INDIANAPOLIS ­— If the Patriots plan to maximize their value during April’s draft, they’ll be looking long and hard at South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore.

That process has already begun.

Lattimore told the Herald yesterday he met with Pats running backs coach Ivan Fears on Thursday night, so the team is learning as much as it can about one of the most interesting prospects in the 2013 class. Lattimore was viewed as a potential top-five pick before ripping apart his right knee during a gruesome hit Oct. 27 against Tennessee.

His stock has understandably plummeted. Lattimore met with every team’s medical staff over a four-hour stretch yesterday at the combine, and he said the doctors were impressed with the strength in his quad, hamstring and ligaments. Depending on a team’s comfort level, Lattimore could be taken late in the first round or maybe even in the middle rounds.

“At this point, it really doesn’t matter where I get drafted because I’m going to go in there and work hard,” Lattimore said. “If I get a chance to play this year, I’m going to make the most of it, and I feel like I will.”

The further he slides, the more enticing he’ll be. Lattimore amassed 2,677 rushing yards, 74 receptions for 767 yards and 41 total touchdowns in 29 games over three collegiate seasons. He was an immediate hit, too, running 37 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns in a victory against Georgia in his second career game.

Obviously, the Patriots have a good group of running backs led by Stevan Ridley, who was seventh in the NFL with 1,263 yards in 2012. But Bill Belichick has benched Ridley for fumbling in the past, and also isn’t averse to amassing as much talent at one position as possible to prevent a steep drop-off when injuries occur. Plus, the Patriots wouldn’t need Lattimore to be fully ready for next season, because of that depth.

When healthy, Lattimore is an every-down back with all of the tools an offense would need. And considering the way players recover from ACL tears nowadays, a full recovery is hardly unfathomable. That’s why the Patriots have investigated, and they’ll surely be impressed with Lattimore’s work ethic and positive attitude through the ordeal.

“I just think about guys who are less fortunate than me, guys who would kill to be in my shoes right now, even with the injury,” Lattimore said. “That’s what keeps me going. That’s what keeps me motivated, knowing that people would kill to be in my shoes right now.”

New England legacy

North Carolina right tackle Brennan Williams is following his father to the NFL. Brent Williams was the Patriots’ seventh-round pick in 1985, and the defensive end remained in New England through 1993 before playing his last three seasons with the Seahawks and Jets.

Brennan’s favorite memories of his father’s career were simple. He enjoyed shaving his father’s head before training camp and reaping the rewards of the presents when he returned home.

Obviously, though, that path has helped Williams prepare for this process. Williams’ stock is all over the place, ranging from the second round to the later rounds, but the Patriots could have some interest if they don’t re-sign Sebastian Vollmer.

That would be welcomed by Williams, who grew up in Easton and went to Catholic Memorial before bolting the area for college ball.

The 6-foot-7, 318-pounder gave himself an intriguing scouting report, too.

“Nasty, physical, aggressive,” said Williams, who has met with the Patriots at the combine. “I look to finish plays. I look to put people on their backs, and that’s what I plan on doing next year.”

Coming clean

Speaking of value, Tennessee Tech’s Da’Rick Rogers might have the talent to be one of the first few wide receivers off the board. But Rogers was dismissed from Tennessee after his third failed drug test for marijuana, and he finished his career with Tech, which he said forced him to wake up.

“I was immature, simple as that,” Rogers said.

Rogers has been compared to Falcons receiver Julio Jones, but teams will be wary of the character issues. Rogers answered every question yesterday, welcoming the criticism because he wanted to be accountable in front of the cameras, and he said he passed all 10 of his drug tests at Tennessee Tech.

He hopes that helps restore his stock, but Rogers understood if it wouldn’t.

“It’s a little frustrating, but I did it to myself,” Rogers said, “and I realize how hard I have to work now.”

Spike TV

Rob Gronkowski will no longer host the Oscars red carpet show for “The Rich Eisen Podcast” and NFL Network. Gronkowski has been replaced by Ravens safety Ed Reed.