LaMichael James

Unlike quarterback, where players can slip simply because the entire position is so deep, a list of running back sleepers is filled out with players who have their warts. After all, there has to be a reason, or several, why the masses aren't drafting these backs as sure-fire starters in fantasy football.

So, this sleepers list requires some small leaps of faith.

Our "breakout running back" lists will be made up of fantasy options a lot of people like, because there are many reasons to. These sleeper picks, on the other hand, are going to be more about players drafters don't necessarily like that much. That is the definition of a sleeper: a player sometimes falling in drafts for unjustified reasons.

So let's get to the list.

1. Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints

ADP: Yahoo (119.1) | ESPN (109.6) | CBSSports (98.3) | SI Top 300 (81)

Why Are We Sleeping?

Ingram isn't a receiving back and PPR gem like teammate Darren Sproles, nor is he a picture of health. He has dealt with some nicks as a pro and wasn't even atop the Saints depth chart to start training camp (Pierre Thomas was).

This has been a historically pass-happy offense, and the running game is merely a change of pace or a way to run out the clock in blowouts—of which the Saints didn't have many last season.

Finally, Ingram's 3.9 yards per carry through his two nondescript seasons don't have anyone truly targeting him in fantasy.

Why Shouldn't We Be?

Ingram, who has been a victim of circumstance and opportunity, is still a Heisman Trophy-winning talent—yes, there is still ability here—and he is decidedly younger and more physical than Sproles (30) or Thomas (28).

Offensive guru Sean Payton is back, but he watched the Saints struggle last season without a running game, and he vowed to bring more to that area of the attack this year. The Saints are not going to become a ground-and-pound team in any way, but balancing the attack some can make Ingram more productive for fantasy owners—especially near the goal line.

What Should We Expect?

You are not going to get 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns, but you won't have to draft him as a fantasy starter either. Ingram is a ninth- or 10th-rounder in ADP on the major draft sites—getting 800 yards and eight touchdowns out of that draft position is good value.

Heck, if Ingram can win the featured-back role and the Saints offense stalls inside the 5-yard line, 10-plus touchdowns is possible from this late-round running back.

What Should We Do?

Avoid Sproles and Thomas in drafts and wait the many rounds later to capitalize on Ingram's potential breakthrough. This will be the latest he is on the board in fantasy drafts in his three seasons, and Year 3 should have been viewed as his make-or-break year all along.

Draft him as a backup running back, but expect him to earn your trust as he earns that of Payton and the Saints.

2. Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

ADP: Yahoo (89.7) | ESPN (64.7) | CBSSports (62.2) | SI Top 300 (62)

Why Are We Sleeping?

Mathews and his fragile stigma have been a picture of fantasy frustration in his first three seasons. He cannot stay healthy, and many fantasy owners have been left bitter by their early-round Mathews picks in the past three years.

Even the most loyal apologist has to be avoiding him now.

Also, the presence of Danny Woodhead figures to take some of the receptions Mathews mustered in Norv Turner's screen-heavy offense. That and Woodhead's effectiveness elsewhere in the passing game should lessen Mathews' PPR value.

Why Shouldn't We Be?

Most of Mathews' injury woes have been of the freak variety—even if you have to classify him as injury prone. Expectations have been lowered to a reasonable level now, and Woodhead's potential timeshare should help mitigate the beating Mathews will take.

It is far too easy to be left bitter here and ignore the fact Mathews has a career 4.4 yards per carry and combined for almost 1,600 yards and 50 catches in 14 games in 2011.

What Should We Expect?

You have to expect some frustration with injury and losing some third-down touches and receptions to Woodhead in the passing game. But you should also expect a 1,200-yard (rushing), 50-catch, 500-yard (receiving) and 10-touchdown back to be on the board after Round 5.

At that cost, you should assume the risk to potentially reap the reward.

What Should We Do?

It will take some intestinal fortitude, but Mathews has a higher ceiling than the running back or receiver you are going to pick around his draft position.

If you are still waiting on a running back in Round 5, Mathews is going to be a risk worth taking.

3. Daryl Richardson, St. Louis Rams

ADP: Yahoo (118.6) | ESPN (115.5) | CBSSports (103.3) | SI Top 300 (94)

Why Are We Sleeping?

There is just too much love for Isaiah Pead, last year's second-round pick, and Zac Stacy, who starred at Vanderbilt and was drafted in the fifth round this year.

