Rams news, 3/31

* On his way to Houston, punter Donnie Jones told the Post-Dispatch that the Rams told his agent (Drew Rosenhaus) that they plan to DRAFT A PUNTER in this year's draft.

The Rams have eight draft picks. They currently need a cornerback, two linebackers, two defensive tackles, a guard, a tight end, at least one wide receiver, a change-of-pace running back and maybe even a backup QB. Do you see a lot of room for a freaking PUNTER in there?

A reminder to Les Snead and the Rams front office that you NEVER draft a kicker, and you will lose a full letter grade from RamView draft weekend if you are foolhardy enough to do it. Bad omen here, too; Snead's Falcons drafted their current punter, Matt Bosher, in the 6th round last year. For that, they got the 30th-ranked punter in the league in yards per punt; 19th in net. Bosher replaced Michael Koenen, who the Falcons originally acquired as an undrafted free agent. Ahem.

* The Rams did sign offensive lineman Robert Turner, as the Jeff Fisher Family and Friends Plan for bringing talent to Rams Park has apparently been replaced for the time being by the Brian Schottenheimer Pipeline of Mediocrity. Turner has started twice in his five-year career and missed all of last season due to a broken leg. He's 6'4" 308 and was apparently solid guard/right tackle depth for the Jets; Jets beat writer Rich Cimini says the Jets missed him last season.

* Though everyone else implicated in the Saints bounty scandal - Sean Payton, Mickey Loomis and Joe Vitt - is going to appeal their suspensions from Roger Goodell, Gregg Williams is not doing so. Since he's going to need Goodell in a good mood at some point to ever get to work in the league again, that's probably a good move.

* Since they do not have enough slow slot receivers on the roster already, the Rams will have Jerricho Cotchery (more Schottenheimer-y goodness!) in for a visit next week. In some basement rec room somewhere, Laveranues Coles is starting to stretch out his hamstrings.

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