What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Jahvid Best & Mikel Leshoure, RBs, Detroit Lions (1 Viewer)

Jason Wood

Zoo York
2012 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. This year, we plan to publish more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters.

As always we will post a list of players to be discussed each week. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discuss expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Jahvid Best & Mikel Leshoure, RBs, Detroit Lions

Player Page Link: Jahvid Best Player Page

Player Page Link: Mikel Leshoure Player Page

Each article will include:

[*]Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member

[*]Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads

[*]FBG Projections

[*]Consensus Member Projections

The Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

[*]Focus commentary on the player (or players) in question, and your expectations for said player (or players)

[*]Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"

[*]Avoid redundancies or :popcorn: ... this should be about incremental analysis or debate

While not a requirement, we strongly encourage you to provide your own projections for the player (players):

Projections should include:

[*]For QBs: Attempts, Completions, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Attempts, Rush Yards, Rush TDs

[*]For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs

[*]For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs

Now let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 
Kevin Smith?
Redraft ADP currently residing at the end of the 14th round, he's the Lions back I'll be targeting. This is going to be a really hard thread to make projections for, it's basically an attempt to predict how many games Best and LeShoure (even Smith really) get in before they get hurt.
 
Kevin Smith?
Redraft ADP currently residing at the end of the 14th round, he's the Lions back I'll be targeting. This is going to be a really hard thread to make projections for, it's basically an attempt to predict how many games Best and LeShoure (even Smith really) get in before they get hurt.
It is more than an exercise in injury prediction. Best will have a reduced role out of the gate. Kevin Smith will have an opportunity to showcase himself in the first few games. The Lions want to win this year and if Kevin Smith tears it up, I am betting they stick with him over a recovering Achilles's.If you believe that Best is injury prone and LeShoure may not be back to full speed for another year, that is just more reasons to like Kevin Smith.
 
I'm pushing my chips in on Best. I traded for him because I think you have a situation where you will have clarity (drink!). With the concussion thing, he will either play or not play. It isn't like turf toe or bruised ribs, he will either suit up at 100% or he won't play. This should conceivably give you a clear cut situation where you can replace him if he isn't going to go. And if he goes, he's going to score you points on par with Darren Sproles. He's explosive. When he played last season he only had one game under 10 fantasy points. He scores points when he suits up.

So projecting for 16 games -

185 carries

800 yards

77 catches

600 yards

8 total touchdowns

 
I think the play is Leshoure and Smith at their current ADPs
this.best is honestly done being relevent. he has a ton of talent but those concussions killed his career.
Agree here. In my recent dynasty auction startup, Best went for $21. I picked up Leshore $6 and Kevin Smith $1.Hard to predict the carries/receptions splits, but if Leshore is healthy I think he will be the starting back no later than mid-season.
 
I think the play is Leshoure and Smith at their current ADPs
this.best is honestly done being relevent. he has a ton of talent but those concussions killed his career.
Agree here. In my recent dynasty auction startup, Best went for $21. I picked up Leshore $6 and Kevin Smith $1.Hard to predict the carries/receptions splits, but if Leshore is healthy I think he will be the starting back no later than mid-season.
You think this despite the fact that no running back has ever come back from his injury? Last season we were discussing him ever being able to play again. He still hasn't even taken a snap in the NFL regular season. What has changed? Except his being arrested...twice?
 
I think the play is Leshoure and Smith at their current ADPs
this.best is honestly done being relevent. he has a ton of talent but those concussions killed his career.
Agree here. In my recent dynasty auction startup, Best went for $21. I picked up Leshore $6 and Kevin Smith $1.Hard to predict the carries/receptions splits, but if Leshore is healthy I think he will be the starting back no later than mid-season.
You think this despite the fact that no running back has ever come back from his injury? Last season we were discussing him ever being able to play again. He still hasn't even taken a snap in the NFL regular season. What has changed? Except his being arrested...twice?
Good points. Which is why I have Kevin Smith as well. I just don't have any faith in Best staying healthy.
 
