Lions’ GM Martin Mayhew named 3 standouts from offseason practices so far, naming running back Jahvid Best, defensive tackle Nick Fairley, and defensive end Willie Young. Best is reportedly 100% healthy, or as close to 100% as he’s going to be and when he is 100%, he’s a very impressive running back. He was actually a top-10 running back in fantasy points per game last year, though he only played 6 games. He’s got some fantasy football upside, but he’s one concussion away from potentially being knocked out for the season and he’ll likely have to split carries with Mikel Leshoure, even if healthy, and Leshoure would likely get the goal line carries. I’d let someone else take a chance on his upside.
As for Nick Fairley, he’s been arrested this offseason for marijuana possession and then a DUI/eluding police double charge and is facing at least a 2 game suspension. However, on the field, Fairley, their 2011 1st round pick, has been nothing but impressive this offseason and should have a big impact when he can play this season as the likely starter next to Ndamukong Suh.
Willie Young, meanwhile, played very well in 2011 in limited action last season with 4 sacks, 4 quarterback hits, and 19 quarterback pressures on 274 snaps. He could be in line for a bigger role in 2012 with Kyle Vanden Bosch aging. If the Lions trade franchise player Cliff Avril, he could have a major breakout season. ProFootballFocus actually graded Young as a more efficient pass rusher than Avril.
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