By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer

One year ago, the running back position for the free agent class of 2009 was perhaps the biggest question on the Rams roster.

Starter Steven Jackson had one year left on his contract and now extension seemed imminent. The Rams were searching for a solid backup and were hoping Felix Jones would drop to them in the second round.

Fast forward to today and the situation has changed in one area and remains the same in others. The biggest piece of the running back puzzle, Jackson’s status was solved on Aug. 21 of last year when he signed a six-year, $44 million contract with about $20 million guaranteed.

Any lingering questions about who the Rams would build their rushing attack around in 2008 and beyond were answered on that day.

Jackson got a late start on his season, though, and struggled to gain traction in the opening weeks. By the season’s fourth game, against Buffalo, Jackson was in full swing as he posted 110 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries to go with 78 yards on five catches.

Jackson followed up that performance with a solid showing against Washington and a breakout game against Dallas. In that game, he rushed for 160 yards on 25 carries with three touchdowns. But on his final carry, he suffered a hamstring injury that would plague him the rest of the season.

Despite the injury, Jackson had success on his return as he capped the year with 161 yards on 30 carries with two touchdowns against Atlanta in the season finale. All told, Jackson rushed for 1,042 yards on 253 carries with seven touchdowns and 40 catches for 379 yards and another score.

Needless to say, as the Rams prepare for the start of free agency on Feb. 27, there isn’t a need for a starting running back. But that doesn’t mean the Rams won’t be searching for help at the position.

Jackson started just 11 games in 2008, one year after starting 12. When healthy, Jackson is among the best backs in the league but some bad luck has left the Rams a bit short handed the past two seasons.

Heading into the offseason, the Rams have Antonio Pittman, Kenneth Darby, Brian Leonard and Sam Gado under contract at the position in addition to Jackson. Pittman and Darby flashed some potential, especially Darby in terms of third down ability and blitz pickups.

Leonard is coming off another season ending injury and will likely compete for a roster spot. Travis Minor, who played special teams and some on third down, is an unrestricted free agent.

So, for the second season in a row, the Rams have a bit of an unanswered question as for the top backup to Jackson. And while it isn’t the top priority, the Rams do want to find a back that can complement Jackson.

That back will likely need to be a bigger runner capable of handling the load if Jackson is injured. Should the Rams choose to dive into the free agent market, there are a number of intriguing names.

The Giants have two stud backs available in Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward. Both, of course, are very familiar with new Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo. It’s a strong possibility that Jacobs will re-sign in New York and Ward will hit the open market.

While Ward would certainly fit the bill, he’s likely to cash in a la Michael Turner in 2008 and land a full time starting gig somewhere. The same goes for San Diego’s Darren Sproles, who could inherit the role from LaDainian Tomlinson.

For the Rams, the backup running back will likely have to come from a group that could include Seattle’s Maurice Morris, Indianapolis’ Dominic Rhodes, Philadelphia’s Correll Buckhalter and New England’s LaMont Jordan.

If help doesn’t come there, don’t be surprised to see the Rams turn to the NFL Draft for a backup.

Of course, the Rams’ needs in the backfield aren’t limited to the backup tailback spot. In fact, one of Jackson’s requests for the future was locating a top blocking fullback who can serve as a lead blocker and catch the occasional pass out of the backfield.

The Rams tried veteran Dan Kreider there last year in a failed experiment and subsequently went the rest of the season without a true fullback. That’s one area the Rams are certainly expected to address.

Fortunately for the Rams, there are some interesting names available. While well known blockers Lorenzo Neal and Tony Richardson are available, they are both closer to the end than the beginning of their careers.

There are more intriguing options, though, including Seattle’s Leonard Weaver. Weaver would be the perfect fit and will likely land a nice payday because of his blend of blocking ability and running and catching skills.

Arizona’s Terrelle Smith and New England’s Heath Evans are other good possibilities. Local product Carey Davis of the Steelers and special teams ace Montell Owens are other intriguing options.

Tope Free Agent Running Backs
1. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants – Tough call for the Giants as Jacobs wants to get paid. He’ll likely be rewarded.
2. Derrick Ward, New York Giants – The durable and versatile Ward will look for a shot to be this year’s Michael Turner. I.e. a backup finding a chance to start and star.
3. Darren Sproles, San Diego – The mighty mite Sproles is also going to pursue the chance to start though the Chargers can ill afford to let him leave considering L.T.’s declining performance and ascending age.
4. Maurice Morris, Seattle – A talented back with a history of injury issues. Would make a nice change of pace back for somebody.
5. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis – Got his shot to be a starter and failed but proved he can still be a solid guy in a rotation. Showed glimpses of his old self in spot duty last year.

Top Free Agent Fullbacks
1. Leonard Weaver, Seattle – Talented lead blocker with the ability to catch the ball and decent running skills.
2. Terrelle Smith, Arizona – Excellent lead blocker likely to look for a home where he will be more involved in the offense.
3. Tony Richardson, New York Jets – Still one of the best after all these years. Jets would be wise to keep him if they hope to get the same production from Thomas Jones and Leon Washington.
4. Lorenzo Neal, Baltimore – Closer to the end than the beginning but can still bring the hammer 10 to 15 plays a game or so.
5. Heath Evans, New England – More of a runner than a lead blocker but a solid all round guy who will contribute on special teams.