I think the play is Leshoure and Smith at their current ADPs
this.best is honestly done being relevent. he has a ton of talent but those concussions killed his career.
Agree here. In my recent dynasty auction startup, Best went for $21. I picked up Leshore $6 and Kevin Smith $1.Hard to predict the carries/receptions splits, but if Leshore is healthy I think he will be the starting back no later than mid-season.
You think this despite the fact that no running back has ever come back from his injury? Last season we were discussing him ever being able to play again. He still hasn't even taken a snap in the NFL regular season. What has changed? Except his being arrested...twice?
Good points. Which is why I have Kevin Smith as well. I just don't have any faith in Best staying healthy.
Kevin Smith isn't exactly an iron man himself. Maybe Keiland Williams is the real shark move. Detroit is like the Island of Misfit toys. This back doesn't have an achilles. This one has a soft head. This one breaks after 20 minutes of use...lol.
 
How many concussions has he had? How many has Aaron Rodgers had? How many has Austin Collie had?
I don't know about Collie, but I can't remember Rodgers missing more than a week or two. Best missed the last 10 games of the season due to concussions. The severity of the concussions raises more concern in his case.
 
How many concussions has he had? How many has Aaron Rodgers had? How many has Austin Collie had?
I don't know about Collie, but I can't remember Rodgers missing more than a week or two. Best missed the last 10 games of the season due to concussions. The severity of the concussions raises more concern in his case.
I'm not sure it does. Bramel discussed this on the audible. We don't really know if one concussion makes you more likely to get more or not. We don't really know a lot about concussions at all. Best had a very visible concussion on college. He also had the one last season. But Collie had two in one season and yet played all last season without suffering another. They are a wildcard to be sure.
 
I think the play is Leshoure and Smith at their current ADPs
this.best is honestly done being relevent. he has a ton of talent but those concussions killed his career.
Agree here. In my recent dynasty auction startup, Best went for $21. I picked up Leshore $6 and Kevin Smith $1.Hard to predict the carries/receptions splits, but if Leshore is healthy I think he will be the starting back no later than mid-season.
You think this despite the fact that no running back has ever come back from his injury? Last season we were discussing him ever being able to play again. He still hasn't even taken a snap in the NFL regular season. What has changed? Except his being arrested...twice?
Seriously, I don't know how people are glossing over this fact.I avoided Best the last two years, but was really excited when they drafted LeShoure. I was going to target him in every draft while the Best hype kept his value reasonable. But after that injury I've got less faith in LeShoure than I do in Best. Players do well just to make it back on the field after that kind of injury, and are rarely even a shadow of their former selves.

I'm not sure why Kevin Smith is getting no love. I really thought he proved his worth last year and would enter the year at least in a dead heat for the starting tailback job. To me this situation is impossible to provide projections for, but the decision to roll the dice on Kevin Smith couldn't be easier.

 
Best is still an option in PPR leagues, obviously. His best case scenario is a solid Darren Sproles, flex role kind of season – His worst case scenario is that you wasted what, a 7th round pick? (I'm not sure where he's going...)

 
been snagging Kevin Smith where I can. Best will play, lets see for how long.

leshoure is gone for the first two weeks and we have no idea how recovered he is from his injury

 
LeShoure is a bad man. I can see him running WILD in this Offense with teams NEVER playing 8 men in the box with the threat of Calvin Johnson. I think he has the opportunity to average 5.0 YPC in this Offense. Hell, Kevin Smith averaged 4.9 YPC and is a FAR LESS inferior talent.

Buy now, him and Best are going to make for QUITE the smash and dash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHPuM430Tgw

My goodness, I forgot how good Best really was. If the Lions don't have a two-back backfield out of shotgun, they are fools.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think Best and Leshoure have a solid year, but will drive owners insane with their inconsistency.

 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVgFcPDMQLQLeShoure is a bad man. I can see him running WILD in this Offense with teams NEVER playing 8 men in the box with the threat of Calvin Johnson. I think he has the opportunity to average 5.0 YPC in this Offense. Hell, Kevin Smith averaged 4.9 YPC and is a FAR LESS inferior talent.Buy now, him and Best are going to make for QUITE the smash and dash.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHPuM430TgwMy goodness, I forgot how good Best really was. If the Lions don't have a two-back backfield out of shotgun, they are fools.
Best is really underrated in terms of talent. He is everybit the playmaker Jamal Charles is. He had a healthy 16 games, he is a top 5 RB. Maybe higher in PPR.
 
I guess if you subscribe to the theory of Best being done because he's often injured, then you have to apply that to Smith as well. It kind of strikes me funny to see so many people wanting to bury Best because of it but completely ignore smith's own injury issues.

