With Jahvid Best on the PUP list, Mikel Leshoure just may get his chance to carry the bulk of the load for the Detroit ground game.
Analysis: While Kevin Smith may be ahead of Mikel Leshoure on the depth chart, Leshoure will finish the season as the more productive back. Leshoure is a 227 pound power back in the mould of a Rashard Mendenhall. He’s in a similar situation to Houston’s second round pick Ben Tate who was injured in his rookie season only to burst onto the scene in 2011. Like Tate, Leshoure is a second round pick who missed his rookie year and like Tate he has first round talent. After Leshoure is to serve his two game suspension to begin the season, expect the bulk of short yardage carries and the ever important goal line touches to go to Leshoure over Kevin Smith. Smith is a fine low end PPR back this year but the Detroit tail back situation is rather murky and needs to be monitored to ensure a solid draft.
Leshoure is actually going undrafted in many leagues but the earliest he is going is as the 48th back around picks 120-130. If he stays healthy he’s a great under the radar sleeper who will certainly outperform his ADP.