New England Patriots, St. Louis Rams to host Marcus Lattimore

Former South Carolina Gamecocks star running back Marcus Lattimore is set to visit two teams in the future, as the USA Today is reporting that Lattimore will visit the New England Patriots and St. Louis Rams in the future. All 32 teams sent representatives to watch Lattimore’s workout, and all of them applauded following his workout in an awe-inspiring moment that shows just how amazing Lattimore is. The fact that he has been able to recover so quickly from another devastating knee injury is absolutely incredible.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

It is interesting to see that both the Patriots and Rams have scheduled visits with Lattimore, because the Patriots aren’t expected to be in the market for another running back. They have three solid ones in Stevan Ridley (a true feature back), Shane Vereen (an explosive all-purpose RB), and Brandon Bolden (the bulldozer). That’s also not mentioning the recently signed Leon Washington, who figures to have a role in the backfield as well.

But Lattimore is just so talented that sometimes you have to make exceptions, and I think the Patriots just want to get more of a gauge on how far he has come from the injury, as well as a broad picture of Lattimore’s health going forward. If he clears the Pats needs, then I could see the Pats taking him where the value is right. As it stands right now, the Patriots don’t have fourth or fifth round picks, so they would have to take Lattimore in the third. And even then, they might lose that pick if they decide to sign Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Emmanuel Sanders. They could have plans to trade down, but the interest in Lattimore is likely minimal.

If it is significant, though, then we’ll just have to keep our eyes peeled- nothing the Pats do surprises me anymore. That is, until it actually happens.

The Rams are high on the young running back duo of Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson to form a nice pairing in the backfield, and I am also a fan of both Pead and Richardson as well. However, it would be in the Rams best interest to add another running back to the stable, and the most speculated name is Alabama’s Eddie Lacy. Lattimore could also work, and I love that the Rams are showing what is most likely strong interest in Lattimore; they should draft another back this year.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.