2013 NFL DRAFT: Evaluating high risk high reward prospects

RS12

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RB Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

In a class of running backs that's lacking a true elite player, Marcus Lattimore at one time appeared to be the best chance an NFL team had of finding a 1st round talent in this class. After a brutal knee injury Lattimore is now fighting to prove that he's worthy of being selected in the first three rounds of the draft at all.

In the past, there have been widely varying philosophies of when to draft a running back with injury concerns. Willis McGahee is one of the most relevant examples – after tearing his ACL, PCL, and MCL in his final collegiate game, he went on to be drafted in the first round. On the other hand, Frank Gore, who was three years removed from an ACL tear, slipped to the third round due to questions surrounding his durability.

Both McGahee and Gore went on to have productive NFL careers, and more recently Adrian Peterson proved that a running back can still perform at a high level after a serious knee injury. Can Lattimore continue that trend? Which ever team that selects him will certainly be taking a risk, but it could net them the best running back in this draft in a slot that proves to be an outstanding value.

DE/OLB Ezekiel Ansah, Brigham Young

Ezekiel Ansah is likely the most controversial prospect in this draft. Some people look an Ansah's elite athleticism and limited experience in the sport and see Jason Pierre Paul like ability. It's a lofty, but not an absurd comparison. Both players flashed some elite potential prior to entering the league, but neither had much experience or production in college. Still, Pierre Paul has been able to develop into a top pass rushing talent thanks to his elite physical skills.

http://www.optimumscouting.com/draf...aluating-high-risk-high-reward-prospects.html
 
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