk. I have heard speculation on Toomer leaving New York but nothing concrete as it pertains to the Rams. Toomer would be a nice pickup if the Rams end up having a need for a veteran receiver but whether that need will exist remains to be seen. Atogwe is a top priority. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t re-signed or tagged.

Stephen Jimenez

Hey Nick, how's it going? Since free-agency is around the corner, I am sure Spags will beef up our roster with D-Lineman and maybe some O-Lineman, so that leaves one question. Who will we pick at number two, wide receiver, quarterback or running back?

NW: If you have some information on which OL and DL the Rams will sign, please forward to me. Until guys have inked those contracts, it’s too early to say which way the Rams will go with the draft. Free agency comes first.

Andrew Lubker

I have two questions. First, how likely is it that the Rams go out and sign some big name guys and get into the post season next year? Secondly, who do you think the rams will pick up, or have a chance at getting this off season?

NW: It remains to be seen how many “big name” free agents will even be available after the tags are given. For the record, teams have until Feb. 19 to “tag” players. If some of those players make it to the market, the Rams will have some interest depending on who the player is and what position need the player fills. But, more than anything, I expect the Rams to be active in free agency on some of the lesser known players entering their second contracts that still have plenty of room for growth. Those are the kinds of players worth signing because you get them at a fraction of the cost and they can possibly grow into impact players.

Dustin Stevenson

Will the rams go after the ravens linebackers in free agency? Also if they land one say Bart Scott being the most logical will they move Will Witherspoon back to outside linebacker were he was a pro bowler?

NW: It’s a widely held thought that getting a big middle linebacker is a priority so Witherspoon can move back outside. Scott would seem to be a logical target but who knows if he’ll even be available when free agency begins?

Noel Anderson

Aloha Nick, My question is a simple one, is the second pick worth keeping with the talent level being so even this year? Much Mahalo, Noel

NW: Aloha to you and I must admit my jealousy over your current location considering it’s about 20 degrees in St. Louis today. It’s a good question, Noel. It’s hard to say if any players will separate from the pack but that usually happens. Last year, there were, in my mind, about five guys (Chris Long, Jake Long, Glenn Dorsey, Darren McFadden and Matt Ryan) that had clearly separated themselves from the pack. The year before, it was just JaMarcus Russell, Adrian Peterson and Calvin Johnson (to me, anyway). So, there’s a good chance that between now and the draft, a certain number of guys will distance themselves from the rest of the pack. Since the Rams pick second, it’s a strong likelihood they would be in position to get one. At that point, it just has to be determined if someone really wants to go crazy and make a big offer to get the pick if the Rams don’t want it.

Luke Sells

Nick....you hear talk about throwback uniforms.  Why don't the Rams go with the blue/white from the 1960's thru 1972?  They have always been my favorite. 

NW: The Rams will wear throwbacks next season but not the ones you mentioned. Because it’s the 10th anniversary of the 1999 Super Bowl champions, they will wear the gold and blue uniforms of that vintage. The blue and whites may come in to play somewhere down the line but it won’t be next year.

David Leon

Any truth to the rumor that both the Giants and Jets are interest in dealing with the Rams for the #2 pick in the upcoming draft.  Rumor has it the Jets want Stafford or Sanchez because they don't have a QB.  Rumor has it the Giants want Michael Crabtree to replace Plaxico Burress.

Also, are there any facts behind speculation in Minnesota that the Vikings will go after Marc Bulger?

NW: I haven’t heard much in the way of rumors though there’s been rumblings about the Rams and Giants getting together on something. This is the season of misinformation, though, so anything you hear has to come with a grain or 20 of salt. I will say this, though. If the Rams do decide to look into trading down, the best thing that could happen is that some teams fall in love with those quarterbacks and decided they have to get ahead of Kansas City at No. 3 to get one. That could bring a pretty nice package in return.

I’ve heard nothing of any trades involving Bulger and the sheer economics of it will make it nearly impossible.

Robert Koepke II

There are a lot of areas that need work and new bodies, and I know that everyone is talking about defense. But I really believe the O-line needs serious attention. What do you think the chances are that we'll use our first pick to grab a O-lineman?

NW: There’s a very strong chance, especially if one of those tackles separates himself from the rest. One thing I’m really looking forward to at the combine is seeing these tackles work out. Because they are all lumped together, I would expect them all to work out and compete. If they don’t they could find themselves behind the 8 ball in terms of positional standing.

Steve

Nick,

I liked your piece on Orlando Pace. Looking back at the Rams when they had Jackie Slater as he got older, I keep hearing that Pace has got to go because of cap space and The Rams need a new tackle. It makes sense to look for a new starting left tackle, but at what price? I'd like Devaney to draft a tackle in the second round to groom, just not drafting one with the #2 pick at the expense of Orlando. Pace has worked to hard just to stop now!! If you thought that about Jackie you would have been wrong.

My question is what do you think will happen to Pace?

Then what is your opinion on Anthony Davis & is he even signed for this coming year?

NW: I believe Pace will be back though I think they’d like to have him back at a lower number than his anticipated cap number. If that works out, I’d expect him to stay. Personally, I think it’s a big misnomer that Pace can’t play anymore. He played through injuries this season and was probably the most consistent lineman on the team. He might not be the old, dominant player he once was but he’s still effective. That said, now is a great time to add another tackle because Pace is getting up there and Alex Barron is in his walk year. There’s no doubt in my mind that the Rams will come up with a tackle either in free agency and/or the draft.

Mike Walthew

I will be 42 years old tomorrow and I have been a Rams fan since I was 8.  Loyal to the end.  Many things I have disagreed with through the years and many I have agreed with. My question is do you think the Rams are a good head coach away from being competitive or better players away from being competitive?

NW: As you know, football is the ultimate team sport. It takes everyone, not just players, not just coaches but scouts and personnel guys and everyone in a building to make a winner. I’m a big believer in what the Rams have done this offseason in rebuilding the front office and hiring Steve Spagnuolo. That’s a great start but in the end, it’s a players’ league. They are the most important part in all of this. If you believe, as I do, that the Rams have good people in place to choose those players then the Rams should be competitive again sooner than later.

Michael Marrs

Nick I was looking at the upcoming free agents this season and couldn't help but notice some good players. Honestly I would love the rams to keep Atogwe, but could they also make a run at a guy like Bart Scott or Asomugha from the raiders? This way we improve either the LB core or the secondary.

NW: They certainly could look at those guys, if they ever hit the market. There’s no doubt those two will be hotly pursued if available.

Got a whole bunch of questions this week and couldn’t get to all of them but great to see the interest is just heating up. So keep the questions coming and we’ll be back for more next Wednesday.

---