The plain truth is one of these guys (Best) has shown he can be a fantasy pinball machine, one (Smith) has shown that he can be very solid, and one (LeShoure) was seen by the vast majority as a much better prospect than both the others at this time last year.

the other truth is that all three have shown a propensity for injuries.

So, if you throw all that out as a push (instead of biasing it and using it to your particualr advantage), I think the better angle is to examine which one of these guys is likely to be there when you need it most (Weeks 12-16 of the NFL season).

I think the obvious answer is Best or LeShoure. If best comes out hot and LeShoure is sitting there suspended and resting, then LeShoure is the guy that can be the fresh, healthy guy late when Best gets dinged up and Kevin Smith does what Kevin Smith does (look great for about a month). If Best comes out hot and stays healthy, then its obviously Best.

Smith is the only one that really doesn't ahve a probable late-season roll because:

1)If best stays healthy, he's out.

2)If best gets hurt and a fresh Leshoure comes on and plays well, he's out.

3)if BOTH of these guys are out, Smith, himself, ahsn't shown he can go the distance.

Its just hard to envision the scenario where Smith is the last guy standing. I just get the feeling if it comes down to NO Best and NO LeShoure, the Lions will rever to what they did before; MOAR MEGATRON and some guy named Morris is just as likely to get the Tds as Smith is.

So, to me, its Best or LeShoure and I'm going to put my money on LeShoure just because:

1) He gets 2-3 weeks off due to suspension early. That doesn't hurt me in the fantasy playoffs and it actually just means thats 2-3 weeks he can't get hurt.

2)Since I'm gambling on one of the bigger NFL RB gambles, I'd rather put my money on getting some points vs. None because LeShoure at 80% is still better than Best with a concusion. I hate to say it because I LOVE Best and actually have him on a roster. I want him to do well. But I know, when I'm honest with myself that all it takes is that one Sunday in october where he gets his bell rung and that's it; no more best for the rest of the year. If he gets another concussion, they are going to go the Sid Crosby route with him and that doesn't help my fantasy team.

 
I guess if you subscribe to the theory of Best being done because he's often injured, then you have to apply that to Smith as well. It kind of strikes me funny to see so many people wanting to bury Best because of it but completely ignore smith's own injury issues.
I'm not ignoring Smith's injuries. I'm saying that concussions are an entirely different issue compared to knees and ankles. It's the difference between a doctor telling you:A - "One more and you'll never be able to run a marathon ever again."

or

B - "One more and you'll be drooling incessantly, won't be able to speak, and you'll need to be hooked up to a machine in order to poop."

 
I guess if you subscribe to the theory of Best being done because he's often injured, then you have to apply that to Smith as well. It kind of strikes me funny to see so many people wanting to bury Best because of it but completely ignore smith's own injury issues.
I don't think it's accurate to say people are discounting Best because "he's often injured". It's because he has had so many concussions. In general I think it's a mistake to label players as injury-prone, especially this early in their careers, however concussions are a different ballgame. There is a clear carry-over effect for concussions and teams are being very cautious with them now. Best is scary because we all know that the first concussion he has will probably put him out for the year, and maybe his career.
 
I guess if you subscribe to the theory of Best being done because he's often injured, then you have to apply that to Smith as well. It kind of strikes me funny to see so many people wanting to bury Best because of it but completely ignore smith's own injury issues.
I'm not ignoring Smith's injuries. I'm saying that concussions are an entirely different issue compared to knees and ankles. It's the difference between a doctor telling you:A - "One more and you'll never be able to run a marathon ever again."

or

B - "One more and you'll be drooling incessantly, won't be able to speak, and you'll need to be hooked up to a machine in order to poop."
Isn't Aaron Rodgers at the same point as Best? He got a new helmet and I haven't heard a word of concern...
 
Isn't Aaron Rodgers at the same point as Best? He got a new helmet and I haven't heard a word of concern...
Just a few posts up I talked about this. How many games has Rodgers missed due to concussions?Despite the debate about the number of concussions a person has sustained, I just don't see how the severity of those concussions can be ignored. Best missed nearly all of the season last year because of his. We're talking about bruising your brain. A mild concussion could cause someone to miss one week or two. An extremely severe concussion could cause death.

