Mikel Leshoure

At 6-0, 227, Leshoure figures to be the "thunder" to Reggie Bush's "lightning" in the Lions backfield this season. After missing all of his rookie season to a torn Achilles' tendon, Leshoure proved to be a terrific goal-line back in 2012, converting 9-for-14 inside the 10-yard line. Unfortunately, that's about all Leshoure did well, as he averaged 3.7 YPC. He also dealt with nagging hamstring, calf, ankle and groin injuries and served a two-game suspension for marijuana possession to start the season. And despite 249 touches in 14 games, Leshoure's longest gain was a mere 16 yards. In a backfield crowded with Bush and Joique Bell, it would take a big improvement from Leshoure to be more than a 10-carry-per-game back with goal-line duty. Leshoure also missed some OTAs with a hamstring injury in late May, but is expected to be healthy for the start of training camp.

The Lions selected Leshoure in the second round of the 2011 draft, but he tore his Achilles’ tendon in training camp, ending his rookie season before it started. While Leshoure has had a full year to recover, it’s about as serious an injury as a running back can have, so there’s hardly a guarantee he returns at 100 percent. Moreover, Jahvid Best is returning from a concussion, and Kevin Smith also re-signed during the offseason, so there are also multiple, albeit shaky, alternatives in Detroit’s backfield. To make matters worse, Leshoure was suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy after being cited twice this offseason for marijuana possession. Nonetheless, the suspension will give him extra time to recover from his Achilles’ injury, and when healthy, he’s the team’s most physical, between-the-tackles back.

The Lions selected Leshoure with 57th pick of the draft to complement Jahvid Best. At 6-0, 227, he was slated be the thunder to Best's lightning. Unfortunately, an August Achilles' injury completely derailed that plan. He's out for the year and will try to pick things up in 2012, assuming a strong recovery.