St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson is part of an extinct breed in the NFL — the featured running back. This species is in short supply, kind of like the panda.

Though, I doubt that scientists are out there working on a way to produce more featured running backs. But maybe they should.

But the list of pure featured backs could take another hit if St. Louis decides to take a running back in this weekend’s draft, as our Steve Wyche suggested during his weekly NFL.com chat on Friday. The Rams, according to Wyche, are looking at running back.

“I’m pretty sure that St. Louis will take a running back and based on some conversations that I’ve had, they are looking at a bigger type of back to give them the same type of pop and style that Steven Jackson gives them,” Wyche said. “Kind of like Michael Turner and Jason Snelling in Atlanta.”

Initially this seems like bad news for Jackson. But the bruising running back has seen his production decrease in recent years because he just doesn’t have any help. And infusion of talent could extend his career. Plus, Jackson is so good out of the backfield, he will continue to be on the field for third-down plays.

The key would be to see who ends up with the goalline carries. A change in role here could really hamper Jackson’s value.

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