Two weeks until the CBA battle opens in court on April 6. Until then, we've got plenty of St. Louis Rams and 2011 NFL Draft to talk about. Let's get right to it.
Devany and Carville, postscript
NOLA.com has more on the conversation between James Carville and Billy Devaney, who found kindred spirits in their ribald language.
Rams will miss Atogwe, Spagnuolo says
Spagnuolo calls since-released FS Oshiomogho Atogwe a "special guy" and says that his leadership and character will be missed, but it's the business side of things. He praises Craig Dahl, James Butler and Darian Stewart at the same time acknowledging that they'll be bringing in someone else. Let the Jerome Murphy to safety talk cease.
Spags told Jim Thomas of the PD that the Rams will definitely have camp away from Rams Park. The location hasn't been settled, but it will either be in Rolla, MO or Carbondale, IL.
Without playbooks, rookies will suffer in lockout
Matt Bowen at the National Football Post explains just how big an impact it is for rookies to not see the playbook well enough ahead of time. Just ask Mardy Gilyard. This has been talked about in the context of Sam Bradford, but think of the impact if the Rams do draft a wide receiver, particularly a first or second rounder, that would be counted on to contribute in his first year.
NFL Draft - 2011 Risers and Fallers
CBSSports.com's Chad Reuter has a look at some recent risers and fallers. Among the fallers is Florida S Ahmad Black who ran a 4.8 forty at his pro day, turning questions about his speed into full-feldged red flags. Among the risers, Wyoming S Chris Prosinski, who could be a solid strong safety pick in the late rounds.
A look at the second round - MTD
John Dove at Mocking the Draft has a mock second round. He gives the Rams Maryland WR Torrey Smith, which I would be happy with, as the first receiver picked in that round. Jon Baldwin is the next WR off the board two picks later.