Peter King suggests Ram trade Jackson if they draft Richardson

[tomahawk247]

From his latest article:

Jeff Fisher loves Trent Richardson, and the impact of the Rams ending up with the Alabama running back would be huge. First, the Rams would presumably either trade or release Steve Jackson if this happens. I don't see them paying Jackson $7 million in 2012 to share the job with a player certain to eclipse him soon. And that big number takes some logical teams (Steelers, Giants) out of the running for Jackson. Now, I view this scenario as unlikely anyway, because the Rams simply have to get receiver help for Sam Bradford. But if Justin Blackmon is gone here and Richardson's still there, he's logical for the Rams. Of course, Cleveland likes Richardson a lot, and rookie Tampa coach Greg Schiano does too, so I don't see Richardson making it to six.

I can see where he is coming from, in that the salary is large. But at the same time, Jackson is a team captain. He can show Richardson the ropes, and the Rams would be foolish to dump their best offensive player. I just don't see it personally.

[AvengerRam]

I don't see that happening. First, I don't think Fisher would mind having both SJax and Richardson for a year or two. Second, as noted, SJax's contract make him virtually untradeable.

Of course, if you want to get really creative, you can come up with some sort of deal where the Rams send SJax to the Steelers and for Mike Wallace (and use SJax's cap $ to pay Wallace), but that sort of thing only happens in fantasy leagues.

[HUbison]

Mike Martz loves Steven Jackson, and the impact of the Rams ending up with the Oregon St. running back would be huge. First, the Rams would presumably either trade or release Marshall Faulk if this happens. I don't see them paying Faulk's big salary in 2004 to share the job with a player certain to eclipse him soon.

[AvengerRam]

Mike Martz loves Steven Jackson, and the impact of the Rams ending up with the Oregon St. running back would be huge. First, the Rams would presumably either trade or release Marshall Faulk if this happens. I don't see them paying Faulk's big salary in 2004 to share the job with a player certain to eclipse him soon.

That response was so good I'm kicking myself for not coming up with it myself!

[berg8309]

And the truth of the matter is that Richardson is only a one year starter. Very talented, and can probably help right away, but most likely it would be best for him to play backup for a year or two, much like Jackson did, to get used to the NFL and the blocking schemes and learn from a true pro.

[FestusRam]

I really hope we dont take Richardson if hes available.

If Jackson has taught us anything over the past 5+ years, its that having a Top 5 running back on your team doesnt mean much if you cant get the ball downfield through the air.

[THOLTFAN81]

This is the only thing I took from this post:

However, King also believes the Rams would lean toward Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon if both he and Richardson were still on the board,

That is all...

[berg8309]

I really hope we dont take Richardson if hes available.

If Jackson has taught us anything over the past 5+ years, its that having a Top 5 running back on your team doesnt mean much if you cant get the ball downfield through the air.

I'm not sure that being able to get the ball down field will mean much if you don't have a RB who makes the safety play in the box on occassion.

[Fortuninerhater]

I don't see that happening. First, I don't think Fisher would mind having both SJax and Richardson for a year or two. Second, as noted, SJax's contract make him virtually untradeable.

Of course, if you want to get really creative, you can come up with some sort of deal where the Rams send SJax to the Steelers and for Mike Wallace (and use SJax's cap $ to pay Wallace), but that sort of thing only happens in fantasy leagues.

This just in....The St.Louis Rams have opted out of their NFL contract to join a fantasy league.

I can only hope.

[general counsel]

I think what we have learned in the last few years is that top rb or not, if you dont have a functional offensive line, you cant run AND you cant throw. Sure, our receivers have been weak. Sure, jackson is a top back. Our offense stinks (and has stunk) more than any other reason because our offensive line has been terrible for years. People continue to believe that a top flight receiver is our biggest need. I agree its our single biggest individual need, but i dont care what playmakers we get, it isnt going to matter all that much if bradford is flat on his ass all the time and there are no holes for jackson/richardson to run through.

Ramming speed to all

general counsel

[Shan the Ram Man]

I think what we have learned in the last few years is that top rb or not, if you dont have a functional offensive line, you cant run AND you cant throw. Sure, our receivers have been weak. Sure, jackson is a top back. Our offense stinks (and has stunk) more than any other reason because our offensive line has been terrible for years. People continue to believe that a top flight receiver is our biggest need. I agree its our single biggest individual need, but i dont care what playmakers we get, it isnt going to matter all that much if bradford is flat on his ass all the time and there are no holes for jackson/richardson to run through.

Ramming speed to all

general counsel

I agree general
The o-line was hit with injuies last year. The Rams have no depth for any position on the o-line. That is why I want the Rams to draft OT/G Keleche Osemele in the second round.

[Fortuninerhater]

I think what we have learned in the last few years is that top rb or not, if you dont have a functional offensive line, you cant run AND you cant throw. Sure, our receivers have been weak. Sure, jackson is a top back. Our offense stinks (and has stunk) more than any other reason because our offensive line has been terrible for years. People continue to believe that a top flight receiver is our biggest need. I agree its our single biggest individual need, but i dont care what playmakers we get, it isnt going to matter all that much if bradford is flat on his ass all the time and there are no holes for jackson/richardson to run through.

Ramming speed to all

general counsel

Well of course it's not going to matter if Bradford is on his ass with the ball in his hands. But it might, if he's already hit Stephen Hill for an 80 yard TD.

And for those keeping score at home, I believe Jackson is the only back in the league to rush for 1,000 yards in seven consecutive seasons. Including two seasons where he only played in 12 games.

I don't think you can do that if there weren't at least a few holes to run through.

I do get your point GC, but I sure would like to get those playmakers and let the chips fall where they may.

[HUbison]

And for those keeping score at home, I believe Jackson is the only back in the league to rush for 1,000 yards in seven consecutive seasons.

I get your point, and it's a good one. But Emmitt Smith (11), Barry Sanders (10), Curtis Martin (10), Tomlinson (8), Dickerson (7), and Thurmon Thomas (8) all have as long or longer streaks.

However, S-Jax is the only one still running.

[general counsel]

Putting barry sanders aside, what do the rest of those guys all have in common? Do the words functional to outstanding offensive lines mean anything to anyone? Jackson has done more with less over the course of his career than just above any back you can name, with the possible exceptions of walter payton and barry sanders.

Ramming speed to all

general counsel

[richtree]

That response was so good I'm kicking myself for not coming up with it myself!

I Second that one!!!!!!!