 
I guess if you subscribe to the theory of Best being done because he's often injured, then you have to apply that to Smith as well. It kind of strikes me funny to see so many people wanting to bury Best because of it but completely ignore smith's own injury issues.
I'm not ignoring Smith's injuries. I'm saying that concussions are an entirely different issue compared to knees and ankles. It's the difference between a doctor telling you:A - "One more and you'll never be able to run a marathon ever again."

or

B - "One more and you'll be drooling incessantly, won't be able to speak, and you'll need to be hooked up to a machine in order to poop."
Isn't Aaron Rodgers at the same point as Best? He got a new helmet and I haven't heard a word of concern...
Not at all.Best has been totally shut down in two seasons (one pro one college) due to concussions.

Aaron Rodgers missed 1 game IIRC due to concussions (matt Flynn vs NePats - superbowl season)

 
I guess if you subscribe to the theory of Best being done because he's often injured, then you have to apply that to Smith as well. It kind of strikes me funny to see so many people wanting to bury Best because of it but completely ignore smith's own injury issues.
I'm not ignoring Smith's injuries. I'm saying that concussions are an entirely different issue compared to knees and ankles. It's the difference between a doctor telling you:A - "One more and you'll never be able to run a marathon ever again."

or

B - "One more and you'll be drooling incessantly, won't be able to speak, and you'll need to be hooked up to a machine in order to poop."
Isn't Aaron Rodgers at the same point as Best? He got a new helmet and I haven't heard a word of concern...
Not at all.Best has been totally shut down in two seasons (one pro one college) due to concussions.

Aaron Rodgers missed 1 game IIRC due to concussions (matt Flynn vs NePats - superbowl season)
And Aaron Rodgers is not trying to blast his way through the defensive line. One guy is a QB, the other is an RB. Not comparable.Every d-lineman in the NFL knows Jahvid Best is a marked man. He is 199 pounds and is pretty much the poster boy for how the NFL is going to handle concussions. With the old players vs NFL lawsuit, more attention is being paid to brain injuries than ever before. If they do not get Best outside the tackles, then his injury risk doubles IMO.

As for LeShoure, I moved up from 1.09 to 1.03 to snag him last year in a dynasty rookie draft. I liked him. The problem is the achille's. It is worse than an ACL. Training camp will tell us a lot more, but in combination with the suspension, LeShoure will likely see 2nd team reps in camp.

 
I'm pushing my chips in on Best. I traded for him because I think you have a situation where you will have clarity (drink!). With the concussion thing, he will either play or not play. It isn't like turf toe or bruised ribs, he will either suit up at 100% or he won't play. This should conceivably give you a clear cut situation where you can replace him if he isn't going to go. And if he goes, he's going to score you points on par with Darren Sproles. He's explosive. When he played last season he only had one game under 10 fantasy points. He scores points when he suits up.So projecting for 16 games - 185 carries800 yards77 catches600 yards8 total touchdowns
You're dreaming. Best is done. Concussion waiting to happen. He wont play 6 games this year. He got slapped in the head last year and missed the rest of the season.
 
'LittlePhatty said:
'Shutout said:
I guess if you subscribe to the theory of Best being done because he's often injured, then you have to apply that to Smith as well. It kind of strikes me funny to see so many people wanting to bury Best because of it but completely ignore smith's own injury issues.
I'm not ignoring Smith's injuries. I'm saying that concussions are an entirely different issue compared to knees and ankles. It's the difference between a doctor telling you:A - "One more and you'll never be able to run a marathon ever again."

or

B - "One more and you'll be drooling incessantly, won't be able to speak, and you'll need to be hooked up to a machine in order to poop."
i'm not sure you read my entire post. I don't disagree with the one I put more concern with, but the idea in the post is in weeding out which one of these three I would be willing to go with, given each of their situaitons.
 
'Marauder said:
'Shutout said:
I guess if you subscribe to the theory of Best being done because he's often injured, then you have to apply that to Smith as well. It kind of strikes me funny to see so many people wanting to bury Best because of it but completely ignore smith's own injury issues.
I don't think it's accurate to say people are discounting Best because "he's often injured". It's because he has had so many concussions. In general I think it's a mistake to label players as injury-prone, especially this early in their careers, however concussions are a different ballgame. There is a clear carry-over effect for concussions and teams are being very cautious with them now. Best is scary because we all know that the first concussion he has will probably put him out for the year, and maybe his career.
Did you read my entire post? I clearly cover the possibility of this.
 
I'll probably be avoiding this backfield entirely unless Best really falls. These backs seem almost interchangeable, and there isn't enough information yet regarding their injuries to get a solid read. It will be tough to rely on any of them.

Best led this team in carries with 84 last season, and I don't see why the Lions would turn into a running team any time soon. Jahvid will likely be the receiving back, so he should carry the most value.

 
i'm not sure you read my entire post. I don't disagree with the one I put more concern with, but the idea in the post is in weeding out which one of these three I would be willing to go with, given each of their situaitons.
I hear what you were trying to say, I just disagree that Smith needs injuries to the other two in order to get a shot. I don't think they will ride Best hard and heavy from Game 1. I think Smith will be in the mix. And at their current ADPs, Smith is also the best value if you agree that all 3 are injury risks.
 
Surprising the Lions did not go out and get a new HB this offseason...
This. And there was some talent and depth in this draft at the position. And neither did they sign a veteran FA RB. THose two facts and the certainty of the lions management ensuring top notch medical care and study of Best, at least, had to make them feel good about addressing other team needs and NOT need a replacement for Best (and/or LeShoure).
 
Surprising the Lions did not go out and get a new HB this offseason...
This. And there was some talent and depth in this draft at the position. And neither did they sign a veteran FA RB. THose two facts and the certainty of the lions management ensuring top notch medical care and study of Best, at least, had to make them feel good about addressing other team needs and NOT need a replacement for Best (and/or LeShoure).
That's pretty much what I read from the draft & FA. Lions brass are more confident than most fans in their RB situation.
 
'Touchdown There said:
'bicycle_seat_sniffer said:
'Eminence said:
'LittlePhatty said:
'Shutout said:
I guess if you subscribe to the theory of Best being done because he's often injured, then you have to apply that to Smith as well. It kind of strikes me funny to see so many people wanting to bury Best because of it but completely ignore smith's own injury issues.
I'm not ignoring Smith's injuries. I'm saying that concussions are an entirely different issue compared to knees and ankles. It's the difference between a doctor telling you:A - "One more and you'll never be able to run a marathon ever again."

or

B - "One more and you'll be drooling incessantly, won't be able to speak, and you'll need to be hooked up to a machine in order to poop."
Isn't Aaron Rodgers at the same point as Best? He got a new helmet and I haven't heard a word of concern...
Not at all.Best has been totally shut down in two seasons (one pro one college) due to concussions.

Aaron Rodgers missed 1 game IIRC due to concussions (matt Flynn vs NePats - superbowl season)
And Aaron Rodgers is not trying to blast his way through the defensive line. One guy is a QB, the other is an RB. Not comparable.Every d-lineman in the NFL knows Jahvid Best is a marked man. He is 199 pounds and is pretty much the poster boy for how the NFL is going to handle concussions. With the old players vs NFL lawsuit, more attention is being paid to brain injuries than ever before. If they do not get Best outside the tackles, then his injury risk doubles IMO.

As for LeShoure, I moved up from 1.09 to 1.03 to snag him last year in a dynasty rookie draft. I liked him. The problem is the achille's. It is worse than an ACL. Training camp will tell us a lot more, but in combination with the suspension, LeShoure will likely see 2nd team reps in camp.
Saying an Achilles is worst than an ACL is an understatement. Blowing your Achilles is a potential career ending type injury. The potential is high that you never come back as explosive as before. ACLs are pretty much cookie cutter now. Expectations on an ACL is 100% recovery.
 
