Former Alabama running back Eddie Lacy will be one of the last visits hosted by the New England Patriots before the 2013 NFL Draft next Thursday, according to ESPN Boston. The Patriots have also hosted former South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore in recent weeks, so it's possible that team is targeting a ball carrier with one if its three selections in the first two days of the draft.
NFL Draft 2013: Patriots host Eddie Lacy for visit
Eddie Lacy is visiting the Patriots on Wednesday. Does taking a running back during the first few rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft makes sense for New England?
Butch Dill
More: Pats Pulpit Mocking the Draft
Both Lacy and Lattimore have injury concerns heading into the draft, explaining why the Patriots may be interested in taking a look at those two running backs in particular. Lacy sat out the NFL Combine and Alabama pro day to allow his injury hamstring to heal. He disappointed scouts when he finally held his private workout, however, appearing out of shape.
The workout may have dropped Lacy out of the first round for good. He is still vying with UNC’s Giovani Bernard to be the first running back taken in the draft, though neither player shows up in SB Nation’s latest mock draft.
While you shouldn't expect the Patriots to reach for Lacy at No. 29 if they do decide to target a running back, the No. 59 overall pick in the second round is still a possibility. The Patriots' running game was effective behind Stevan Ridley and Co. last season, but Lacy is arguably an even stronger between-the-tackles runner. He'd arguably be a steal late in the second round, even if the Pats seemingly have a number of viable ball carriers.
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