M Lattimore, RB, SC (2 Viewers)

[Englishteacher]

In December 2010, Lattimore was named the NCAA Freshman of the Year, headlining the All-Freshman Team, by The Sporting News.[7

 

[zed2283]

True. But when he was drafted I remember many saying Denver reached to get him. In addition, I really don't remember the accolades proclaiming him to be a transcendent or elite type talent. Peterson. McGahee. Bo. --- Maybe he wasn't in that type of blue chip tier, but, he showed up from Day One at USC and studded it out. Hell, I don't even watch that much college football and I caught wind of him. The point? People thought he was special. Moreno, good, maybe the best in the class, but special across many draft classes? No.

Gotcha.

Was Lattimore billed in that way? Not that I remember, other than he was going to be a stud college RB.

 

[Englishteacher]

True. But when he was drafted I remember many saying Denver reached to get him. In addition, I really don't remember the accolades proclaiming him to be a transcendent or elite type talent. Peterson. McGahee. Bo. --- Maybe he wasn't in that type of blue chip tier, but, he showed up from Day One at USC and studded it out. Hell, I don't even watch that much college football and I caught wind of him. The point? People thought he was special. Moreno, good, maybe the best in the class, but special across many draft classes? No.

Gotcha.

Was Lattimore billed in that way? Not that I remember, other than he was going to be a stud college RB.

I linked a WIkipedia quote above that Lattimore was named The #1 Player of his College class across ALL positions. This translates into him being the best overall RB perhaps over several NFL drafts at the RB position. Albeit, this was as a TRUE Freshman and then he had the catastrophic injuries. Largely, he was the best, and was drafted on what he was and what he illustrated at 18. He was still taken in the fourth round by perhaps the best front office in the business after catastrophic knee injuries that visually make you want to vomit and a virtually guaranteed redshirt rookie pro NFL season. That tells you what kind of player he was. All Pro, perhaps HOF pro potential.

I'm certainly not knocking you bud.

Just comparing.

Moreno redshirted his Freshman season and didn't start his second year until an injury to the starter. Wildly productive in college however. I'd liken his probable grade and ceiling coming out of college as potential Pro Bowl player.

 

[slackjawedyokel]

http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/3/4/5466262/marcus-lattimore-interview-frank-gore-rehab-development

Even Seahawks fans have to root for this guy.

What an asinine statement.

It's tongue in cheek. All that to say, his story and character transcends rivalry hatred... it is possible to genuinely like a player regardless of a team that they are rostered by.

 

[cstu]

http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/3/4/5466262/marcus-lattimore-interview-frank-gore-rehab-development

Even Seahawks fans have to root for this guy.

What an asinine statement.

It's tongue in cheek. All that to say, his story and character transcends rivalry hatred... it is possible to genuinely like a player regardless of a team that they are rostered by.

Maybe it's due to FF, but I root for a lot of players in the Chargers' division - just not for their team to win.

 

[cstu]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

 

[Englishteacher]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

Good point there although Bell graded out really well and there seemed to be a room for both he and Bush in that offense. However, MJD was pretty darn bad last year.

 

[Englishteacher]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

Here's the link to the thread devoted entirely to Lattimore in dynasty. http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=687071&hl=lattimore

 

[cstu]

Thanks, I posted it in that thread.

 

[JohnnyU]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

 

[BaBastage]

http://www.ninersnation.com/2014/3/4/5466262/marcus-lattimore-interview-frank-gore-rehab-development

Even Seahawks fans have to root for this guy.

What an asinine statement.

It's tongue in cheek. All that to say, his story and character transcends rivalry hatred... it is possible to genuinely like a player regardless of a team that they are rostered by.

He's the anti-Richard Sherman!

Sorry - couldn't resist the jab. If it's any consolation, I'd offer that Russell Wilson is in the same camp. I'm not a Seahawks fan, but it's tough not to respect the guy. 100% calm and class.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

I have him in this range - but I see him as a "riser":

[SIZE=small]24[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Chris Johnson[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]25[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Andre Ellington[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]26[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Lamar Miller[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]27[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]David Wilson[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]28[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Marcus Lattimore[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]29[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Bernard Pierce[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]30[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Darren McFadden[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]31[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Chris Ivory[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]32[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Stevan Ridley[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]33[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Maurice Jones-Drew[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]34[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Darren Sproles[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]35[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Jonathan Stewart[/SIZE]

[SIZE=small]36[/SIZE] [SIZE=small]Knile Davis[/SIZE]

 

[cstu]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

 

[Englishteacher]

I like him way more than Miller on upside alone and dude's never even played an NFL down. Heck, I might even take him over an average and old Chris Johnson if I were a rebuilding team oriented to the future.