Richardson was a mere seventh-round pick in 2012, and despite holding the backup job to Steven Jackson last season, he hasn't been named the starter in what has promised to be the dreaded by-committee running back situation. 

Why Shouldn't We Be?

The Rams allowed Jackson to leave, didn't sign a free-agent back and didn't draft a running back until Round 5 this past April. You don't do those things without feeling comfortable with what you have already. The Rams couldn't have known what they have in the seldom-used Pead a year ago, so the logic follows that they feel Richardson is a viable starting running back in the NFL.

There will be a committee here, but Richardson is the leader of it as the incumbent, and Jeff Fisher has historically relied heavily on a featured back.

Richardson's 4.8 yards per carry as a rookie show he is a lot better than the masses give him credit for being.

What Should We Expect?

Richardson should start Week 1 over Pead, who will serve a one-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, and Stacy, who hasn't impressed much in training camp to date.

Stacy might earn some goal-line carries, but Richardson has the breakaway ability to run away with this job and rush for 1,000 yards.

Those candidates are rarely on the board in Round 8 and later. In fact, Richardson might be the last true NFL starting running back to get picked in fantasy drafts.

What Should We Do?

If you miss out on Mathews in Round 5 or Ingram in Round 9, make Richardson one of your backup running backs. There just aren't enough fantasy owners who respect what he was able to do as a rookie.

He even forced the potential future Hall of Famer Jackson to the bench at times last season.

4. LaMichael James, San Francisco 49ers

ADP: Yahoo (116.6) | ESPN (143.3) | CBSSports (147.3) | SI Top 300 (162)

Why Are We Sleeping?

The 49ers still have veteran Frank Gore to do almost all of the lifting in their offense, particularly in the red zone and at the goal line. Also, James is technically third on the depth chart behind third-year Oklahoma State product Kendall Hunter, who is coming off an Achilles injury. James has been classified as an undersized back not fit for every-down duty coming out of Oregon.

Why Shouldn't We Be?

James looks like he has filled out on his 5'8" frame, perhaps setting him up to be more than a mere change-of-pace back behind Gore.

Hunter (5'7") is still smaller than James, so if something significant happens to the 30-year-old Gore, it should be James taking over as the early-down back and Hunter remaining the shifty, change-of-pace guy.

This is a bit speculative for you, perhaps, but Hunter also needs to prove healthy and effective to regain his No. 2 status behind Gore.

What Should We Expect?

You should expect Gore to suffer through an injury-plagued year, especially at 30. Gore had myriad injury issues when he was young, so it is pretty unlikely that he makes it through the heavy workload the 49ers put on their running attack.

His backups will be valuable late-round fantasy picks. James is younger, more physical and healthier than Hunter, so consider him a great handcuff option for Gore owners or a potential 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown breakout if Gore succumbs to injury sooner rather than later.

What Should We Do?

You have to consider the 49ers' unit one of the best running games in football. That makes Gore's backups must-have picks in the later rounds.

James is a better value in Round 9 or later than Hunter or even Gore will be at the rounds in which they are picked.

5. Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos

ADP: Yahoo (119.4) | ESPN (134.4) | CBSSports (102.6) | SI Top 300 (181)

Why Are We Sleeping?

The Broncos were supposed to give Hillman the featured role a year ago, but the San Diego State product couldn't beat out the 31-year-old Willis McGahee or the much-maligned Knowshon Moreno.

That doesn't say much for Hillman, particularly when the Broncos pulled the trigger on college touchdown record-holder Montee Ball in this April's draft. While McGahee was released and Hillman was labeled the change-of-pace back by John Elway this spring, Moreno was very productive down the stretch.

Why Shouldn't We Be?

Despite the expectation that Ball will be the Broncos' featured back—Ball will be drafted as though he is the starter—it is still Hillman who was atop the depth chart heading into the preseason.

Hillman served his apprenticeship and will likely be the back of choice in passing situations because he already has a year under his belt in the pass-protection schemes for Peyton Manning, around whom Denver's entire attack still revolves.

What Should We Expect?

Ball will at least be the short-yardage and goal-line back, but Hillman can be productive on third downs and in the passing game. His shiftier, speedier nature might even give him a decent chance to hold off Ball and Moreno—who's often in coach John Fox's doghouse—as the featured back.

Hillman can combine for over 1,000 yards and break some big plays as a late-rounder in fantasy.

