COMMENTARY : Drafting McFadden a mistake for Rams
Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2008
ST. LOUIS — It’s been the subject of a spirited debate among St. Louis Rams fans: Should the Rams update their backfield by trading Steven Jackson and drafting Arkansas running back Darren McFadden ?
Presuming McFadden doesn’t go first overall in next month’s NFL Draft, proponents argue that the Rams can pick up extra draft picks and strengthen other areas of the team by marketing Jackson and taking McFadden with the No. 2 overall choice.
This theory may be based on a false premise. Fans might be overestimating what the Rams could land for Jackson. Remember, Indianapolis moved future Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk to St. Louis in 1999 for the bargain price of secondround and fifth-round draft choices.
NFL teams just haven’t been going crazy by bartering multiple premium picks and players in exchange for running backs. These overly aggressive trades blew up on Minnesota (Herschel Walker ) and New Orleans (Ricky Williams ).
It’s also a gamble to assume McFadden will be great and durable and possess all of the attributes of a franchise back.
I did a quick study of the last 10 NFL drafts, and nine running backs were topfive picks.
Of the nine, two emerged as superstars: LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers ) and Edgerrin James (Colts, Cardinals. )
Another, Jamal Lewis, has had an underrated career on the field for the Ravens and Browns — but he also spent time in prison for drug trafficking. Williams (Saints and Dolphins ) failed NFL drug tests and flaked out. Cedric Benson (Bears ), Ronnie Brown (Dolphins ) and Reggie Bush (Saints ) haven’t distinguished themselves. Cadillac Williams (Buccaneers ) had a fine rookie season, but he’s missed 14 of the past 32 games. And Curtis Enis (Bears ) was a bust.
So why are most Rams fans convinced that McFadden will be a consistent force ? A decade’s worth of history tells us that the percentages are on the low side.
And it’s strange how some Rams fans underrate Jackson.
Jackson has been a starter the past three seasons. And during that time, he’s fourth in the NFL in total yards from scrimmage. He’s sixth in rushing yards. He’s second among running backs in receptions. And that’s playing for multiple head coaches and coordinators, and after running behind a transient offensive line.
So why are some Rams fans so down on No. 39 ?
One myth is that Jackson lacks durability. In his three seasons as a starter, Jackson has played in 43 of a possible 48 games. Of the backs who have at least 750 total rushing attempts in the past three seasons, Jackson’s games-played total has been topped by only seven others. And only two of the seven have appeared in all 48 games. Jackson has held up much better than what he’s given credit for.
If some Rams fans don’t like Jackson’s dreadlocks, or his willingness to voice a strong opinion, that’s no reason to trade him. Jackson plays hard, he’s a good citizen, and his production level is superior to all but a few NFL backs.
Put it this way: During the past three seasons, Tomlinson, the league’s best back, has averaged only 12 more yards from scrimmage per game than Jackson.
But to listen to some Rams fans whine, you’d think Jackson was Trung Canidate.
“He’s a monster,” said Jacob Bell, the Rams’ new left guard. “He’s a freak of nature with his size. He’s huge and fast. There’s just not many people who can be that size and run the way Jackson does. In Tennessee, the offensive linemen would put in the video of some of Jackson’s runs and we’d watch them and laugh, because it’s ridiculous. Few backs can do what this guy does.” And Jackson, who turns 25 in July, figures to benefit greatly from the addition of new offensive coordinator Al Saunders, who orchestrated a Kansas City offense that produced consecutive 1, 700-yard rushing seasons for Larry Johnson. And Johnson doesn’t have Jackson’s receiving skills.
The Rams already have one of the league’s elite backs.
You want a trade ? Fine.
The Rams should try to exploit other teams’ interest in McFadden and collect extra draft choices that way.
McFadden is a luxury.
The Rams require necessities.
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