Go on record with predictions on these "Burning Issues."

[AvengerRam_old]

This should be an interesting offseason. Time to record predictions on the following "burning issues" for the offseason:

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?

3. Will the Rams be sold?

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?

6. Will Leonard Little return?

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?

8. Will Alex Barron return?

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?

[AvengerRam_old]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these "Burning Issues."

My predictions:

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?

I'm going to say no. I think he'll be asked to take a pay cut and, when he refuses, he'll be released. I don't think he'll have too much trouble finding a job, though it will probably be as a number 2. I'll go on a limb and say he lands in Pittsburgh behind Ben Roethlisberger.

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?

I'm a bit torn here, but I'll predict that the Rams sign Jason Campbell. I think the Redskins will move on and draft a QB, and I think Campbell is a guy who could fit well with the Rams. If this does not happen, I'd probably go with the Rams taking Colt McCoy in Round 2 of the draft.

3. Will the Rams be sold?

I'm betting that Chip and Lucia will hold on to the team for one more year.

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?

I think the issue will be resolved and the cap will remain.

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?

Yes. After a somewhat down season ending with an injury, now is a good time for the team to negotiate a long term deal at a fair price.

6. Will Leonard Little return?

No. I think he'll call it a career.

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?

After months of debate, rumors and speculation, I think it will end up being Ndamukong Suh.

8. Will Alex Barron return?

No. He'll be someone else's problem next year.

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?

Campbell would qualify. I'd also keep my eye on Richard Marshall, CB, Carolina.

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?

They'll probably make a trade or two during draft weekend, but I doubt it will be anything involving picks in the first two rounds.

[Nick_Weasel]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these "Burning Issues."

My guesses:

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?
No

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?
Yes. Jason Campbell

3. Will the Rams be sold?
Not this offseason

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?
CBA

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?
Yes

6. Will Leonard Little return?
No

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?
House of Spears

8. Will Alex Barron return?
No

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?
Well to be consistent with my #2, I'll say yes - Jason Campbell

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?
No

Edit: Wow, exact same answers as Av. How boring.

[HUbison]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these "Burning Issues."

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?

Without being a smart butt and saying, "absolutely yes, because it's already 2010"; I will still say yes. Because of the way the draft falls, I think he gets another year at the helm. I don't see him here in 2011, though.

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?

I could see a Jason Campbell coming in, but I think McCoy with #33 is more likely.

3. Will the Rams be sold?

In 2010, I'm starting to think, no.

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?

I can't imagine the owners risking an uncapped year. If the players got a taste of that, the union would never go back. I see the owners giving up a lot, but the new CBA containing a new cap.

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?

I think so. Just a gut feeling, but I think so.

6. Will Leonard Little return?

Nope. I think he's ready to hang 'em up.

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?

For intrigue's sake, there will be talk of Clausen, Bradford, and trade down, but in the end we get Donkey Kong.

8. Will Alex Barron return?

Nope.

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?

Maybe Campbell, maybe Derrick Johnson.

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?

Major trades? The only major trade bait we have is the #1 pick, and in the end I don't see them moving it.

[Truth]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these "Burning Issues."

1. That depends. If we go into an uncapped season, NO. If we get a new CBA, YES. I don't think the Rams would be willing to take the cap hit.

2. Yes. I think we'll make a run at Jason Campbell. If that doesn't work, I think we'll go for a QB in round 2 of the draft.

3. If so, it will happen before next season begins (probably before the draft). Otherwise, not this year. I also think a lot of this will depend on the CBA and issues with profit sharing amongst teams being resolved.

4. Uncapped. There are many reasons to doubt that something will be accomplished before next season. I think the owners want a cap on top 5 - 10 draft picks. That could be a major sticking point. I also think that many owners would like the ability to "erase" some of their mistakes by being able to let go of big salaries without taking a hit.

5. I think it will be a priority.

6. If we select Suh, I think he just might return.

7. Suh. He has the most chance of providing an INSTANT upgrade/impact for the Rams. There are no Peyton Mannings in this years top QB contenders list. Although, there are never a shortage of Ryan Leafs.

8. Magic 8 ball says "very doubtful".

9. I think Jason Campbell might be that signing. If we go into an uncapped year, any of the unrestricted players from the playoff teams automatically become restricted free agents. That will depleat the pool.

10. The players that we have that would be considered "valuable", we really can't afford to lose if we truly want to progress. Although, SJ for a first round pick and a decent player would be interesting. I AM NOT ADVOCATING A TRADE. I just think it sounds interesting (depending on the spot of the 1st round pick).

[Richbert88]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these "Burning Issues."

This should be an interesting offseason. Time to record predictions on the following "burning issues" for the offseason:

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?

Yes. I think he stays for one more year.

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?

I think they make a run at Campbell. But I don't think he starts right away.

3. Will the Rams be sold?

No. I think it'll be a year or two.

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?

Yes. I think there will be some progress on a rookie cap too.

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?

Yes. A long term deal will get done now.

6. Will Leonard Little return?

No. I think he gets released or retires. Pretty evident what DV and Spags are doing, getting youthfull.

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?

Suh!

8. Will Alex Barron return?

Yes. I don't think they'd feel comfortable cutting him loose just yet and will probably transition him.

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?

Campbell. I havent' given much thought to the rest.

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?

I think they should. Maybe involving 2011 picks <not 1 & 2>, but I think they should persue Michael Bush RB.

[RebelYell]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these &quot;Burning Issues.&quot;

#4 is the key to every other question. They are having an 8th meeting this week and if an agreement isn't reached, an uncapped season is extremely likely. Everything changes on March 5th when free agency opens.

If there isn't a cap in 2010, I predict the Rams go ultra cheap, let OJ walk, sign only secondary type free agents and limit their salary situation as much as possible in anticipation of a lockout. In an uncapped season the number of available free agents will be very limited so it'll be the worse possible moment to sign a bunch of guys to contracts (at artificially inflated rates via supply / demand). The rebuild will be delayed.

On the other hand if an agreement is reached, I predict OJ comes back, the team signs at least 1 higher priced free agent and 4 mid-level free agents.

Reports have been trickling out the last few days. Chris Mortensen said over the weekend that teams aren't going to get rid of coaching staffs and pay out financial settlements if they anticipate 2011 is locked out. Tampa, Carolina, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Houston and Chicago are all supposedly considering keeping their coaching staffs another year because of this. We'll see.

Two months ago I was 100% sure the CBA would be extended without any changes. From everything I've read I'd say it's a 20% chance we have a full 2011 season.

edit: I think Bulger and Barron are gone either way. Barron gave up on the team down the stretch and Bulger isn't in the cards for 2011. These guys are building for 2 years from now and if you are doing that, you cut Bulger and eliminate his entire salary for 2011.

[The Rammer]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these &quot;Burning Issues.&quot;

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?
No

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?
They will make a move for Vick.

3. Will the Rams be sold?
No

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?
Uncapped

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?
Yes

6. Will Leonard Little return?
Yes, only as a 3rd and long pass-rush specialist

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?
Ndamukong Suh

8. Will Alex Barron return?
No

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?
No

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?
No

[richtree]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these &quot;Burning Issues.&quot;

My turn -- lets shake things up a bit

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?
No -- enough said there.
2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?
Yes, Michael Vick
3. Will the Rams be sold?
Yes, but not for 2 years
4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?
I think a new CBA with less money for rookies and more for vets
5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?
Yes, at least for 1 more season
6. Will Leonard Little return?
No, He will give it up
7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?
Suh
8. Will Alex Barron return?
No, we will move Smith to LT
9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?
Yes, Vick, Willie Parker, Bo Scaife, and best OLineman available
10. Will the Rams make any major trades?
We will be moving up to get our guys in rounds 2-4.

[Dominating D]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these &quot;Burning Issues.&quot;

This should be an interesting offseason. Time to record predictions on the following "burning issues" for the offseason:

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?
No, Bulger will not renogotiate his contract and be cut.

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?
Jason Campbell is not the QB for the West Coast Offense. Rams go after Chris Redman and draft a young QB in 2nd round McCoy

3. Will the Rams be sold?
Yes, Finally

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?
Capped

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?
Yes, but will pay more than they want

6. Will Leonard Little return?
One last year as a pass rusher only

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?
They get the big man SUH although they come close to taking Claussen

8. Will Alex Barron return?
Yes, the Rams go ahead and sign Alex for less

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?
Yes several of them
Chris Redman
Tony Scheffer
Aaron Kampman
Lance Moore
Parys Harlason

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?

No they invest in the draft and free agency

[39thebeast]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these &quot;Burning Issues.&quot;

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010? No he won't, money doesn't make sense

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be? At this point I will say Tony Pike

3. Will the Rams be sold? No, no one in St. Louis wants to anti up the desired amount Chip will wait as long as he can

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped? Uncapped FA is to close and absoloutely nothing has happened. Alot to discuss when you talk about a CBA, time isn't on our side.

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe? Yes he will be tagged, tendered, or resigned he isn't going anywhere

6. Will Leonard Little return? No he retires

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft? Jimmy went down they will take Ndamukong Suh

8. Will Alex Barron return? As much as i don't want him to he probably will in an uncapped year under a tender. Hopefully he is nothing more than depth

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents? No it will be an uncapped year this pool isn't going to be verry good. I doubt if guys like Vince Wilfork, Julius Peppers, or Karlos Dansby escape untagged the rams will be willing to make them the highest paid players at their position

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?[/QUOTE]

[molar_pistol]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these &quot;Burning Issues.&quot;

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?

no, i expect the year to go uncapped and the staff to take advantage of the opportunity and cut him.

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?

yes, but it's probably too early to know who will be available to take. personally, i like pennington for a year or two.

3. Will the Rams be sold?

no.

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?

2010 will almost certainly go uncapped and will make for an interesting offseason.

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?

i think so, i don't see how they can let him get away unless we trade down to pick berry or something.

6. Will Leonard Little return?

no, i think he's done.

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?

suh.

8. Will Alex Barron return?

i hope not, and i think the staff feels the same way so no.

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?

i'd like to pick up at least a right tackle and linebacker, big name or not.

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?

if anyone is interested i think there's a few guys they wouldn't mind trading..bell, carriker and barron come to mind.

[Goldenfleece]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these &quot;Burning Issues.&quot;

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010? Yes.

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be? Yes, I'm going to guess McCoy in the 2nd.

3. Will the Rams be sold? Eventually, but not before the 2010 season.

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped? New CBA.

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe? Yes.

6. Will Leonard Little return? No.

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft? Ndamukong Suh.

8. Will Alex Barron return? No.

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents? Yes. The team has lots of cap room and is very much aware that the team is perceived to be sorely lacking in talent. After last year's purge, there's strong incentive to convince people they're committed to winning--that is if they don't want every home game to be blacked out. This might be one of those times where you have to spend money to make money.

10. Will the Rams make any major trades? No. We don't have players that other teams want. Trying to broker an agreeable deal for the first pick overall would be incredibly difficult, and I doubt we'd want to fork over that high second of ours.

[ljcrayton]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these &quot;Burning Issues.&quot;

My predictions:

1. Will Marc Bulger be a Ram in 2010?

I think the rams are going to keep him because our front office thinks he's better than he really is. If anything they'll keep him to help bring up our new QB we'll be drafting

2. Will the Rams obtain a potential starting QB in FA or the draft and, if so, who will it be?

I think the rams would look to build up their defense a little. Suh i think is coming to st. louis and pennington or someone like that will be coming as well if they do trade bulger. But i don't see them trading or getting rid of bulger.

3. Will the Rams be sold?

I think the fan base is too strong in st louis.

4. Will there be a new CBA or will 2010 be uncapped?

I think it's on the table, but no.

5. Will the Rams retain O.J. Atogwe?

If the price is right. But Atogwe might wanna get traded to get his full potential...we all saw what happened with will weatherspoon.

6. Will Leonard Little return?

I think there's a slim chance he'll return just to help the new rookies we obtain

7. Who will the Rams take with the first pick in the draft?

Suh

8. Will Alex Barron return?

A pain in the @$$ much not needed

9. Will the Rams sign any "big name" free agents?

Maybe Vick....doubtful but maybe.

10. Will the Rams make any major trades?

maybe they'll trade bulger but i doubt it. Possibly Atogwe.

[Azul e Oro]

Re: Go on record with predictions on these &quot;Burning Issues.&quot;

[QUOTE=RebelYell;325803]#4 is the key to every other question.

I certainly agree with this statement. No CBA & we may not even see a 2010 season. Definitely an off-season that will make any answers given to most of these questions total shots in the dark & raise many others.


Will there be a strike/lockout? I think a strike is a lot more likely. A lot of established players are going to lose megabucks. The change in rules triggered by an uncapped year seem to heavily favor the owners at least in the short term.

Will OJ even be a UFA? Barron certainly won't & I don't think a team is going to give up a first round pick for him as an RFA.

Will The Rams be able to sign their #1 pick? I seriously doubt it. With top rookie contracts being the crux of the matter, there will be no precedent upon which to negotiate.

Stock up on blood pressure medicine, Ram Nation; we may be looking at a Crabtree-esque holdout. Unless Suh or whoever The Rams pick is the new Gandhi( or whoever your fav symbol of non-greed & humility might be), I don't see him voluntarily accepting a limit on his deal. Nor will The Rams want to go down in history as the last team to get bled by an unproven top rookie.

Got ugly stalemate written all over it,imo.

Btw, this is the latest proposal fom the NFLPA ( per C*BS*sports-dot-com):

The NFL Players Association has presented a proposal that would include redirecting money paid to rookies into veterans' contracts instead. The union's plan would have a scale or cap for how much rookies would be paid, and the 32 teams would use the money saved from those contracts on established players. As much as $200 million could wind up in veterans' pockets.

That proposal was made to the league before Christmas, and includes a three-year maximum on rookie deals.

The fact that this wasn't accepted...at least so far...by the owners suggests to me that they have something else on their minds( hint: it's flat & green & every guy wants to see more of it...no, it's not a Martian supermodel...)....jeez who woulda thunk the owners didn't have the fans' & proven players' best interests at heart,after all....

but back to AV's list & some of the responses.

Why Campbell ? CBA or not, this guy will cost & want a longterm deal. Imo, his QB rating alone is not the stat to look at.The WCO and good WRs/TEs/RBs made him look like more of a weapon than he really is,imo. He has two games in his 5 year career with 3 TDs....TWO!! He has piss-poor mechanics & pocket presence; he gets the ball knocked out of his hands constantly (13 fumbles this season & '07) & takes unnecessary sacks because he doesn't make quick decisions.
I'm not saying he's dumb but I heard he thought the Wonderlic was an ice cream cone eating contest.

I guess his durability is an asset but how long will that last after taking an 83 sack beating over the last two seasons?
Portis just dissed his leadership as well in a recent interview which should thrill the anti-Bulger crowd.

In short, not the longterm answer I want to hear from DeSpags & I think we need to look farther (further?) down the food chain for a stopgap if they draft a QB to groom.

The only thing I can think of in his favor is that he's been durable but how long will that last when he's taken over 80 sacks in the last two seasons ?

As to the sale, why would anyone buy a billion dollar company when there is no guarantee that it will be producing any revenue nine months from now? Especially a smaller market one with looming stadium issues & both of those problems seem to be high on the current NFL owners' list of concerns.

I think Hall is more likely to be offered a deal than Little. Long seems ready to take on the role of #1 pass rusher & Hall is more versatile than LL,imo.

I think Bulger comes back unless they find a much cheaper FA to offset the dead money he would be paid for 2010.

My FA QB stopgap sleeper option: Charlie Frye. Sounds crazy? Go watch how he played in those few games he started for OAK. I think this guy will be an off-the-bench hero somewhere next year. I hope it's The Rams.

I'd also love to see Snee and or Cofield come to The Rams to help out their old coach. Both will be UFA even without the CBA & should have a few years left in the tank.