I like ELlington's juice however. Still, Lattimore might have more upside if he's a miracle.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I like him way more than Miller on upside alone and dude's never even played an NFL down. Heck, I might even take him over an average and old Chris Johnson if I were a rebuilding team oriented to the future.

I like ELlington's juice however. Still, Lattimore might have more upside if he's a miracle.

If you were referring to what I posted, those are generic rankings. In practice, the rankings would be dependant on team. If I was rebuilding I'd surely favor him over Chris Johnson as well. I was high on Miller coming into the league, and while I was disappointed with him last season, I can't drop him drastically until I see another year of "failure" to distance himself from the Daniel Thomas' of the world.

 

[JohnnyU]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

There are a lot smaller backs than Hunter who have carried the load for teams. I almost guarantee that Hunter is first in line for the job should Gore go down. They will treat Lattimore with kid gloves because of all the devastating injuries he has had.

 

[Englishteacher]

I like him way more than Miller on upside alone and dude's never even played an NFL down. Heck, I might even take him over an average and old Chris Johnson if I were a rebuilding team oriented to the future.

I like ELlington's juice however. Still, Lattimore might have more upside if he's a miracle.

If you were referring to what I posted, those are generic rankings. In practice, the rankings would be dependant on team. If I was rebuilding I'd surely favor him over Chris Johnson as well. I was high on Miller coming into the league, and while I was disappointed with him last season, I can't drop him drastically until I see another year of "failure" to distance himself from the Daniel Thomas' of the world.

For the value, rather Have Thomas than Miller. In 2013, Thomas graded out as the bottom end of good while Miller was in the average zone, despie seeing more snaps. Assuming he were to stay healthy, I'd really like to have Thomas as my RB4 in dynasty.

 

[cstu]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

There are a lot smaller backs than Hunter who have carried the load for teams. I almost guarantee that Hunter is first in line for the job should Gore go down. They will treat Lattimore with kid gloves because of all the devastating injuries he has had.

Hunter is in the last year of his contract so they have more incentive to test Lattimore's ability to carry the load. If Lattimore breaks down then SF can re-sign Hunter.

 

[JohnnyU]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

There are a lot smaller backs than Hunter who have carried the load for teams. I almost guarantee that Hunter is first in line for the job should Gore go down. They will treat Lattimore with kid gloves because of all the devastating injuries he has had.

Hunter is in the last year of his contract so they have more incentive to test Lattimore's ability to carry the load. If Lattimore breaks down then SF can re-sign Hunter.

You might be right, but I highly doubt it.

 

[BeTheMatch]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

There are a lot smaller backs than Hunter who have carried the load for teams. I almost guarantee that Hunter is first in line for the job should Gore go down. They will treat Lattimore with kid gloves because of all the devastating injuries he has had.

I completely disagree.

 

[JohnnyU]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

There are a lot smaller backs than Hunter who have carried the load for teams. I almost guarantee that Hunter is first in line for the job should Gore go down. They will treat Lattimore with kid gloves because of all the devastating injuries he has had.

I completely disagree.

That is your prerogative, but those who are dismissing Hunter as a potential starter should Gore go down could be making a mistake.

 

[karmarooster]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

There are a lot smaller backs than Hunter who have carried the load for teams. I almost guarantee that Hunter is first in line for the job should Gore go down. They will treat Lattimore with kid gloves because of all the devastating injuries he has had.

Such as?

1) Warrick Dunn.

2) Brian Westbrook.

I'm looking for a lot.

 

[JohnnyU]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

There are a lot smaller backs than Hunter who have carried the load for teams. I almost guarantee that Hunter is first in line for the job should Gore go down. They will treat Lattimore with kid gloves because of all the devastating injuries he has had.

Such as? 1) Warrick Dunn. Ok.