What Should We Do?

If you draft Ball—or just need a potential starting back for depth—consider Hillman in Round 9 or later.

This is a productive Broncos offense, and Fox is still a defensive guy who likes to run the football.

Manning can get that offense to the 1-yard line often, too, so if Ball doesn't hold up in his first season as a pro after all those college carries, Hillman might even emerge as a 10-touchdown threat.

Honorable Mentions

There are dozens of backs to be had at reasonable values in drafts. Outside of those sleeper reserves above, you might find that these backs prove to be valuable starters relative to their draft positions.

• Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions: He will be of particular interest in PPR leagues because 80-plus catches is possible for the most pass-happy team in the NFL.
• Vick Ballard, Indianapolis Colts: Everyone expects Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) to prove healthy and start, but Bradshaw has never stayed healthy. Ballard will be drafted as a fantasy backup who can perform like a starter.
• Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona Cardinals: They had an awful offensive line and running game a year ago, and the Cardinals also drafted some backs to compete for time. Still, Bruce Arians signed Mendenhall to be an every-down back and says he wants to roll with a featured guy. That is Mendenhall, who will be on the board for a while.
• Ben Tate, Houston Texans: He will back up one of the elite workhorse backs for one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL. If something happens to Foster, Tate can erupt into a 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown monster—in a contract year, no less. 
• Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos: Everyone will be picking Ball and Hillman, but Moreno was still the featured back down the stretch last year. The veteran is still just 26 years old and can be a huge surprise fantasy contributor in the late rounds.

If you want a deeper, wider-angle view of the running back position, check out the running back primer at SI.com. Also, you can hear this writer chat about the nuances of the position on his Fantasy FatCast: RB rankings.

 
Follow @EricMackFantasy

Eric Mack, one of the giants among fantasy writers, is the Fantasy Football Lead Writer for Bleacher Report this season. Follow him on Twitter @EricMackFantasy, where you can ask him endless questions about your team, rip him for his content and even challenge him to a head-to-head fantasy game. You can also listen to him on his podcast that he deprecatingly dubbed the Fantasy FatCast.

With a copious amount of talent, projecting a 53-man roster for the San Francisco 49ers is puzzling. In the span of any NFL offseason, one of the recurring storylines is the exiting of players and the arrival of a new wave.

Every team experiences roster changeover, solved more often than not in intense training camp battles. There are routinely surprises so one or two departures should be expected per year.

The influx of gifted footballers brought in during the Jim Harbaugh era has ultimately made players from the old regime expendable. As this team continues to forge ahead, running back Anthony Dixon once again finds that his job is on the line.

New Arrivals

Lawrence Okoye (6-6, 305) holds British record in discus, completed in 2012 Olympics. He is attempting to play DE in the NFL. #49ers

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) April 11, 2013

The sheer volume of San Francisco’s roster puts the team in a unique position.

As we’ve seen in the past two offseasons, the 49ers do not need starters. They are, however, in the market for talented players that have the ceiling to grow into potential NFL stars.

There are contracted players with more upside than Dixon even among the recent UDFA signings. This year, the talent-laden 49ers added a few project players with immense upside.

With their physical dimensions, Lawrence Okoye and Luke Marquardt are two athletes this team will want to hang on to.The capacity they bring to the game of football may be too grand to risk by relegating one or both of them to the practice squad. If the Niners place Okoye or Marquardt on anything but the final 53, the players become susceptible to being lifted by another team.

Okoye, 21, is a 6’6”, 308-pound Olympian that runs a 4.78 (h/t ESPN).

He is raw, has no bad habits (because he has zero experience) and brings unfathomable upside to the table. At first glance, he can play fullback or tight end, but he also has the potential to emerge as a powering defensive lineman.

Again, with the rare physical ability and decorated background, Okoye is almost immediately more valuable than Dixon.

Marquardt, on the other hand, has experience but is another value pickup on San Francisco’s behalf. Hailing from Azusa Pacific, this 6’9”, 315-pound offensive tackle should have been drafted but slipped due to injury (h/t NFL Draft Scout).

As a big, tall imposing lineman, Marquardt will be Alex Boone’s clone in training camp, fulfilling the duties he left behind as the primary backup tackle. It is a position at which the 49ers desperately require depth.

The former Cougar has an opportunity to develop at the tackle spot, similar to Daniel Kilgore’s understudy role as an interior lineman.

