Top 30 Draft Selections in St. Louis Rams History
Dec. 9, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) gets tackled by Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Nick Barnett (50) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. St. Louis beats Buffalo 15 to 12. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
4. Steven Jackson, RB, Round 1, Pick 24 Overall, 2004
Unfortunately for Steven Jackson, many St. Louis Rams fans will forever associate him with the team’s chronic losing during the late 2000s and early 2010s. It’s important to remember, however, that Jackson is by far the top rusher in franchise history, and he was extremely productive during his time in a Rams uniform, even on some of the worst offenses in recent NFL history.
After serving as Marshall Faulk’s backup as a rookie in 2004, Jackson took over the starting role in 2005 and proceeded to run for at least 1,000 yards in eight straight seasons. He didn’t score a bunch of touchdowns–his only double-digit TD season was a career-best 2006 in which he scored 13 touchdowns while rushing for 1,528 yards–but his impact was felt greatly nonetheless.
Jackson made three Pro Bowls (2006, 2009, and 2010) and was consistently the Rams’ bellcow in the backfield. From the time Jackson became the starter in 2005 until he departed following the end of the 2012 season, no other Rams running back had 100 rushing attempts in a season. In fact, Jackson got such a lion’s share of the carries during the prime of his career that the Rams’ next-leading carrier in 2009 and 2010, Kenneth Darby, got just 27 carries in ’09 and 34 in ’10.
Jackson opted out of his deal with the Rams after 2012 and signed with the Atlanta Falcons after playing just two playoff games in a Rams uniform, both of which came during his rookie season. However, with 2,396 carries, 10,138 rushing yards, and 56 rushing touchdowns, as well as 407 catches, 3,324 receiving yards, and eight receiving touchdowns over his Rams career, he’ll be remembered in a St. Louis uniform long-term, and he should receive at least some Hall of Fame consideration once his playing days are finally done.
Next: 3. Aaron Donald