Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Rams activate Jackson

ST. LOUIS (AP) - The St. Louis Rams signed first-round draft pick Steven Jackson to a five-year contract on Sunday. Jackson was the 24th overall pick and the first running back taken. He ran for 3,625 yards and 39 touchdowns in three seasons at Oregon State. Financial terms were not immediately released.

The Rams envision Jackson as the successor to Marshall Faulk, who is entering his 12th NFL season. Faulk, 31, is signed through 2008. The Rams begin training camp Wednesday in Macomb, Ill. As a senior, Jackson gained 1,545 yards and scored a career-high 19 touchdowns while also establishing himself as a receiving threat for the first time. He had career bests in receptions (44), receiving yards (470) and receiving touchdowns (3).

St. Louis traded up two slots after the Dallas Cowboys widely expected to snag Jackson with the 22nd pick traded down. The Rams gave Cincinnati the 26th overall pick and a fourth-round pick to grab Jackson at 24.

Jackson was the first offensive player taken in the first round by the Rams since 2000, when they selected running back Trung Canidate.

The Rams have signed five of their seven draft picks. Jackson joins safety Jason Shivers, center Larry Turner, linebacker Brandon Chillar and tight end Erik Jensen under contract. Third-round pick Tony Hargrove, a defensive end from Georgia Tech, and sixth-round pick Jeff Smoker, a quarterback from Michigan State, remain unsigned.