“Best” Offensive Rookie

Jahvid Best had a great career at California, the list of achievements go on and on. Best’s career wasn’t perfect though, as he battled with some injuries; this has led many to question his durability. In Best’s final season he suffered a minor concussion against Arizona State, and then a mere week later he suffered a serious concussion against Oregon State. The talented RB went airborne into the endzone and was hit by a defender, causing him to land on the back of his head. This span of 2 concussions in 2 weeks unfortunately sidelined him for the rest of his junior campaign. If it weren’t for these injuries Best would have contended for a Heisman and possibly competed for the top RB off the board in the draft.

Jahvid Best brings something to Detroit that the Lions have lacked since Barry Sanders: an explosive back that can take it the distance any time. While missing this the past few seasons, teams have been able to seamlessly roll double and even triple coverages toward Calvin Johnson, making him less effective than he can be. With Best’s big play ability, teams will have to show respect and bring safeties up into the box more often, allowing more big plays for Calvin Johnson and company. Not only will this speedy RB be a huge part of the offense in the run game, he will also be used in a variety of ways in the pass game. In Detroit’s rookie mini-camp the Lions lined Best up at receiver on occasion. The Lions want to be clever in how to use Best and ideally will try to get him at least 15 touches a game. The Lions set up some really nice screen passes last year, but lacked that player with the speed to take it the distance; Best looks to be the missing piece of the puzzle. It’ll be exciting to see what this former Cal superstar can bring to this already in-the-making explosive offense.

Best could certainly be considered a sleeper in fantasy football. Rookies don’t tend to go high, and with some injury concerns people may shy away from him. But I’m here to tell you don’t make that mistake.

Best could end up being the situational HB his first season, but he will be very involved in the offense. The biggest hint to how much we’re going to see this fantasy rookie may be the way the Lions got him. Detroit traded up to get him in the 1st round, not something you’re going to do for just anyone. They like his big play ability and will use him in the run and pass game.  If you play in a points per reception league then Best should be even higher on your board. The Lions throw a lot of passes to their HB and Best will now be that guy used in the receiving game. If Best can catch passes out in space then look out. He is very explosive and shifty and is hard to bring down one on one. Best should be the first or second rookie taken in your fantasy draft and it wouldn’t be wise to wait too long to get him or he will be gone. He is a great pick especially in a keeper league. Expect big things from him.