Fantasy Player Profile: Kevin Smith
Detroit Lion’s running back Kevin Smith has a lot of upside for the 2009 season. He has a new offensive coordinator, a new playbook and has left the rookie year jitters behind him.


Smith had very impressive rookie numbers for being on a team that went 0-16. The RB rushed for 976 yards and 8 touchdowns and had only 2 fumbles all of last season. The Lions were last in every rushing category, which didn’t help Smith’s fantasy numbers much, but did make the end result that much more impressive. The Lions are going to have to improve their passing game to be able to get a better running attack this season. They tried to upgrade the passing game by drafting quarterback Matthew Stafford and tight end Brandon Pettigrew but not all rookies can step in and play right away. The Lions also acquired a couple good wide receivers via trade and free agency to go along with phenom Calvin Johnson, who will be a asset to Smith, forcing safeties to play further back to protect themselves from Johnson‘s lightning fast speed. The Lions didn’t do a lot to improve their offensive line, which may cause some problems for Smith to find holes to run through. He will be playing at hundred and ten percent each game to live up to his off-season prediction, in which he said that the Lions would make the playoffs.


Smith will likely rush for over 1,000 yards and at least 8 touchdowns next season. Fantasy league owners can look to draft Kevin Smith in the late-to early third round. He could be a valuable number two or three running back in any league.
Written by Ben Hoyt