Rams plan to keep Jackson

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams did their best to stamp out a rumor the day before the draft, saying running back Steven Jackson is not unhappy with his contract.

The Rams also say they're not interested in trading the two-time Pro Bowler. Jackson is coming off his seventh consecutive 1,000-yard season and has two years to go on a deal that'll pay him about $7 million in 2012.

"Steven's here, he's in the offseason program, he's upstairs every other day," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Wednesday. "He's doing great, having fun, learning the offense."

Fisher said he didn't know how the rumor started or where it was coming from. He recalled rumors that the Rams were shopping quarterback Sam Bradford when they traded the No. 2 pick to Washington. Fisher repeated that Jackson was not on the market.

"We talk about the potential ways of improving the roster, but his name has not been floated out there," Fisher said. "I don't know where it's coming from. People are just trying to create some excitement."

The Rams have the sixth overall pick tonight after trading the No. 2 pick to the Redskins for the No. 6 pick, along with Washington's second-rounder and first-rounders in 2013 and 2014.

Most mock drafts have St. Louis taking Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The Rams may take Alabama running back Trent Richardson as Jackson's eventual successor depending how the top of the draft unfolds.

Jackson said last week at a voluntary minicamp that he would understand if the Rams took Richardson, and that he'd help if Richardson was receptive.

The biggest question with the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Blackmon is a lack of breakaway speed. He had 121 catches and 18 touchdowns his senior season but at a 12.6-yard per catch average. Blackmon wasn't heavily recruited out of Ardmore, Okla., but emerged as a star after Dez Bryant was drafted by the Cowboys.

The current crop of Rams wide receivers lacks much of a profile. Danny Amendola is the best of the bunch. He was a go-to slot option in 2010 with 85 catches but for an 8.1-yard average. He missed virtually all of last season with a dislocated left elbow.

The Rams have eight picks to help build a roster that needs help all over. They've totaled 10 wins over the last three seasons. They've already filled some holes in free agency, with cornerback Cortland Finnegan, center Scott Wells and defensive tackle Kendall Langford signed to multiyear deals, and Kellen Clemens signed to back up Bradford.

Fisher said any player he picks up on either side of the ball can help Bradford.

"We expect to pick up some starters in this draft, guys that can come in and start right away hopefully," Fisher said. "Guys who may take some time. It's going to be a process."