Surprising the Lions did not go out and get a new HB this offseason...
too busy drafting WRs Dont worry they will burn a 1st or a 2nd on a RB next year.
I doubt that, primarily because an ACL injury isn't a kiss of death. I'm more than confident Mikel Leshoure (Best as well) has enough in physical skill to carry the Lions running game. Have you seen this guy run? I feel as if a lot of Fantasy Players DON'T watch tape but rely on "injuries" and "statistics".If you watch the tape, Leshoure is definitely a talent that you can see eclipsing 1,000 yards and going for 10TD in a given season.To get my point across, I will post it again:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVgFcPDMQLQThe holes this guy is going to run through is going to be sick. With Calvin Johnson there's almost a guarantee he will NEVER see 8 men in the box. In my estimation, Kevin Smith is an average talent that took advantage of an amazing situation in Detroit. Especially in Red Zone situations, the Lions have already stated he will be in in ALL short yardage situations.Why would you not want the short yardage guy on a prolific passing attack? The threat to punch it in with Leshoure will only open up the play action for Stafford.You're introducing a 230 lb running back who can catch the ball well, has a little wiggle into an offense where the Quarterback passed for 40 Touchdowns last year. I'm willing to bet he's going to be in more than a few opportunities where he can make plays.Why are people discounting this guy?1.) He got caught with marijuana. Big deal, if you look around you they are well on their way to decriminalizing marijuana. Marijuana sure ruined Percy Harvin's career.1.) He tore his ACL? Big deal, Wes Welker tore his ACL and MCL and didn't miss a single game that same season. Demaryius Thomas tore his and he looked just as explosive as ever. Kenny Britt, Adrian Peterson, Eric Berry, etc. It happens nowadays. Hell, even Kevin Smith tore his ACL before.Don't play games, take the 230 lb bruiser who was taken to lighten the load for Jahvid Best.
 
Surprising the Lions did not go out and get a new HB this offseason...
too busy drafting WRs Dont worry they will burn a 1st or a 2nd on a RB next year.
I doubt that, primarily because an ACL injury isn't a kiss of death. I'm more than confident Mikel Leshoure (Best as well) has enough in physical skill to carry the Lions running game. Have you seen this guy run? I feel as if a lot of Fantasy Players DON'T watch tape but rely on "injuries" and "statistics".If you watch the tape, Leshoure is definitely a talent that you can see eclipsing 1,000 yards and going for 10TD in a given season.To get my point across, I will post it again:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVgFcPDMQLQThe holes this guy is going to run through is going to be sick. With Calvin Johnson there's almost a guarantee he will NEVER see 8 men in the box. In my estimation, Kevin Smith is an average talent that took advantage of an amazing situation in Detroit. Especially in Red Zone situations, the Lions have already stated he will be in in ALL short yardage situations.Why would you not want the short yardage guy on a prolific passing attack? The threat to punch it in with Leshoure will only open up the play action for Stafford.You're introducing a 230 lb running back who can catch the ball well, has a little wiggle into an offense where the Quarterback passed for 40 Touchdowns last year. I'm willing to bet he's going to be in more than a few opportunities where he can make plays.Why are people discounting this guy?1.) He got caught with marijuana. Big deal, if you look around you they are well on their way to decriminalizing marijuana. Marijuana sure ruined Percy Harvin's career.1.) He tore his ACL? Big deal, Wes Welker tore his ACL and MCL and didn't miss a single game that same season. Demaryius Thomas tore his and he looked just as explosive as ever. Kenny Britt, Adrian Peterson, Eric Berry, etc. It happens nowadays. Hell, even Kevin Smith tore his ACL before.Don't play games, take the 230 lb bruiser who was taken to lighten the load for Jahvid Best.
For someone who thinks he knows so much about a player, you should start by getting his injury correct.
 
Surprising the Lions did not go out and get a new HB this offseason...
too busy drafting WRs Dont worry they will burn a 1st or a 2nd on a RB next year.
I doubt that, primarily because an ACL injury isn't a kiss of death. I'm more than confident Mikel Leshoure (Best as well) has enough in physical skill to carry the Lions running game. Have you seen this guy run? I feel as if a lot of Fantasy Players DON'T watch tape but rely on "injuries" and "statistics".If you watch the tape, Leshoure is definitely a talent that you can see eclipsing 1,000 yards and going for 10TD in a given season.To get my point across, I will post it again:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVgFcPDMQLQThe holes this guy is going to run through is going to be sick. With Calvin Johnson there's almost a guarantee he will NEVER see 8 men in the box. In my estimation, Kevin Smith is an average talent that took advantage of an amazing situation in Detroit. Especially in Red Zone situations, the Lions have already stated he will be in in ALL short yardage situations.Why would you not want the short yardage guy on a prolific passing attack? The threat to punch it in with Leshoure will only open up the play action for Stafford.You're introducing a 230 lb running back who can catch the ball well, has a little wiggle into an offense where the Quarterback passed for 40 Touchdowns last year. I'm willing to bet he's going to be in more than a few opportunities where he can make plays.Why are people discounting this guy?1.) He got caught with marijuana. Big deal, if you look around you they are well on their way to decriminalizing marijuana. Marijuana sure ruined Percy Harvin's career.1.) He tore his ACL? Big deal, Wes Welker tore his ACL and MCL and didn't miss a single game that same season. Demaryius Thomas tore his and he looked just as explosive as ever. Kenny Britt, Adrian Peterson, Eric Berry, etc. It happens nowadays. Hell, even Kevin Smith tore his ACL before.Don't play games, take the 230 lb bruiser who was taken to lighten the load for Jahvid Best.
For someone who thinks he knows so much about a player, you should start by getting his injury correct.
Hey Em, his didnt tear his ACL he tore his Achilles which is far worse an injuryI agree on the pot
 