Nnamdi Asomugha (CB), Marcus Lattimore (RB) and Ricardo Lockette (WR) are three more luxury players with more upside than Dixon. If the 49ers want to carry an extra player at any of these three positions, it could cost the four-year pro his slot.

Moreover, via the draft and free agency, the 49ers brought in what could be a new corps of special teams players. Marcus Cooper, Kevin Moody, Craig Dahl or a better special teamer may be retained in favor of Dixon.

So, this is where he really needs to up his game.

In the past, Dixon retained a roster spot because of his ability to fire up his teammates and contribute on special teams. The Niners clearly addressed the S/T unit in the offseason, which immediately endangers No. 24.

Overall, looking at the incoming talent across the roster, there is a chance Dixon is eclipsed in a BPA (best player available) situation.

Anthony Dixon’s Role

At his core, Dixon is a bona fide utility player.

He is a dream for a coach and a great addition to any roster because he will do anything he is asked, while putting a tremendous effort forward in the process. He is totally selfless, reveres his teammates and contributes in several facets.

For this reason, spending one roster spot on a high-character player that executes at fullback, running back and special teams can be viewed as valuable. And for a team that relies on energy and momentum, Dixon has brought great value as a hype man and locker room presence.

Unfortunately, on the field, his game lacks any sort of unique dimension.

His role has decreased since his arrival in 2010, with fewer rushing attempts in each of his three years in the league. He makes his money as a special teams gunner and a fourth-quarter relief back.

If the 49ers put the game away, the coaches can take Frank Gore off the field and let Dixon chip away as time winds down. This gives the young running back reps at his drafted position while steadily extending Gore’s shelf life.

San Francisco attempted to turn Dixon into a short-yardage back in 2012, but he is not remarkably powerful. He is a tough runner that puts forth an effort but does not hammer opposing front sevens with overbearing size and strength.

Over his career, he only averages 3.4 yards per carry, which is a full yard less than any tailback currently on the roster (via Pro Football Reference).

When it comes to callings in the backfield, Bruce Miller can rightfully assume that role and become that Tom Rathman type of grinder. This might be a more effective approach by the San Francisco offense in the immediate future. 

 

A Full-House Backfield in San Francisco

In 2012, the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, Frank Gore, had his finest season on the ground in six years. On the way to a Super Bowl, the 29-year-old tailback from Miami racked up 1,214 yards rushing and nine scores.

He has been the driving force behind this evolving attack-by-committee, which features several runners, including the quarterback.

In a highly competitive division which is notoriously stout against the run, the 49ers still manage to field a top-five ranked attack. Heading into the coming season, the team will finally feature Gore complemented by a one-two punch of Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James.

This offseason, GM Trent Baalke addressed the state of the RB corps (h/t Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area):

I'm a big believer -- we are big believers -- in a three-headed approach. In other words, having a group of backs that bring to the table something a little bit different than the other one so you can do a lot of different things. But also having those backs be able to do enough things the same so you don't become so predictable on game day.

This season, the lightning-quick tandem of Hunter and James will start seeing a lot of reps behind No. 21. It will be a full-fledged three-headed attack, as Baalke states, which may keep Dixon on the sideline.

Each rusher is fully capable of 20 carries a game, whereby a fourth active back might not be necessary. Of course, depending on the game plan, it would be unlikely to see any of the relief backs get more than 10 to 15 carries each.

Regardless, this simply proves that without injury, the 49ers have zero need for a fourth tailback. Their first three are too dynamic to take carries away from, especially if they are healthy and the game is still at stake.

Then there is the add-on of South Carolina’s All-American running back, Marcus Lattimore, who is a lock to be retained until 2014 and beyond. With his addition, the 49ers now have four backs that cannot be cut.

Not to mention, Jewel Hampton will be returning from the PUP to compete in camp.

When Anthony Dixon first arrived in 2010, there was room for him. He received 70 carries as a rookie under Mike Singletary. But he has had a mere fraction since the installation of the new regime.

Three prolific college backs later, his time might be up in San Francisco.

While he has a ton of heart and makes this a better team character-wise, on the field Dixon is a utility player with no special gifts. As the 49ers cut down, trying to find the best available players for their 53-man roster, Dixon may finally be rendered obsolete. 

