Kevin Smith (1 Viewer)

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I like him a lot, I think he's well worth his ADP and more. The Lions with their new coach will try to be a more physical team all around, and that means attempting to run the ball more.

Now, the word attempting is the key....they have to be somewhat successful in being that physical team, which means playing some bettter defense and sticking with the run. If they can do those things, then the 1 man that will benefit from that is definately Kevin Jones. Besides the team philosophy that I just mentioned, just looking at how Kevin Jones is running and catching the ball this preseason, I'm impressed. He's a tougher and harder runner than I anticipated when they first drafted him last year.

As much of a freak C. Johnson is at WR and I believe that, if the above does come true, this could at least limit some kind of monster season some may want out of Calvin Johnson, because I don't see Kevin Smith having this huge year on the ground, being ball control and scoring TD and then Calvin Johnson having these amazing receiving stats on the other end. So, drafting CJ too high worries me a bit if you buy into this.

However, if you think the Lions defense is still going to be Swiss Cheese and playing behind the entire game then you downgrade Smith a little in non ppr leagues, hold him about the same in PPR leagues and that's where you'd expect some monster numbers out of Calvin, playing catch up and getting yards in big chunks.

 

[puckalicious]

I like him a lot, I think he's well worth his ADP and more. The Lions with their new coach will try to be a more physical team all around, and that means attempting to run the ball more.

Now, the word attempting is the key....they have to be somewhat successful in being that physical team, which means playing some bettter defense and sticking with the run. If they can do those things, then the 1 man that will benefit from that is definately Kevin Jones. Besides the team philosophy that I just mentioned, just looking at how Kevin Jones is running and catching the ball this preseason, I'm impressed. He's a tougher and harder runner than I anticipated when they first drafted him last year.

As much of a freak C. Johnson is at WR and I believe that, if the above does come true, this could at least limit some kind of monster season some may want out of Calvin Johnson, because I don't see Kevin Smith having this huge year on the ground, being ball control and scoring TD and then Calvin Johnson having these amazing receiving stats on the other end. So, drafting CJ too high worries me a bit if you buy into this.

However, if you think the Lions defense is still going to be Swiss Cheese and playing behind the entire game then you downgrade Smith a little in non ppr leagues, hold him about the same in PPR leagues and that's where you'd expect some monster numbers out of Calvin, playing catch up and getting yards in big chunks.

I'm pretty sure you mean Smith here, easy typo to make.

 

[UnknownCoach]

I believe in Kevin Smith, I just don't believe in his line.

This is still a team that is going to have to abandon the run in too many games. Once Culpepper is benched, they try to force the run more but without a decent defense, they'll be playing from behind even more.

 

[Ray_T]

I believe in Kevin Smith, I just don't believe in his line.

This is still a team that is going to have to abandon the run in too many games. Once Culpepper is benched, they try to force the run more but without a decent defense, they'll be playing from behind even more.

hes right in that the team will be playing from behind a whole lot.but, assuming they win 3 games this year, that will be 3 games where they feed the RB at the end to kill time. So I think he will be better than last year.the question is... how much better will he be.my honest opinion is that he will break out next year and not this year. he will put up decent numbers and will be a solid WR2.

 

[Boone22]

I believe in Kevin Smith, I just don't believe in his line.

This is still a team that is going to have to abandon the run in too many games. Once Culpepper is benched, they try to force the run more but without a decent defense, they'll be playing from behind even more.

Even if this is the case, he'll still be heavily involved in the passing game. With no real #2 WR to speak of and a rookie TE, I think Smith becomes the #2 receiving option on the team. They can't drop back and throw it to Calvin every single play when they get behind. Smith will see quite a few screen passes and dump-offs as pass protection breaks down around Culpepper/Stafford.

 

[Payne]

I believe in Kevin Smith, I just don't believe in his line.

This is still a team that is going to have to abandon the run in too many games. Once Culpepper is benched, they try to force the run more but without a decent defense, they'll be playing from behind even more.