Surprising the Lions did not go out and get a new HB this offseason...
too busy drafting WRs Dont worry they will burn a 1st or a 2nd on a RB next year.
I doubt that, primarily because an ACL injury isn't a kiss of death. I'm more than confident Mikel Leshoure (Best as well) has enough in physical skill to carry the Lions running game. Have you seen this guy run? I feel as if a lot of Fantasy Players DON'T watch tape but rely on "injuries" and "statistics".If you watch the tape, Leshoure is definitely a talent that you can see eclipsing 1,000 yards and going for 10TD in a given season.

To get my point across, I will post it again:

I've seen the quotes of the Lions saying they think he can be a productive short yardage guy. Can you provide a link where they say he will be used in ALL short yardage situations?
 
Coach Jim Schwartz clarified second-rounder Mikel Leshoure's role as a short-yardage, kill-the-clock back behind Jahvid Best. "Jahvid Best, when healthy, proved that he can be an explosive playmaker," said Schwartz. "But he isn't built to be a short-yardage back when there's three minutes left in the game and you're protecting a seven-point lead, but Leshoure is." Schwartz saw the Chris Johnson/LenDale White combo up close and personal in 2008. It's good bet that Leshoure reprises White's "keep the lead" role with Best as the "get the lead" back.

Pre-injury quote.

Coach Jim Schwartz confirmed that he views Mikel Leshoure as a short-yardage back. At 6'0/227, Leshoure looks like the perfect complement to Jahvid Best. "We need to have the ability to pick up tough yardage, and I think that's something that Mikel can do for us," Schwartz said. However, Leshoure's current power is in question as he's coming off a ruptured Achilles. He's also suspended for the first two games of the season.

Post-injury quote.

As far as the Achilles goes, oof...

 
Last edited by a moderator:
'LittlePhatty said:
i'm not sure you read my entire post. I don't disagree with the one I put more concern with, but the idea in the post is in weeding out which one of these three I would be willing to go with, given each of their situaitons.
I hear what you were trying to say, I just disagree that Smith needs injuries to the other two in order to get a shot. I don't think they will ride Best hard and heavy from Game 1. I think Smith will be in the mix. And at their current ADPs, Smith is also the best value if you agree that all 3 are injury risks.
Yes, value wise I can go along with that. I guess I was posting with the frame of mind of which one I was thinking would be on the field in FF playoffs. And, of cours,e that's just my own opinion centering around the scenario in my head. Overall, its probably a gamble 7 ways till Sunday so maybe the Smith investors are probably the smartest because you will pay less. FWIW, I'm still pushing my bet on LeShoure..
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHPuM430TgwMy goodness, I forgot how good Best really was. If the Lions don't have a two-back backfield out of shotgun, they are fools.
At 1:50, Best out-accelerated a defensive back....holy crap I forgot just who good he is.Please little 8 pound 9 ounce Baby Jesus, keep Best healthy this year.Peace
Best still not cleared for contact, and LeShoure has a 2 game suspension. The only thing at this point that can be said with some certainty.....Kevin Smith might have an amazing week 1 at home against the 31st ranked rushing defense from last year, the Rams.....
 
Better change the title of this thread to Kevin Smith & LeShoure. Looks like Bests career may be over. Still not cleared by doctoers after almost 10 months and now placed on the PUP.

 
I think the play is Leshoure and Smith at their current ADPs
this.best is honestly done being relevent. he has a ton of talent but those concussions killed his career.
How many concussions has he had? How many has Aaron Rodgers had? How many has Austin Collie had?
how many concussions have rodgers or collie had that have sidelined them for a season.also, who will take more hits between best, rodgers, or collie?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top