Patriots sign Steven Jackson: 5 Ripple effects
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Ripple Effect #1 – Bill Belichick finally gets his guy
The 2004 NFL Draft was a great time in New England. Sandwiched between the super seasons of 2003 and 2004, the Patriots selected a pair of players with their first few picks who would go on to play major roles in their rookie seasons. No one questions the Patriots for taking Vince Wilfork and Benjamin Watson in the first round, but meant that they had to pass on a rare running back.
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Indeed, the Patriots were keen on Jackson back when they owned two first round picks in the spring of 2004.
Fact: Pats loved Steven Jackson in 2004 draft but when Wilfork slid to 21 they had to jump. He went 8 picks before they picked again
— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton1) December 21, 2015
Over 11 years later, Bill Belichick has Jackson in his possession. Sure, Jackson’s not nearly the player he was when he ripped off eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in St. Louis from 2005 to 2012. But just like the Fred Taylor signing 2009, the Patriots are counting on Jackson to reignite the flame if only a little bit to help power them through January.
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Expect Jackson to play with renewed vigor, as this will be his first crack at the playoffs since his rookie season.