The Facts: Post-Dispatch staffer Jim Thomas advises readers not to be shocked - or even surprised - if the Rams take Richardson if he's available at No. 6 in the draft, on April 26. "I think he's a very, very talented player," HC Fisher said of the Alabama RB. "He doesn't have a lot of wear-and-tear because it's been a one-year deal for him (as a feature back). But he's got great explosion and quickness in the hole and change of direction with the jump cut, and power, and ball security."

Diehards Line:Sporting News draft analyst Russ Lande, a former Rams scout, has also been floating the notion of St. Louis taking Richardson. But with needs almost everywhere on the depth chart why take another running back when you have three-time Pro Bowler Steven Jackson? "One could make the case that it may be one of those positions that you could consider passing up because of Steven's presence on roster," Fisher said. But the coach added: "I don't think we can pass on any position at that pick because of our need." Or apparently, their lack of need. Jackson, who has logged seven straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, is entering his ninth NFL campaign and has two years left on his contract. Fisher said he learned years ago in evaluating Eddie George late in his career that there's a difference between a back getting tackled and getting hit. When you start absorbing hits that you shouldn't - it means you're starting to lose it. From tape study, Fisher says Jackson's not at that stage. Which is probably good news for the Rams since nobody expects Richardson to make it past both the Browns and Bucs, the two teams drafting ahead of the Rams.