The San Francisco 49ers had faith in Marcus Lattimore’s ability to recover from one of the ugliest knee injuries imaginable, selecting him with the No. 131st pick in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Lattimore is the No. 3 running back and the No. 64 player available overall according to Dan Kadar of Mocking the Draft.
NFL Draft results: Marcus Lattimore selected by 49ers with No. 131st pick
Marcus Lattimore overcame the odds to earn an NFL draft selection after a horrendous injury that ended his college career, as the 49ers selected him in the fourth round. Now, to see if he can still play at the same level.
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Just stepping on a NFL field will be a triumph for the South Carolina back, but he’ll be looking to show he’s not just capable of playing in the NFL, but one of the better running backs in his class. Lattimore proved his ability to be a fearsome ballcarrier his freshman year, busting out for 1,197 yards on 4.8 yards per carry. The speed, the dynamic cuts, the ability to get past defenders no matter how - it was all there. That guy was a first round pick.
But we’re not sure if we’ll get that guy. Lattimore tore ligaments in his left knee as a sophomore, ending a season that was on pace to surpass his first as a Gamecock. Then, as a junior, he had an even worse injury, tearing his ACL, LCL, and PCL - an injury Dr. James Andrews termed the most severe one could get.
Lattimore wasn’t able to participate in the NFL Combine, and got applause just for participating in his pro day, even though he couldn’t partake in all the drills. The potential is still there, but its definitely a risky decision to select Lattimore.
Combine results
Height: 5’11
Weight: 221 pounds
Hand size: 9 7/8 inches
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