Smith was the one bright spot in the Lions’ historic season. A versatile dual-threat back, Smith gained nearly 1,300 yards and scored eight touchdowns. He’s the unchallenged starter in Detroit, which shouldn’t be discounted considering the anticipated lack of such rushers in 2009.
 

('09 Proj: 280 carries, 1,600 total yards, 12 touchdowns)   ~Stan Feldman
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The kid had a helluva rookie season, especially when you throw in the fact that the team he played for didn’t win a single game. The Lions will have to (yet again) throw the ball more than they would like but Smith is the real deal and will get enough chances to put up excellent numbers this season.
 

('09 Proj: 248 carries, 1,066 yds, 10 touchdowns, 44 rec, 352 yds, 2 tds)   ~Robb Perkins

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Great rookie season, great dynasty back! Improved as the season wore on and finished strong, posting 291 yards in the final three contests. On a team that was forced to play uphill and throw a lot, his numbers were all the more impressive. He’s a building block in Detroit and should be for your fantasy team too.

('09 Proj: 1,500 total yds, 9 touchdowns)   ~Steve Cavanagh
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Smith endured a slow start to his year, but really picked things up in the second half.  What makes his season downright remarkable is a) He played for the winless Lions and b) His team constantly trailed and had to abandon the run frequently.  Despite the signing of Maurice Morris, Smith should once again prosper in spite of all the obstacles he’ll continue to face.

('09 Proj: 1,120 yards, 10 touchdowns)   ~Frank Mazzola
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This is my man in 2009. Mark it down now. Smith will be the best running back value in 2009 fantasy drafts. No, the signing of Maurice Morris will not significantly affect Smith's value.

('09 Proj: 240 carries, 1,300 total yds, 10 touchdowns)   ~Jeremy Fischer
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Dear Detroit;  You need to blow this sh*t up and start over.  Your only shot is to roster whomever you deem the best quarterback in this draft, spend every other pick on defense and try to be v2.0 of last year's Atlanta Falcons.  Seriously, there's no reason you don't feed this guy 350 times ala Michael Turner.  When you decide to pass, dump it to Calvin, clear the lane and make him the NFL's Dwyane Wade.  Seriously though, late last year it seemed as though the light went on for Detroit that Calvin Johnson wasn't the only building block in town. I expect Kevin Smith to get leaned on like a degenerate in Hell's Kitchen that's behind on payments.  Apologies...too much coffee today.

('09 Proj: 320 carries, 1,600 total yds, 14 total touchdowns)   ~Rick Perkins
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Smith very quietly had a productive rookie season for the Lions that was marked by Smith showing over the last four weeks of the season that he can be an every down back, averaging a little over 23 carries a game over that stretch. Maurice Morris is nothing special as a running back, and will only be used to give Smith the occasional blow during a game. Provided Smith averages 18-22 carries a game, he should be a “L-O-C-K” as an elite No. 2 fantasy running back for your team this year.

('09 Proj: 250 attempts, 1,010 yards, 9 touchdowns)   ~Jon Rascon