2) ?

Barry Sanders 5'8 203

 

[karmarooster]

Do you see anything in Kendall Hunter that reminds you of the most dynamic running back in history?

 

[JohnnyU]

Do you see anything in Kendall Hunter that reminds you of the most dynamic running back in history?

That wasn't the question.

 

[cstu]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

There are a lot smaller backs than Hunter who have carried the load for teams. I almost guarantee that Hunter is first in line for the job should Gore go down. They will treat Lattimore with kid gloves because of all the devastating injuries he has had.

Hunter is in the last year of his contract so they have more incentive to test Lattimore's ability to carry the load. If Lattimore breaks down then SF can re-sign Hunter.

You might be right, but I highly doubt it.

Let's say Gore does get hurt and they give Hunter 250 carries and he ends up 1100/8. Now they've got to pay him starter money to keep him and they still don't know if Lattimore is a feature back.

Giving Lattimore the carries not only lets them test him, but also keeps down Hunter's FA price.

 

[JohnnyU]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I'm not totally discounting him, but I think the starting job is Lattimore's to lose. I won't deny Hunter has looked good, I just see his size as a limiting factor in him being the starter.

There are a lot smaller backs than Hunter who have carried the load for teams. I almost guarantee that Hunter is first in line for the job should Gore go down. They will treat Lattimore with kid gloves because of all the devastating injuries he has had.

Hunter is in the last year of his contract so they have more incentive to test Lattimore's ability to carry the load. If Lattimore breaks down then SF can re-sign Hunter.

You might be right, but I highly doubt it.

Let's say Gore does get hurt and they give Hunter 250 carries and he ends up 1100/8. Now they've got to pay him starter money to keep him and they still don't know if Lattimore is a feature back.

Giving Lattimore the carries not only lets them test him, but also keeps down Hunter's FA price.

Perhaps they would then cut Hunter and draft another RB to pair with Lattimore. I don't expect James to be on the roster much longer. They simply don't like him because he doesn't fit their scheme.

 

[karmarooster]

Do I only get 1 question or something? The obvious answer is that Hunter has nothing in common with Barry Sanders.

You said there were "a lot smaller backs than Hunter"... I took this to mean there are several RBs who are as small or smaller than Hunter who have carried the load. I can think of only 3 who are roughly the same size. You could've meant "there are backs who are a lot smaller than Hunter" or "there are a lot of backs who are smaller than Hunter."

I just haven't heard many people who are super high on Hunter (seems to be the opposite), so I am genuinely interest in why you place him in such high regard, but I haven't really see a lot backing up your positions so far other than "Barry Sanders."

 

[JohnnyU]

Do I only get 1 question or something? The obvious answer is that Hunter has nothing in common with Barry Sanders.

You said there were "a lot smaller backs than Hunter"... I took this to mean there are several RBs who are as small or smaller than Hunter who have carried the load. I can think of only 3 who are roughly the same size. You could've meant "there are backs who are a lot smaller than Hunter" or "there are a lot of backs who are smaller than Hunter."

I just haven't heard many people who are super high on Hunter (seems to be the opposite), so I am genuinely interest in why you place him in such high regard, but I haven't really see a lot backing up your positions so far other than "Barry Sanders."

Joe Washington, Dave Meggett, Ray Rice when he first became starter he weighed less, Brian Westbrook, Stump Mitchell, Joe Morris, Mike Garrett, just to name a few.

 

[karmarooster]

I have never heard of any of those guys other than Rice and Westbrook. Any RB who you find that is roughly the same size as Hunter is either go to be much, much better (Rice, Charles, Chris Johnson, Westbrook, Sanders), or will have played so long ago that the comparison isn't apt. It's like saying an offensive lineman doesn't need to be 300+ pounds because 30 years ago there were some really good ones who were 270.

 

[JohnnyU]

I have never heard of any of those guys other than Rice and Westbrook. Any RB who you find that is roughly the same size as Hunter is either go to be much, much better (Rice, Charles, Chris Johnson, Westbrook, Sanders), or will have played so long ago that the comparison isn't apt. It's like saying an offensive lineman doesn't need to be 300+ pounds because 30 years ago there was a really good one who was 270.

