Detroit Lions Rumors: Even if RB Jahvid Best Returns in 2012, Lions Could Still Address Position in NFL Draft (Video)

Thursday, February 2, 2012

DetroitLions.com

By Alek Frost
Senior Writer

Jahvid Best's career may be over according to many within the Detroit Lions' organization.

But after only two seasons in the NFL, Best couldn't possibly be contemplating retirement, could he?

Well, considering Best's concussion history and his injury-shortened 2011 season, throw in the Lions' interview with former Boise State running back Doug Martin at the Senior Bowl last week and the fog begins to clear. For a look at what Martin can do, click on the video below (specifically 1:30 into the video).



Whether or not Best will play in 2012 is still up in the air as far as anyone outside of the organization is concerned, but the details surrounding the story suggest that his career could be in jeopardy.

In reality, whether Best returns next season or not, the Lions may be in the market for another runner in April's draft anyway.

Why? Because Best isn't the only back on the roster with recent injury issues. Mikel Leshoure is coming off an Achilles tendon injury and Kevin Smith has a history of injuries himself.

With Best possibly retiring, and Smith and Maurice Morris both becoming free agents, Martin would be a nice addition to a backfield that could very well only have Leshoure returning. Drafting another running back this season would make sense financially, and after Detroit struggled to run the ball with any consistency (even with a healthy Best) it might provide a much-needed upgrade from a physicality standpoint.

On top of everything else, he Lions will be strapped for cash this offseason, so looking at an option in the draft would make sense since they will be looking to re-sign Cliff Avril and Stephen Tulloch, as well as lock down a certain Pro Bowl receiver who is in need of an extension. So signing a big-name running back via free agency is out of the question.

With the new rookie cap scale, the Lions could get premium talent at a discount. Drafting Martin in the second round, or getting someone else later would make more sense than it wouldn't. Martin ran for 2,559 combined yards and 28 total touchdowns over the last two years at Boise State, and could give the Lions a very physical two-headed rushing attack with Martin and LeShoure splitting carries.

Detroit could also likely re-sign Smith for practically nothing, and in doing so provide the needed depth heading into the 2012 season. Looking at the big picture, if Best decides to call it quits, it might just be the best thing for the individual as well as the organization.

While Best's talent is electric, concussions are a serious issue and risking his long-term well-being shouldn't even be considered. Detroit has plenty of question marks in their backfield this offseason, none of which can truly be answered until a decision on Best's future with the team is made.

  
Follow National Football Authority on Twitter: @NFAuthority & @Alek_Frost.
For more NFL coverage, follow @NFA_NFL.
Don't forget to "Like" NFA on Facebook, too.

Related stories on NFA:

Detroit Lions Rumors: Re-Signing Cliff Avril, Stephen Tulloch and Eric Wright Could Prove to be a Difficult Task 

Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson's Contract Extension Takes Precedence Over Needs at Other Positions