Dylan DeSimone is the San Francisco 49ers' lead columnist for Bleacher Report. A former NFL journalist and fantasy football writer for SB Nation, Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area, Dylan now writes for B/R.

To talk football with Dylan, follow him on Twitter @DeSimone80. 

The San Francisco 49ers are an organization that persistently voices the “one day at a time” approach. Time and time again, Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke insist that this is an organization that takes things in stride and is wary of getting ahead of itself.

However, in the 2013 NFL draft, the 49ers indisputably revealed that they do indeed plan for the long-term.

In the fourth round, San Francisco made serious waves when it selected South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore. From a talent perspective, the 49ers added one of the most gifted players in the draft.

The hitch is that Lattimore is being drafted into a team strength that will not have a legitimate availability for at least one more season. Coincidentally, that is roughly when their fourth-rounder will be 100 percent again.

With all of the interacting variables, it begs the question: Is Marcus Lattimore the heir apparent to Frank Gore in San Francisco?

The NCAA Career 

Coming out of high school in South Carolina, Lattimore was the No. 1 ranked player at his position and the No. 10 overall prospect in the nation (h/t Rivals). At every level he has ever performed, he has been the dominant player on the field.

Before officially committing to the Gamecocks, the highly recruited Lattimore would field offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Oregon and Penn State.

The only team missing here is LSU. 

All of the big schools wanted a piece of Lattimore, but the 5-star recruit decided to remain in state. 

In his first and most prolific season with South Carolina, Lattimore would end up leading the NCAA in yards from scrimmage as a freshman (1,609 in 2010). As an all-purpose threat, he would score 19 touchdowns for the team that season. 

This changed the way the Gamecocks played football.

With a thoroughbred like Lattimore in the stable, South Carolina wanted to emphasize the ground attack. And during his time with the team, he would establish himself as one of the most complete, dynamic runners in the college ranks.

During his reign (2010-2012), there was not a better finishing running back in the NCAA.   

The measurables are not off the charts, but his vision and ability to set up runs was unparalleled. He demonstrated an intrinsic ability to locate and hit his lanes and was able to follow up by responding well to the initial contact. 

Whether it was a linebacker or safety coming up to fill the hole, Lattimore would drop the shoulder and turn up the torque.

He runs with such power that he simply out-wills contesting defenders. It is reflective of his huge heart and character off the field, which no doubt impressed the 49ers front office brass. 

And in Round 4, San Francisco was able to claim one of the most decorated players in the country:

• All-SEC second-team (2011)
• All-America second-team (2010)
• All-SEC first-team (2010)
• Freshman of the Year, via Sporting News (2010)
• SEC Freshman of the Year, via AP (2010)
• High School All-American, via USA Today (2009)
• South Carolina Mr. Football (2009)
• HS Junior of the Year, via ESPN RISE (2008)

Although injuries greatly limited his time, Lattimore finished his collegiate career averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

In October of 2011, Lattimore tore his ACL against Mississippi State, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season. He was averaging 5.0 yards per carry up until the point of his injury, which remains a career-best. 

In his comeback season the following year, Lattimore looked to be back in top form, rushing for 110 yards and two scores in his first game back. He would play in nine games before suffering a horrific knee injury against Tennessee.

In a freak occurrence, Lattimore would tear four of five ligaments in his right knee. 

The injury was immediately compared to the one suffered by then-University of Miami tailback Willis McGahee in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. McGahee, now a 10-year pro, tore his ACL, PCL and MCL in a single instance (h/t CBS Sports). 

McGahee’s teammate, Frank Gore, also suffered an ACL tear in his collegiate career but overcame that injury to become the all-time leading rusher for the San Francisco 49ers. An injury once deemed a “career-ender” is now conquerable with the advancements in medical technology. 

With that in mind, Lattimore is one of the best running back prospects to emerge in the NFL draft in a few years. Minus the injury history, he might’ve received legitimate comparisons to All-Pro RB Adrian Peterson, who coincidentally also overcame a frightening ACL injury recently.

Here is the scouting report on Lattimore, via CBS Sports:

Outstanding burst and balance to stay on his feet through contact. Strong finisher, lowering his pads and continuing to pump his legs. 

Very good at keeping defenders off balance, showing excellent acceleration, anticipation and footwork. Natural balance and feel between the tackles with good vision and patience to follow his blocks. Reliable receiving target, adjusting well to the ball with good focus.

