The Patriots were strongly considering drafting Jackson until they traded for Corey Dillion.
Steven Jackson almost landed in New England.
The Patriots entered the 2004 draft with their eyes on upgrading a rushing attack that finished 27th in the NFL the year before in. Head coach Bill Belichick felt that was unacceptable and spent the summer doing his homework on Jackson.
Just before the draft, Belichick pulled off a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals and acquired Corey Dillion for a second-round pick. They then took defensive tackle Vince Wilfork with the 21st pick in the draft and tight end Benjamin Watson at 32.
The St. Louis nabbed Jackson out of Oregon State at 24.
"I went out [to Las Vegas] and met with him and spent pretty much a whole day with him there. He's a very impressive individual," Belichick said.
"He's really had an outstanding career. He definitely was a guy that we were very much interested in. As I said, I personally spent quite a bit of time with him."
The Patriots have no regrets. Dillion played a key part in the Super Bowl era and Wilfork has been one of the better defensive tackles in the league. But Jackson's talent has been undeniable since he entered the league.
He's recorded seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and is underrated receiver out of the backfield. As impressed as Belichick was with Jackson during their pre-draft visit, he's even more so now.
"I's impressive. It's real impressive. He's had 1,000 yards it seems like every year, right? Or whatever it is, close to it," Belichick said. "But he dishes it out. I think he probably gives out as much as he takes. It's not like that with all backs."