I answered your question, even with recent backs and you even named a few that I didn't. You don't get to replace them with (...but Hunter isn't nearly as good.as so and so).

 

[karmarooster]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

 

[JohnnyU]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

Ok, whatever makes it fit nicely into your basket is fine, but to dismiss Hunter is a mistake.

 

[Nero]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

Steve Slaton, Ahmad Bradshaw, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dominic Rhodes were small backs with no special qualities that had 1000 yard seasons. I think Hunter is good enough to do the same if called upon.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

Ok, whatever makes it fit nicely into your basket is fine, but to dismiss Hunter is a mistake.

Unless it's not. I haven't really seen anything out of Hunter to make me think they would ever make him the lead back unless they had no other options (Gore hurt, Lattimore hurt). I don't care that his career YPC is respectable, which is what people like to point to. I didn't see a single carry in 2013 that was by any measure impressive.

 

[JohnnyU]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

Ok, whatever makes it fit nicely into your basket is fine, but to dismiss Hunter is a mistake.

Unless it's not. I haven't really seen anything out of Hunter to make me think they would ever make him the lead back unless they had no other options (Gore hurt, Lattimore hurt). I don't care that his career YPC is respectable, which is what people like to point to. I didn't see a single carry in 2013 that was by any measure impressive.

He's averaged 5.2 and 4.6 ypc respectively the last two years. He's not chop liver.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

Ok, whatever makes it fit nicely into your basket is fine, but to dismiss Hunter is a mistake.

Unless it's not. I haven't really seen anything out of Hunter to make me think they would ever make him the lead back unless they had no other options (Gore hurt, Lattimore hurt). I don't care that his career YPC is respectable, which is what people like to point to. I didn't see a single carry in 2013 that was by any measure impressive.

He's averaged 5.2 and 4.6 ypc respectively the last two years. He's not chop liver.

So assuming Hunter ends up being the #1 there....what are his numbers?

 

[JohnnyU]

Not sure, but I'd say he could be as successful as Gore. I prefer Lattimore get the job because I own him in several leagues, but I think Hunter hasn't done anything NOT to get a chance. Besides, Gore will probably be there another two years anyway.

 

[karmarooster]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

Steve Slaton, Ahmad Bradshaw, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dominic Rhodes were small backs with no special qualities that had 1000 yard seasons. I think Hunter is good enough to do the same if called upon.

Now this is a nice list. It says that Hunter could have a year or two of pretty good output, but only if the situation lines up just right. And I'd say that at-his-prime Bradshaw is still better than the current post-achilles version of Hunter. And in any case, even if Hunter got that window of opportunity, this list also illustrates that the shelf life of such a small-but-not-special RB is about a year, maybe two. Eventually they'll get replaced with someone with more talent, size, vision, what have you. Someone like Lattimore was pre-injury, and could be going forward.

 

[JohnnyU]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

Steve Slaton, Ahmad Bradshaw, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dominic Rhodes were small backs with no special qualities that had 1000 yard seasons. I think Hunter is good enough to do the same if called upon.

Now this is a nice list. It says that Hunter could have a year or two of pretty good output, but only if the situation lines up just right. And I'd say that at-his-prime Bradshaw is still better than the current post-achilles version of Hunter. And in any case, even if Hunter got that window of opportunity, this list also illustrates that the shelf life of such a small-but-not-special RB is about a year, maybe two. Eventually they'll get replaced with someone with more talent, size, vision, what have you. Someone like Lattimore was pre-injury, and could be going forward.

I hope Lattimore gets his chance earlier than later, because I own him in 4 leagues, but the problem with RBs is that some coaches are loyal to a fault with vets and emphasize a pecking order, as much as us fantasy players hate to hear it.

 

[Wingnut]

Hunter is not RB1 material. Ive watched every Niner game the last few years, trust me - he's a change of pace back and nothing more. If Gore goes down, Lattimore will get first crack at being the workhorse.

 

[JohnnyU]

Hunter is not RB1 material. Ive watched every Niner game the last few years, trust me - he's a change of pace back and nothing more. If Gore goes down, Lattimore will get first crack at being the workhorse.

I hope you're right, but somehow I'm not that reassured.

