NFL Draft: What Happens to Marcus Lattimore?

The NFL draft starts tonight and probably the biggest question on the minds of people in the Upstate is, where is Marcus Lattimore going to play?

The USC star and Byrnes standout has garnered a huge following, not just among Gamecock nation, but from people who just want to see Lattimore do well.

At a recent event in Greer, people waited hours hoping to meet the former Gamecocks running back who may be one of the hardest working athletes out there. Lattimore, who tore the anterior cruciate, lateral collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee Oct. 27 in a game against Tennessee, has cut his recovery time post surgery in half, when many thought he would never play again.

But it's that same injury that has left Lattimore's future at a bit of a standstill.

The once first-round prospect is expected to go much later in the NFL draft, that is if he's drafted at all.

According to an NFL Nation, Lattimore could be a good pick for the Atlanta Falcons in later rounds. According to the blog, Lattimore could be an eventual replacement for Steven Jackson and could be a great reserve for the team if he has a chance to make a full recovery.

Bleacher Reports predicts that Lattimore could be taken in the second round, citing his work ethic and his talent as major components.

USC Coach Steve Spurrier has been talking Lattimore up to anyone who would listen, according to a recent interview with the Independent-Mail.

“I’ve made a point to just tell the world if you’ve got Marcus Lattimore on you team, he makes everybody else better,” Spurrier said.

But what team is going to take that chance?

Will you be watching the NFL draft? If you were a coach, what round would you draft Marcus Lattimore?