Mikel LeShoure is one of the most talented running backs in this draft class, unfortunately the 2nd round pick joins a backfield with the Lions 2010 1st round draft pick in Jahvid Best.
Both of these running backs are great talents but Jahvid Best will, by all accounts, hold onto the featured role with LeShoure getting the smaller piece of a 60/40 timesplit.
LeShoure will also be functioning as the teams short-yardage and goal-line back and thus will still have fantasy value as a rookie backup.
LeShoure will reportedly get featured touches against 3-4 defenses where his power running style is a better strategic option.
Mikel LeShoure will also be counted on to run the four-minute drill when the Lions are protecting leads late in games.
Fantasy Impact:
As mentioned above LeShoure will, for the most part, be on the lesser end of a committee attack, but has the short-yardage and goal-line work and also boasts reliable hands which will allow him to get somewhere between 12-16 touches per week.
LeShoure is in an unenviable situation playing behind one of the 2010 draft class’ most talented running backs, but Best and LeShoure have complementary styles which leads one to believe that both are capable of simultaneous fantasy success.
It is our contention that LeShoure is more suited for a featured role than Best, but that Best is too exciting an on-field talent to take off the field for long stretches at a time.
Long-term we envision LeShoure becoming the lead-back in a 60/40 split.
We currently have LeShoure ranked at number three overall for dynasty league rookie running backs and number five overall for redraft rookie running backs.
LeShoure should be a bench option who can be inserted during bye weeks and is also a candidate to emerge with high-end flex2 value by mid-season.