 

[drummer]

Hunter is not RB1 material. Ive watched every Niner game the last few years, trust me - he's a change of pace back and nothing more. If Gore goes down, Lattimore will get first crack at being the workhorse.

If Lattimore is healthy enough to play, I agree. They also have to justify that pick in the 2013 draft as well.

 

[TheFanatic]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

Ok, whatever makes it fit nicely into your basket is fine, but to dismiss Hunter is a mistake.

To dismiss that post is a mistake. Being small and being a lead back is definitely the exception to the rule and every single small guy out there had something else going for him. Hunter does not. He's the lottery ticket to start more than Lattimore, even with the latter's injury history...

 

[TheFanatic]

Every back that small who has truly 'carried the load' will be exceptional in at least one area. Incredible speed (Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles), dynamic open field ability (Westbrook, Sanders), balance (Rice), bowling ball power (MJD). Hunter doesn't have a single one of those ... he's OK at many things, I just don't see him as starter-caliber talent. He simply isn't nearly as good as those backs who were small, but were so talented because of "x" that their size didn't matter. I am unable to identify the "x" for Hunter. And I was quite high on him a few years ago.

Ok, whatever makes it fit nicely into your basket is fine, but to dismiss Hunter is a mistake.

Unless it's not. I haven't really seen anything out of Hunter to make me think they would ever make him the lead back unless they had no other options (Gore hurt, Lattimore hurt). I don't care that his career YPC is respectable, which is what people like to point to. I didn't see a single carry in 2013 that was by any measure impressive.

He's averaged 5.2 and 4.6 ypc respectively the last two years. He's not chop liver.

Daryl Richardson averaged 4.8 YPC backing up a power back 2 years ago and. He got the starting nod. Small back without blazing speed, amazing power, or incredible lateral mobility. Got himself 3 starts last year and wound up with a 3.1 ypc.

Hunter is Richardson 2.0 aka chopped liver

 

[cstu]

Hunter is not RB1 material. Ive watched every Niner game the last few years, trust me - he's a change of pace back and nothing more. If Gore goes down, Lattimore will get first crack at being the workhorse.

If Lattimore is healthy enough to play, I agree. They also have to justify that pick in the 2013 draft as well.

Harbaugh doesn't need to justify anything to anyone, he's going to put the best RB out there to play. He basically cut his 1st round pick after a year so I don't think he's concerned about how things look to people. However, he did show a lot of faith drafting Lattimore in the first place and I expect Harbaugh will want to see what he can do.

 

[drummer]

Hunter is not RB1 material. Ive watched every Niner game the last few years, trust me - he's a change of pace back and nothing more. If Gore goes down, Lattimore will get first crack at being the workhorse.

If Lattimore is healthy enough to play, I agree. They also have to justify that pick in the 2013 draft as well.

Harbaugh doesn't need to justify anything to anyone, he's going to put the best RB out there to play. He basically cut his 1st round pick after a year so I don't think he's concerned about how things look to people. However, he did show a lot of faith drafting Lattimore in the first place and I expect Harbaugh will want to see what he can do.

I wasn't referring to Harbaugh, I was referring to the GM in Trent Baalke. The 2012 draft is basically is wash, and the 2013 draft only had S Eric Reid produce. Both Lattimore and Tank Carradine were on the shelf with injuries and weren't on the active roster at all this season, and the other picks of the 2013 draft didn't do much either especially on offense.

So IMO Lattimore is key here to show Baalke's gamble was a smart one. He has the power over the roster, thus the whole recent 49er drama.

 

[Slapdash]

What's up with the low dynasty rankings for Lattimore? I realize he's had some terrible injuries but the 49ers believe in him and there's not much standing in his way for a starting job in great RB offense.

I understand not having him in the top 30 but not ranking him above proven bums like McFadden and Stewart, who are already 27 - over 4 years older than Lattimore.

Do people truly value him less than a 28 year old Joique Bell or a 29 year old MJD?

You are undervaluing Hunter.

I don't think Hunter will be a full-time back, but this situation looks like RBBC in the near term.

 

[Terpman22]

Charlie Garner was the bomb for a few years. He was small I think. Carry on the semantics battle. Hunter sucks d. Peace.

 

[cstu]

Marcus Lattimore still has four years on his contract because he was never on the 49ers' 53-man roster