Sleeper Spotlight: Detroit Lions

Ken Kelly Posted On July 11, 2012

As part of the premium content package, we’re not only releasing exclusive team capsules (complete with commentary), but also focusing on one sleeper from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about than we had room for in the dynasty capsules for each team. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll just never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Demaryius Thomas, Ryan Mathews or even someone like Stevan Ridley. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, we figure there’s value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and even re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league. You may even consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Mikel Leshoure
Age: 22

Just last year, Leshoure was one of the most coveted rookie picks in all dynasty leagues. After all, he was coming off a monster season at Illinois that featured 1,697 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on a healthy six yards per carry. While Detroit wasn’t the best destination for him in the draft, it still wasn’t bad. At the time, Jahvid Best was looked at as a key piece of a committee in need of a second partner. The Lions also looked like they had all the makings of being an explosive offense and having the player who could be the goal line and short yardage back, at worst, looked very promising.

What a difference a year makes.

The disastrous string of events for Leshoure started last August when he tore his left achilles tendon during a training camp practice, landing him on injured reserve for the year and seriously clouding his future. In both February and March, he was then arrested for marijuana possession, highlighted by him attempting to eat some of the weed in an attempt to avoid detection by the police. Reports then surfaced he had tested positive for marijuana use during his tenure at Illinois. To make things even worse, he failed to show up for his arraignment for the two charges and had to turn himself in to police. All that led to a two game suspension for Leshoure and serious doubt about his viability in dynasty leagues.

So, why is he on this list?

Leshoure has been completely left for dead in many dynasty leagues. However, his recovery is said to have gone very well, even better than expected. He’s reportedly been practicing hard and still has the ability to cut and has been showing a surprising amount of burst as of late. He may never be the old Leshoure, but if he comes close to 80%-90% of what he was, that’s enough to put him squarely back on the radar.

In addition, Jahvid Best is seemingly one concussion away from seriously questioning his future and Kevin Smith has major health concerns as well. If Leshoure is healthy, he’s going to be back on track to be the short yardage back and possibly much more. When you look at the opportunities that could be there in the dynamic Detroit offense, it’s conceivable to think Leshoure could have a decent impact in dynasty leagues as early as this season.

If you already own Leshoure, you’re basically stuck. There’s no way anybody is going to give you anything relevant to trade for him. You have to just hope he recovers and plays well so you can either enjoy the ride or take advantage of his rising price at the time and trade him away.

However, if you have an owner who has been burned (no pun intended) by Leshoure, they may be willing to accept little back in trade if they think his career is already over. If that happens, you could conceivably have a low risk, high return asset coming back to you.

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Ken Kelly

Co-Founder at DynastyLeagueFootball

Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.

Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK