Random Ramsdom, 6/28: North Country

Good morning. The clock keeps ticking to get  a new labor deal done and get the 2011 football season back on track. Can players and owners save the season? (Not if the lawyers can help it). Can the St. Louis Rams meet their free agent needs once the flood gates open? (We'll see about that). 

On to the links.

Minnesota welcomes league, players for labor negotiations
Players involved in labor negotiations with the NFL traveled to Minnesota on Monday, but not just to meet with their legal team. They are there for a fifth round of "secret talks" with the league, a source with knowledge of the situation said. Interesting choice of locations. Judge Arthur Boylan, the U.S. magistrate overseeing the settlement talks is based out of Minnesota, as is the federal district court where the antitrust suit is currently on the docket. Is it a sign that they're getting close?

Talking about the Rams with Canal Street Chronicles
I answered a few questions about the Rams with Jon from Canal Street Chronicles, SBN's New Orleans Saints site. The Rams play the Saints in week 7, wearing their throwback jerseys for the event.

Former NFL Player to Start School Bus Service in Response to School District Cuts
Most football players forget about the school bus shortly after they ride to and from their final high school game. But not Troy Evans, who was on the Rams practice squad for the 2001 season.

Report: Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu going pro after season
Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net and SI.com is reporting that Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu is expected to enter the NFL Draft following his junior season. Here's a player to keep your eye on during the season, if, like me, you think the Rams may not be done drafting offensive players.

2012 NFL Draft rankings: Cornerbacks
MTD rolls out with an early look at corners potentially available in next year's draft. Surprisingly enough they don't have Janoris Jenkins as the top senior. That goes to Virginia's Chase Minniefield. However, Alabama CB Dre Kirkpatrick is the tops on this list.