Marcus Lattimore: Workout Performance Inspiring, Jumped into first two rounds?

It really is amazing, less than 6 months after suffering a dislocated knee, and having surgery to repair a gruesome anterior cruciate, lateral collateral and posterior cruciate ligament injury. He caught several passes and took part in agility drills designed to test the knee. Not only did he complete the workout, but by all accounts he looked pretty damn good doing it as well.

Most draft experts agree that had he remained healthy he would be head and shoulders above any other running back in this class, as a massive Lattimore fan, I completely agree. Following the workout, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier commented that he may have "jumped into the first round". Now it is likely that this comment is inspired by Willis McGahee who tore his ACL, PCL and MCL in his final year, requiring extensive surgery to fix. However the Bills still took McGahee with the 23rd overall selection in the 2003 NFL draft.

I don't think any team will select Lattimore in the first round. McGahee has had a good career but not an exceptional one. Lattimore believes he will be ready to play the early portion of the 2013 NFL season, I don't think any team needs to pressure or rush him into action. For a team who are building long term, to draft him in the 3rd or maybe 4th round and stash him on IR for the season would be a logical move. Give him a full year to build up his strength.

I don't understand why people don't rate Marcus. As a Freshman he rushed for 1,197 yards with 19 touchdowns (two receiving). Through seven games as a sophomore he was already on 818 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has exceptional balance, anticipation, footwork. Great vision and good patience, open field moves to make defenders miss and power to run through people when needed. He had soft hands coming out of the backfield and puts his body on the line in pass protection.

At the end of his workout the scouts in attendance gave him a standing ovation. This is a guy who has suffered two serious knee injuries and he is still fighting back. He will need a lot of work to build up his legs, as well as his conditioning. However he has already met with the Eagles and has meetings set up with the Rams and Patriots. Someone will call his name in April and I firmly believes that he can make it back with his work ethic and he'll still be a very good back.

Regardless, the guy is a true inspiration.