St. Louis Rams: News and Nuggets at Noon (Friday Edition)

The focus around the St. Louis Rams  continues to be upon the soon approaching lease negotiations and the long-term concerns regarding the Rams choice of residence.  

Last night, Scott Warmann of KMOX declared that he has strong sources telling him that some serving on the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Convention Board of Commissioners are not completely on board regarding how they feel about the importance of keeping the Rams in the Edward Jones Dome. (Those statements can be heard here under the first audio link.)  

One member that may have been referenced is Kim Tucci of the Pasta House.  Some St. Louis fans have started a facebook page to boycott the Pasta House as it is the belief that he is not solidly behind the Rams staying in town.  

To share any questions or concerns with the CVC, or to perhaps let them know your feelings regarding the St. Louis Rams, you may do so here. 

On February 1, the CVC must present their proposal to upgrade the dome.  The Rams must then accept or reject that plan by March 1.  If they reject it, the Rams must counteroffer by May 1 and a deal must be struck by June 1 or a trip to arbitration results. 

In a feature piece today, St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Brian Burwell analyzes whether it is worth it for the city to go all out to keep the Rams.  It is a very interesting and thought-provoking article.  

As for the London games and the related relocation speculation, one NFL player and London native feels that having a team permanently in London is unrealistic.  

In other news, the Rams will continue their GM search this weekend when Arizona director of player personnel Steve Keim visits the Rams.

From conference call comments as reported by Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams appears to be fired up and set to bring great intensity to St. Louis.

As for the upcoming NFL Draft, one of if not the largest compilation of NFL Mock Drafts can be found here, something great to bookmark to check for updates between now and April.

Finally, in related draft news, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly open to offers for the third overall pick.  This could impact the Rams ability to trade their number two overall pick if teams looking for a quarterback do not believe the Rams hold serious interest in selecting one.  

I want to end this by wishing everyone a great weekend and by asking everyone if they remember when St. Louis native Nelly represented the Rams hard in video after video, such as in this one with cameos by Torry Holt, D' Marco Farr and Marshall Faulk?

Shane Gray covers the St. Louis Rams year round. To check out the rest of his work, go here.  You are also encouraged to follow him on Twitter.