Even if this is the case, he'll still be heavily involved in the passing game. With no real #2 WR to speak of and a rookie TE, I think Smith becomes the #2 receiving option on the team. They can't drop back and throw it to Calvin every single play when they get behind. Smith will see quite a few screen passes and dump-offs as pass protection breaks down around Culpepper/Stafford.

 

[Maven]

Took him 3.01 in my 12 team league tonight to go along with Peterson and Rodgers =). I didn't realize how sick he was up until about 1hr before my draft.

Considering the success he had last year on an 0-16 team, as a 21 year old rookie, and not even starting all the games....HES GOING TO BEAST THIS YEAR. His ADP is 3.10, which is boarderline ridiculous...

He will get 2-3 dumpoff passes a game (50 rec is about guaranteed)...no real threat to steal carries, calvin opening things up for him to run more effectively...and is money as it gets around converting short yardage and goaline touchdowns. He's now a year improved and has looked good in camp and preaseason. He will post very good numbers ...

Don't be afraid to pick this guy. Hes going to do great.

 

[Rovers]

K Smith either made one of my drafts, or broke it. In a 2 keeper league, where most of the top 10 RB's were kept, Smith still lasted until 3.08 in a 12 team 0.5 PPR system. Having ADP and Slayton already, I went with Smith as I can start 3 RB's, but my WR corp is weak.

Smith at 3.08 was just too much value to leave on the table. Hard to figure why his ADP is so low. It seems there are few Kevin Smith believers out there. I had no intention of going RB in that 3rd round. If he is a top 10 RB.... there are few who project him that way. Maybe it's just because the Lions are so bad?

My question is this: If you drafted him, was it simply because he slipped in your draft the way he slipped in this league I'm in? Did you have to change your draft strategy when you took him?

 

[jabarony]

Not to burst all the bubbles, but here's another knock (major or minor, we'll see) - The Lions have been using a 'heavy' package on the goalline this preseason with Smith watching some guy named Felton getting all the GL attempts.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

Not to burst all the bubbles, but here's another knock (major or minor, we'll see) - The Lions have been using a 'heavy' package on the goalline this preseason with Smith watching some guy named Felton getting all the GL attempts.

I know u want to rain on the parade.....but u said Felton was stealin the GL carries in preseason?Preseason, let me get this correct, u said preseason right?Ok.....I thought you were makin a point!He is one of the few EVERY DOWN backs in the league and when I say EVERY DOWN....I MEAN EVERY DOWN!

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Not to burst all the bubbles, but here's another knock (major or minor, we'll see) - The Lions have been using a 'heavy' package on the goalline this preseason with Smith watching some guy named Felton getting all the GL attempts.

I know u want to rain on the parade.....but u said Felton was stealin the GL carries in preseason?Preseason, let me get this correct, u said preseason right?Ok.....I thought you were makin a point!He is one of the few EVERY DOWN backs in the league and when I say EVERY DOWN....I MEAN EVERY DOWN!

It's a valid concern, among many, people have of Smith. Look, I drafted him in my main league, but I'm not blind to the numerous red flags that surround him. He has a very small sample size that we can judge him by so far and I can just as easily see him fail as succeed. I personally think he'll be a top 15 RB (I see him at RB12), but I can see others trepidation in drafting him.

 

[LBH]

i see no downside to drafting a bell cow RB in the 3rd rd that has fresh legs and is active in the passing game

 

[Al Czervik]

Not to burst all the bubbles, but here's another knock (major or minor, we'll see) - The Lions have been using a 'heavy' package on the goalline this preseason with Smith watching some guy named Felton getting all the GL attempts.

I know u want to rain on the parade.....but u said Felton was stealin the GL carries in preseason?Preseason, let me get this correct, u said preseason right?Ok.....I thought you were makin a point!He is one of the few EVERY DOWN backs in the league and when I say EVERY DOWN....I MEAN EVERY DOWN!

It's a valid concern, among many, people have of Smith. Look, I drafted him in my main league, but I'm not blind to the numerous red flags that surround him. He has a very small sample size that we can judge him by so far and I can just as easily see him fail as succeed. I personally think he'll be a top 15 RB (I see him at RB12), but I can see others trepidation in drafting him.

