South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore burst onto the scene with 1,600 total yards and 19 touchdowns as a freshman, then blew out his knee in each of his next two college seasons (after scoring 10-plus TDs in each). Prior to the injuries, he was a potential first-round talent. Now?
Reading about the injuries and his rehabilitation, it's clear that somebody will take a flier on him, but despite his hopes of playing in the NFL this year, the 2013 season is a longshot. Dr. James Andrews says Lattimore is making progress, but his words are sobering.
"The nature of his injury is the most severe knee injury you can really get," says Andrews. "It's going to take a special effort (from him to recover)."
Lattimore himself cites not only Adrian Peterson but also Willis McGahee and Frank Gore, who came back from knee injuries in college to have long and productive NFL careers.
Look for Lattimore to land with a team with plenty of draft picks, and perhaps a veteran starting running back -- a team like the 49ers, for example. Going to a team where he wouldn't be needed in 2013 is probably ideal.
Fantasy-wise, Lattimore will be an interesting dynasty pick. A lot of risk, given the injuries, but enough college backs who are perfectly healthy wash out to make him worth consideration anyway.
--Andy Richardson