Steven Jackson is one of the best running backs in the entire NFL bar none when he’s healthy.  Steven Jackson has it all as he is a very powerful runner and he’s also one of the very best backs in the league at catching the football out of the backfield.  Jackson played in 12 games (all starts) for the Rams last season and he carried the ball 237 times for 1,002 yards (4.2 ypc) with 5 TD runs.  He also caught 38 passes for 271 yards (7.1 avg) with 1 TD grab for the Rams in 2007.  Look for Jackson to have much better numbers in 2008 for the Rams as long as both he and his offensive line can stay healthy.  Jackson has now played in 57 games (46 starts) in his NFL career and he has carried the ball 971 times for 4,249 yards (4.4 ypc) with 30 TD runs.  He has also caught 190 passes for 1,586 yards (8.3 avg) with 6 TD grabs in his NFL career.

The Rams swooped in and signed Antonio Pittman after he was cut loose by the Saints before even playing a game for them his rookie season.  Pittman isn’t the strongest of fastest back in the league but he’s simply just a good football player.  Pittman played in 11 games (0 starts) for the Rams last year and he carried the ball 38 times for 139 yards (3.7 ypc) without a TD run.  He also caught 3 passes for 15 yards (5.0 avg) without a TD.  Look for Pittman to score his first NFL TD this season as he will likely give Steven Jackson a breather once in a while on running downs.

Travis Minor is the classic third down back as he’s a small, fast guy who is a good receiver.  Minor played in 14 games (0 starts) for the Rams last season and he carried the ball 17 times for 68 yards (4.0 ypc) without a TD run.  He also caught 12 passes for 86 yards (7.2 avg) last year.  Don’t look for big numbers out of Minor this season but he will produce when he gets the chance.  Minor has now played in 105 games (4 starts) in his NFL career and he has carried the ball 294 times for 1,201 yards (4.1 ypc) with 8 TD runs.  He also has caught 62 passes for 439 yards (7.1 avg) with 1 TD grab.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON:  A-