Yep, look at the game against Indy in the preseason:1st and 9 (ball on Indy 9 yd line), J Felton for 5 yards2nd and 4, J Felton for 3 yds3rd and 1, J Felton (no gain)4th and 1, J Felton (no gain)When Schwartz goes to the power run game, Felton is his back.

 

[Rovers]

Not to burst all the bubbles, but here's another knock (major or minor, we'll see) - The Lions have been using a 'heavy' package on the goalline this preseason with Smith watching some guy named Felton getting all the GL attempts.

I know u want to rain on the parade.....but u said Felton was stealin the GL carries in preseason?Preseason, let me get this correct, u said preseason right?Ok.....I thought you were makin a point!He is one of the few EVERY DOWN backs in the league and when I say EVERY DOWN....I MEAN EVERY DOWN!

It's a valid concern, among many, people have of Smith. Look, I drafted him in my main league, but I'm not blind to the numerous red flags that surround him. He has a very small sample size that we can judge him by so far and I can just as easily see him fail as succeed. I personally think he'll be a top 15 RB (I see him at RB12), but I can see others trepidation in drafting him.

Yep, look at the game against Indy in the preseason:1st and 9 (ball on Indy 9 yd line), J Felton for 5 yards2nd and 4, J Felton for 3 yds3rd and 1, J Felton (no gain)4th and 1, J Felton (no gain)When Schwartz goes to the power run game, Felton is his back.

That was in the 4th quarter. Smith was out of the game by then. In the first quarter, Smith got the call on a second and six on the Indy 6 yard line and got 3 yards. I think you assume far too much in basing your opinion on one 4th quarter red zone series when Smith had taken a seat for the evening.

 

[Fireballer]

Makes him look even better after they cut Cason yesterday.

 

[NinerK]

Took him 3.01 in my 12 team league tonight to go along with Peterson and Rodgers =). I didn't realize how sick he was up until about 1hr before my draft. Considering the success he had last year on an 0-16 team, as a 21 year old rookie, and not even starting all the games....HES GOING TO BEAST THIS YEAR. His ADP is 3.10, which is boarderline ridiculous... He will get 2-3 dumpoff passes a game (50 rec is about guaranteed)...no real threat to steal carries, calvin opening things up for him to run more effectively...and is money as it gets around converting short yardage and goaline touchdowns. He's now a year improved and has looked good in camp. He will post very good numbers ...Don't be afraid to pick this guy. Hes going to do great.

Very high on Smith this year. That DET/INDY game he looked awesome. Linehan seems intent on running the offense through him. As said earlier in this thread; even if DET plays from behind, Smith will release and catch the short passes. PPR!I had similar strategy from the #2 in a 12 team and ended up with Forte then Smith then Rodgers. Good nucleus with ADP

 

[tim_whatley]

He is my breakout player of the year. I think he is top 10 RB, and will finish above one or two of the usual past year top 10s that drop out the next year (slaton/forte).

 

[puckalicious]

Makes him look even better after they cut Cason yesterday.

Cason was never a threat anyway. Expect his 4 rushes and 4 receptions from last season to get split between Morris and Brown.For all intents and purposes Smith is a 3 down back that will rarely if ever get pulled at the goal line. He may not get very many chances at the goal line, but he'll most likely be the guy.

 

[jabarony]

Not to burst all the bubbles, but here's another knock (major or minor, we'll see) - The Lions have been using a 'heavy' package on the goalline this preseason with Smith watching some guy named Felton getting all the GL attempts.

I know u want to rain on the parade.....but u said Felton was stealin the GL carries in preseason?Preseason, let me get this correct, u said preseason right?Ok.....I thought you were makin a point!He is one of the few EVERY DOWN backs in the league and when I say EVERY DOWN....I MEAN EVERY DOWN!

Wow, settle down. Just trying to relay some information here.

 

[Zal]

The only thing i am worried about is that he survives the first five games without injury, loss of confidence, and/or loss of team support. Brutal schedule to begin the year:

@NO

MIN

WAS

@CHI

PIT

It is called the Chris Perry Effect.

Who knows for sure that those defenses are all that. It's a new year. Detroit's glaring weakness was its defense. Kevin Smith could put up plenty of fantasy points against NO, MIN, WAS, and CHI no problem.

He could but do you really think the Lions are going to be up during those games? I expect the Lions to be playing catch up more times than not. Which means they'll be passing it more so than running it.

 

[puckalicious]

The only thing i am worried about is that he survives the first five games without injury, loss of confidence, and/or loss of team support. Brutal schedule to begin the year:

@NO

MIN

WAS

@CHI

PIT

It is called the Chris Perry Effect.

Who knows for sure that those defenses are all that. It's a new year. Detroit's glaring weakness was its defense. Kevin Smith could put up plenty of fantasy points against NO, MIN, WAS, and CHI no problem.

He could but do you really think the Lions are going to be up during those games? I expect the Lions to be playing catch up more times than not. Which means they'll be passing it more so than running it.

Name 1 game last season where the Lions were up. Smith finished RB18 without even being the starter for nearly the first half of the season. Just projecting his stats last year as if he was the starter all year he'd be close to RB12. To me that's his floor this season.

 

[Al Czervik]

Not to burst all the bubbles, but here's another knock (major or minor, we'll see) - The Lions have been using a 'heavy' package on the goalline this preseason with Smith watching some guy named Felton getting all the GL attempts.

I know u want to rain on the parade.....but u said Felton was stealin the GL carries in preseason?Preseason, let me get this correct, u said preseason right?Ok.....I thought you were makin a point!He is one of the few EVERY DOWN backs in the league and when I say EVERY DOWN....I MEAN EVERY DOWN!

It's a valid concern, among many, people have of Smith. Look, I drafted him in my main league, but I'm not blind to the numerous red flags that surround him. He has a very small sample size that we can judge him by so far and I can just as easily see him fail as succeed. I personally think he'll be a top 15 RB (I see him at RB12), but I can see others trepidation in drafting him.

Yep, look at the game against Indy in the preseason:1st and 9 (ball on Indy 9 yd line), J Felton for 5 yards2nd and 4, J Felton for 3 yds3rd and 1, J Felton (no gain)4th and 1, J Felton (no gain)When Schwartz goes to the power run game, Felton is his back.

That was in the 4th quarter. Smith was out of the game by then. In the first quarter, Smith got the call on a second and six on the Indy 6 yard line and got 3 yards. I think you assume far too much in basing your opinion on one 4th quarter red zone series when Smith had taken a seat for the evening.

My bad. Was thinking it was before the first half (where they also used Felton in the red zone). However, like you said Smith was done for the day then too. I do think they will use Felton from time to time... we'll have to see if it affects Smith at all around the end zone.

 

[Fireballer]

Makes him look even better after they cut Cason yesterday.

Cason was never a threat anyway. Expect his 4 rushes and 4 receptions from last season to get split between Morris and Brown.

I agree. But in 2009, the farther that a RB's situation moves away from a multi-headed monster, the better.

 

[Fireballer]

He could but do you really think the Lions are going to be up during those games? I expect the Lions to be playing catch up more times than not. Which means they'll be passing it more so than running it.

Hopefully that won't really matter, and those lost carries will turn into receptions. If the Lions are behind and are throwing, I can see the Defense trying to keep everything in front of them and opening up the underneath stuff for Smith.

 

[Boone22]

He could but do you really think the Lions are going to be up during those games? I expect the Lions to be playing catch up more times than not. Which means they'll be passing it more so than running it.

Hopefully that won't really matter, and those lost carries will turn into receptions. If the Lions are behind and are throwing, I can see the Defense trying to keep everything in front of them and opening up the underneath stuff for Smith.

Agreed. They have Calvin and ??? to throw all those passes to? In this case it will be Smith as the #2 passing option when the Lions go into catch-up mode.

 

[Maven]

Stafford to start!!!

You gotta think they'll lean more heavily on the run with Stafford in. Plus... dump offs all day to Kevin. This is great news folks.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Lets see:Smith is not really a great talent as far as RB's go Questionable o lineTeam will be down by about 14 points in the 4th quarter of most games, thanks to the Lions D, calvin time!!Rookie QB will be starting by mid-season (8 in the box for Smith)I see him at best-- bottom side of top 20 for RB's--Good value 4/5 round of FF drafts, over priced 3rd roundbuyer beware

"being down" for a team with a bad o line, a young qb, and a RB who can catch the ball, doesn't mean no stats. I could easily forsee him being a regular dumpoff for a scrambling Stafford, as it's usually easier to hit TEs, RBs, and "possession receivers" (ie finneran, furrey, etc) when you are runing for your life.

 

[Maven]

Gopher...all those points, and look at everything he accomplished last year as a 21yr old rookie on an 0-16 team. You'll be a fool not to take him early 3rd or 4th and no ones going 8 in the box and leaving a cb on an island 1 on 1 w/ calvin. hahaha

 

[The Jerk]

Yep, look at the game against Indy in the preseason:

1st and 9 (ball on Indy 9 yd line), J Felton for 5 yards

2nd and 4, J Felton for 3 yds

3rd and 1, J Felton (no gain)

4th and 1, J Felton (no gain)

When Schwartz goes to the power run game, Felton is his back.

That was in the 4th quarter. Smith was out of the game by then. In the first quarter, Smith got the call on a second and six on the Indy 6 yard line and got 3 yards. I think you assume far too much in basing your opinion on one 4th quarter red zone series when Smith had taken a seat for the evening.

For those who missed the bolded part, note how successful the Felton heavy package was. It may or may not be an issue, and it's fair to bring up this concern, but I'd be a lot more worried if Felton actually scored.

 

[Boone22]

Kevin Smith-RB- Lions Sep. 11 - 11:00 am et

Lions coach Jim Schwartz indicated that Kevin Smith is in line for a bigger role now that rookie Matthew Stafford is the starting quarterback.

Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco both benefited from run-heavy offenses last year, and the Lions will try to play it similarly with Stafford this year. "I think we saw a glimpse of what Kevin can do in that first quarter against Indianapolis (50 yards rushing, 33 receiving)," said Schwartz. Smith will be featured heavily in Scott Linehan's offense this season.

Source: Detroit News

 

[SCT]

Kevin Smith-RB- Lions Sep. 11 - 11:00 am et Lions coach Jim Schwartz indicated that Kevin Smith is in line for a bigger role now that rookie Matthew Stafford is the starting quarterback.Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco both benefited from run-heavy offenses last year, and the Lions will try to play it similarly with Stafford this year. "I think we saw a glimpse of what Kevin can do in that first quarter against Indianapolis (50 yards rushing, 33 receiving)," said Schwartz. Smith will be featured heavily in Scott Linehan's offense this season.Source: Detroit News

 

[gpthatsme]

Kevin Smith-RB- Lions Sep. 11 - 11:00 am et Lions coach Jim Schwartz indicated that Kevin Smith is in line for a bigger role now that rookie Matthew Stafford is the starting quarterback.Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco both benefited from run-heavy offenses last year, and the Lions will try to play it similarly with Stafford this year. "I think we saw a glimpse of what Kevin can do in that first quarter against Indianapolis (50 yards rushing, 33 receiving)," said Schwartz. Smith will be featured heavily in Scott Linehan's offense this season.Source: Detroit News

 

[DA RAIDERS]

took him 4.03 as my first back off the board. ppr. he better be good. but i had him as a rookie flyer last year, so i watched him closely. i think he will be a top 10 back. 4-8 i would guess.

 

[NeverEnough]

he didn't exactly light it up week 1. what's his current value in non-ppr leagues?

i might try to send ronnie brown away to get him, but still on the fence

 

[coyote5]

thanks for bumping 2 threads to ask the same question.

 

[Maven]

9 targets folks in week 1...hes gonna get 60 catches easy.

 

[Yitbos69]

PPR GOLD

 

[DA RAIDERS]

r moss, jennings, housh, k smith, b marshall, first 5 picks. he better be ppr gold.

choo choo

 

[mbuehner]

The only thing that worries me about his game (putting aside the limitations of his line and team in general) is his goalline running. Thus far he just hasn't demonstrated that knack for either bull charging over defenders, or knifing through a gap. Some guys develop that over time, so we'll see, but if I'm Detroit i'm out looking for a big goalline back right now.

 

[thehornet]

looked awful. His only value is in PPR. Sorry to bring down the thread.

 

[Zigg]

looked awful. His only value is in PPR. Sorry to bring down the thread.

K. Smith looked fine, his O-Line looked awful. Unfortunately, that's not changing this season. He'll be a good RB2, but he's not breaking out this season IMO.

 

[p00h]

r moss, jennings, housh, k smith, b marshall, first 5 picks. he better be ppr gold.choo choo

do you choo choo choose kevin smith?!?

 

[DA RAIDERS]

r moss, jennings, housh, k smith, b marshall, first 5 picks. he better be ppr gold.choo choo

do you choo choo choose kevin smith?!?

all aboard!!

 

[The Moz]

PPR dynamo - they will pass often!

 

[SALEEN786]

Kevin Smith is a very good back in his second year on a very BAD team..with a rookie quarterback, he will certainly "break out" EVERY.. GAME..but only in EVERY FIRST HALF, and he will usually do pretty well, but... in EVERY SECOND half of..EVERY game, the Detroit Lions horrible defense..will keep the team anywhere from one to three touch downs..BEHIND, and the lions offense..not be running the ball much..in the SECOND HALF..as they are trying to catch up..and they will be throwing the ball..and NOT running the ball..MOST of the second half of EVERY game..this isn't starting out well..for Smith's fantasy numbers..

So this will greatly impact his Fantasy numbers in the wrong direction..he can't do much if he doesn't have the ball in his hands..the SECOND HALF of the game..this is going to be his problem all season..as Detroit's defense won't get any better..either, and remember the opposing defenses will be putting up EIGHT man fronts to STOP Smith, to put the pressure on the "Rookie" QB Stafford, to let him "try" to make the plays down field...sometimes boom, but mostly.. BUST for Stafford..and this also will have an effect on Smiths production..not in a good way..a Detroit unproven offense going three and out alot...all season long, and their tired shabby..beat up defense back on the field..again.. again..and again.

ltrain

 

[Balance]

Kevin Smith is a very good back in his second year on a very BAD team..with a rookie quarterback, he will certainly "break out" EVERY.. GAME..but only in EVERY FIRST HALF, and he will usually do pretty well, but... in EVERY SECOND half of..EVERY game, the Detroit Lions horrible defense..will keep the team anywhere from one to three touch downs..BEHIND, and the lions offense..not be running the ball much..in the SECOND HALF..as they are trying to catch up..and they will be throwing the ball..and NOT running the ball..MOST of the second half of EVERY game..this isn't starting out well..for Smith's fantasy numbers..So this will greatly impact his Fantasy numbers in the wrong direction..he can't do much if he doesn't have the ball in his hands..the SECOND HALF of the game..this is going to be his problem all season..as Detroit's defense won't get any better..either, and remember the opposing defenses will be putting up EIGHT man fronts to STOP Smith, to put the pressure on the "Rookie" QB Stafford, to let him "try" to make the plays down field...sometimes boom, but mostly.. BUST for Stafford..and this also will have an effect on Smiths production..not in a good way..a Detroit unproven offense going three and out alot...all season long, and their tired shabby..beat up defense back on the field..again.. again..and again.ltrain

1st half = 9 rushes 14 yards, 4 rec 27 yds 1TD2nd half = 6 rushes 6 yards, 3 rec 25 yardsAssuming his ypc increases... I can live with this. There wont be another game this year where they are behind by more.

 

[Rounders]

What is everyone's thoughts on his matchup this week against Minnesota?

I mean Jamal Lewis was able to put up 57 yards on 11 carries (5.1 ypc) on Minnesota, am I crazy to think that Smith can do something against them? Or is this a week to bench Smith if you have a better flex option?

 

[sandlotshrink]

If you own him, he's probably your best option given where you had to draft him....kicking myself at this point for not taking Grant. We drafted when it was still CPep who was expected to be under center. If you have better options, then by all means, roll the dice.