2011 NFL Draft – Pick 57: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions

By Cory J. Bonini on April 29, 2011

The Detroit Lions selected Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure with the 57th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.

The Lions keep stockpiling offensive weapons

Fantasy analysis: Leshoure joins Jahvid Best in the Lions' backfield and should see action from the onset of the season. The former Illinois rusher could be Detroit's two-down back before giving way to Best on third downs and in passing situations.

Leshoure is talented for a big man but doesn't seem to plow through defenders as well as he should. He can be easily taken down at times with arm tackles and needs to be more consistent fighting through the hole.

Downgrade Best in your rankings and consider Leshoure a midrange No. 4 back. Best has injury concerns and could be relegated to scatback role in 2011, severely hampering his fantasy value. Watch this one play out during the offseason, but it doesn't look good for either back at the moment. Leshoure is a stash player in deep keeper leagues.