The Lions have used picks in the first 2 rounds on running backs in their last two drafts prior to this year, as well as a 3^rd round pick on a running back in 2008, yet they keep having to turn to the mediocre and aging Maurice Morris down the stretch to get significant carries for them. This is because Jahvid Best, a 1^st rounder in 2010, Mikel Leshoure, a 2^nd rounder in 2011, and Kevin Smith,  a 3^rd rounder in 2008, cannot stay healthy.

As of right now, the Lions expect both Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure to be 100% healthy for the start of the season. Both are working out and practicing as of now, though not at full speed, but it’s still a good sign nonetheless. With Best, I’d have to see him make it through a full season to believe it. Incredibly talented, Best has been snakebitten back to his days at California.

Leshoure, on the other hand, is bigger, more built to withstand hits, and doesn’t have Best’s extensive injury history. My biggest concern with him is that he could face a lengthy suspension for failing a drug test. Leshoure has past drug related issues from his days at Illinois. Kevin Smith was not named in the report with Best and Leshoure. He’s been perennially snakebitten in his career thanks to the 450 carries he had in his senior season at Central Florida. The Lions haven’t made a statement on him since resigning him to a one year deal in March. They probably just view him as insurance, as they did last season. He played well down the stretch before, you guessed it, getting hurt.

The Lions didn’t draft a single running back this year because they’re confident in Best and Leshoure. They also kicked the tires on free agent Ryan Grant, but didn’t sign him to a contract. They’ll need their running backs to be healthy to give them the balanced offense that didn’t have last year. If they can have that, they may take the next step as a team.

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