Never goes down easy and rarely goes out of bounds, running with toughness and confidence. Good effort in pass protection and not shy about giving up his body. Taking better care of himself off-the-field with improved practice habits and stronger work ethic.

 

Lattimore in San Francisco

The 49ers are very clever here. 

They understand they are going to have to replace Frank Gore sooner rather than later, and they respond by bringing in an elite prospect who physically needs time to re-acclimate to the game. 

With the depth of this roster, the 49ers are in a position to red-shirt their rookies, which they proved last year with rookie first-rounder A.J. Jenkins. The Niners have considerably less capital invested in Lattimore, so the team has no concern over him watching 2013 from the sidelines.

Alongside Gore, the 49ers have Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James and Anthony Dixon returning to action. The running back situation is awfully healthy, as San Francisco boasts several capable ball-carriers.

Like Jenkins and James in 2012, Lattimore will be relegated to an understudy role.

Frank Gore tore his ACL in college. After that, he became a 4x Pro Bowler. Here's to hoping Marcus Lattimore can do the same. #SFPick

— ESPN (@espn) April 27, 2013

Since Harbaugh’s arrival, the 49ers have been covertly building an unstoppable run game for the future. In three consecutive drafts from 2011-2013, San Francisco has selected three high-profile tailbacks. 

In Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James and Marcus Lattimore, the 49ers added a trifecta of explosive college runners. Each brings a unique style to the game, and each was incredibly productive at the NCAA level.

The 49ers have done this by finding value outside of Round 1. 

This month Trent Baalke provided pre-draft insight on San Francisco’s philosophy when it comes to the ground attack (h/t CSN Bay Area): 

I'm a big believer—we are big believers—in a three-headed approach. In other words, having a group of backs that bring to the table something a little bit different than the other one so you can do a lot of different things. But also having those backs be able to do enough things the same so you don't become so predictable on game day. 

So while they like to play things close to the chest, it’s now clear to see what they’ve been building offensively. After bringing in two complementary backs for Gore (Hunter and James), the 49ers finally landed the next front man.

At 5’11”, 221 pounds, Lattimore has the size that Hunter and James lack.

As Baalke indicated, they like their backs to bring different styles to the field because it complicates defensive responses. Lattimore is the big bruising finisher-type who will soften up the opposition for the quick and explosive duo behind him.

There has not been a backfield in the league with this high of a ceiling for some time.

In fact, it draw comparisons to the college ranks, most notably the 2001 Miami Hurricanes backfield that featured a trio made of Willis McGahee, Frank Gore and Clinton Portis.

In a lot of ways, for Frank Gore to exit, this is the grandest compliment: That it takes three men to replace him.

49ers HC Jim Harbaugh on the fourth-round selection of RB Marcus Lattimore: "We're betting on Marcus Lattimore -- and that's a great bet."

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2013

Dylan DeSimone is the San Francisco 49ers' lead columnist for Bleacher Report. A former NFL journalist and fantasy football writer for SB Nation, Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area, Dylan now writes for B/R.

To talk football with Dylan, follow him on Twitter @DeSimone80. 

The NFL is not always fair and the rich are about to get richer. It is a well-documented fact that the San Francisco 49ers have 14 picks in the upcoming 2013 Draft, the most of any team. This comes just months after the team won the NFC and represented the conference in the Super Bowl, ultimately falling to the Baltimore Ravens 34-31. 

San Francisco has 11 regular picks plus the three compensatory picks they received on March 19. The Niners have a first-round pick, two second-round selections and a pair of picks in the third round in addition to two choices in both the fourth and fifth round, respectively. Their draft will come to a close with a sixth-round pick and four selections in the seventh round.

The 49ers already have a great roster. The team ranked fourth in the NFL when rushing the ball and fourth when defending the run. Colin Kaepernick terrorized defenses and should continue more of the same next season. His secondary pulled their weight. The unit was ranked fourth in the league when it came to defending the pass.

These picks will be used as insurance to provide capable backups and future stars. Some picks will undoubtedly be traded away. 

This all sets the scene for the Niners to draft and stash injured South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore. The talented star has sadly seen his past two college seasons cut short by gruesome knee injuries. In his sophomore year, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament. That would be a horrible circumstance for any player, but the injury bug caught Lattimore once again as he tore three ligaments in his right knee last fall. 

It is worth noting that Lattimore rushed for 1,197 yards and 17 touchdowns in his freshman season. He put up 818 yards on 163 rushes in 2011 and last season carried the ball 143 times for 662 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Those numbers would obviously be much higher if it wasn't for the injuries he sustained. But through all the pain, Lattimore has kept his sights set on making a return. He is confident that he can play in the NFL and rightfully so after watching Adrian Peterson win MVP after suffering through an ACL tear and following surgery. The South Carolina student had this to say about Peterson:

"There will never be another Adrian Peterson, but that definitely gives me a lot of motivation knowing he came back from it, the way he did, he came back better. And that's what I plan on doing -- just coming back better. Seeing him do what he did this year, I think about that all of the time."

It is obvious that Lattimore is really pushing himself and his body in order to make a return and his efforts should be celebrated, but his draft status is still up in the air. Teams will get a clearer picture of the running back as he will work out for NFL scouts at South Carolina's Pro Day next week. 

He might never fully return from these devastating injuries, but if he does then he has the tools to be an All-Star player. 

This should be enough to allow San Francisco to draft him with one of their many mid- to late-round picks. If Lattimore never returns to full health and is stuck on the injured reserve for much of his career then it is okay. The Niners still have Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James in the backfield. 

However, if it does work out then the Niners look like geniuses. If Lattimore pulls an Adrian Peterson-esque recovery then he can succeed Gore and lead the red and gold to many playoff appearances. 

It is a win for the rookie running back. He gets a low-pressure situation. He isn't expected to start or be the savior for the team. He gets a chance to heal and in a couple years down the road then he might be able to take the reigns from Gore. 

He will be able to take it slow and completely submerge himself in the recovery process. On the other hand, Head coach Jim Harbaugh will not have to waste a pick on a player that might not pan out as the Niners have more picks than the average team. 

This is the year for the team to take a risk as it won't hurt them. If Marcus Lattimore works out then it would be amazing. If he doesn't then the Bay Bombers can move forward with an already stacked roster. 

There is little to no downside with this move. Out of all the teams, the San Francisco 49ers are in the best position to draft Lattimore. 

All they have to do is pull the trigger. 

Coming out of high school, LaMichael James was a simple 3-star recruit who was the 40th-ranked running back in his class. Many collegiate programs looked at his size and said, "Oh he's too small to withstand the weekly punishment of a full-time back."

They may have been somewhat right considering he was only 5'9'' and 185 pounds as a graduating senior from Liberty-Eylau High School in Texarkana, Texas. Yet according to Scout.com, as a senior he led his team to a Texas 3A state title and rushed for 2,043 yards. Furthermore, he scored 26 all-purpose touchdowns on his way to an all-state selection.

Despite his size deficiencies, James obviously let his on-field play do the talking. TCU, Nebraska, Mississippi State, Minnesota, Houston, Baylor and Oregon all showed immense interest in the southern speedster. 

When he narrowed down his collegiate choices, he decided to visit the top five and go from there. His first visit was made to TCU, his second to Minnesota, his third to Nebraska and his fourth to Oregon. We can't forget his final visit, which ended up being Mississippi State, even though it was more of a courtesy visit than anything.

After James left Oregon on January 1, 2008 he was sold.

Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense is predicated and built on speed. And speed was seemingly James' No. 1 asset out of the backfield. At 18 years old, he ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 36 inches. That's not too shabby considering some collegiate players don't put up those type of numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine.

As a true freshman, it was unknown if he would have the ability to showcase his skills due to the fact the Ducks already had a star-studded back in LeGarrette Blount. In 2008, Blount had eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a junior on just 137 carries, so everyone expected him to build on his impressive season.

However, Blount only lasted one contest in the 2009 season. After the first game of the season against Boise State, he lost his cool and started a fight after being taunted by the opposition. The infamous "punch" cost him 10 games and a spot as a heralded draft pick in 2010.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prgFBFV4V2Q

Fortunately for James, the infamous "punch" allowed him to step in the starting lineup and instantly thrive. His first start came in the second week of the season against Purdue, but his breakout party wasn't until Week 3 against Utah.

He carried the ball 27 times for 152 yards against the Utes. He added one rushing touchdown and one reception. Over the course of the next 10 games he eclipsed the century mark eight times and garnered four multi-touchdown games.

By season's end, he averaged 9.9 yards per carry and was named Pac-10 freshman of the year. Performances against powerhouses like USC helped James snag the prestigious award—not to mention it helped lead Oregon to a Pac-10 championship. 

After such a dynamic freshman campaign, James was in trouble in 2010.

According to Rachel Bachman of the Oregonian, the second-year tailback pled guilty to physically harassing his girlfriend on February 15, 2010. He received 24 months probation and was forced to sit out the first game of the season by Coach Kelly.

Nevertheless, him missing the first game of the season didn't throw off the 2010 season too much. He went on to collect an even more prestigious accolade by being named a consensus All-American. Moreover, James broke the Pac-10 sophomore single-season rushing record. 

His sophomore season still stands as the 10th-best single-season performance in conference history.

Unfortunately, the Ducks failed to make history as James did. Their perfect 12-0 regular season came to a screeching halt when they ran into Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers in the BCS National Championship Game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK4HACS41Ko

With two phenomenal seasons in the books, many felt James' next step was naturally to head to the NFL. If you think back and look at a list of his accomplishments, it would be hard to argue with the sentiment that he had very little left to achieve.

He finished third in the Heisman voting in 2010, so it was easy to see why he wanted to come back. The Heisman Trophy is the highest recognition of achievement in all of college football, making the award incredibly tempting.

Plus, another run at a national championship in 2011 had to be equally tempting.

The 2011 season brought about more personal records that fell at record paces. James averaged a mind-blowing 12.4 yards per carry while amassing 1,805 yards rushing, which helped make him Oregon's all-time leading rusher.

His additional junior season records included a 288-yard game against Arizona. He also went on to lead the Pac-12 in rushing yards. His 5,082 career rushing yards allowed him to finish as the sixth-best running back in NCAA history since 2000.

Below is a list of the top 10 all-time rushers since Sports Reference kept track of collegiate stats.

Yet the best season of his college career didn't help the Ducks punch their ticket to a second straight national championship game. A season-opening loss to LSU put them at a slight disadvantage, and losing the 11th game of the season to USC took them out of contention altogether.

With two losses, a Rose Bowl appearance would have to do. In wild fashion, James and company pulled out a 45-38 victory over Russell Wilson and the Wisconsin Badgers. Shortly after savoring the victory, he declared for the NFL draft.

James told USA Today that, "I feel like I'm leaving with a bang." At the same news conference he mentioned that he would likely be a third-round pick based on the grade given to him by the draft committee. 

Lo and behold, the draft committee was close, but he looked too good to pass up at the end of the second round. San Francisco knew it wouldn't have the chance to snag him at the end of the third round, so it decided it was best to play it safe and take him when it had the chance.

An already crowded 49ers backfield was now even more crowded. When the season began, the Niners had Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, Brandon Jacobs, James and Anthony Dixon all listed on their depth chart. Some teams have a hard time finding one good running back, let alone four.

The deep body count in the backfield kept the rookie sidelined until Week 14. The depth was running thin after Hunter was lost for the season with a torn Achilles and Jacobs was suspended for basically being a nuisance to Jim Harbaugh and the organization. 

During Weeks 14, 15, 16 and 17 James averaged about 14 snaps per game. Furthermore, he averaged almost eight touches a game over the course of the final four games of the season. So, it's safe to say when he's in the game, the ball is going to him.

Still, the playoffs haven't been as predictable. He logged 23 snaps against the Packers in the divisional -round game, but only nine snaps in the NFC Championship Game. Yet those nine snaps were arguably the nine best snaps of his young NFL career.

His second-quarter touchdown against Atlanta sparked the 49ers' comeback, which in turn propelled San Francisco's quest for its sixth Super Bowl. Heading into the Super Bowl, James has rushed for 180 yards on 35 carries. His lone touchdown in Atlanta has been his only score of the season, but I guarantee that changes come Sunday.

Another guarantee I can easily make is that James will be a star in this league and will be the face of the 49ers' backfield for years to come. It's rather easy to see based on two things: No. 1, he's successful and No. 2, he has always been a winner.

Dating back to high school, James has never been a part of a losing team. He doesn't know what it's like to lose, plain and simple. He also doesn't know what it's like to have a bad season. The phrase "bad season" doesn't fit when talking about him.

People tend to over-complicate things when evaluating players, but there is nothing to over-complicate as James is one of fastest, most agile players I've ever seen. This clip pretty much sums up why LaMichael James is a star in the making:

Just trust me on this one...

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