The Facts:
It took only a few minutes into the first open OTA practice a couple weeks ago to notice there was something different about Smith. He had his sleeves rolled up and looked visibly stronger. Smith has added muscle mass while trimming down from 217 pounds to 209.
Reported by DetroitLions.com
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
In fact, Smith says he's never been stronger than he is right now. "I'm healthy, so I've been able to attack my lifting," he said. "My history of injuries here has either been legs or arms or shoulders, so I've never been able to really peak in the weight room as far as upper body strength and lower body strength. I've never squatted or lifted this much (as I am now). I'm really at the best I've been at all categories. ..." Smith was out of the NFL entirely until the Lions came calling in November after it became clear that Jahvid Best wasn't returning anytime soon from his second concussion. Smith rushed for a career-high 140 yards against the Panthers in Week 11, but suffered a high ankle sprain the following week against the Packers that hampered him the remainder of the season. Injuries limited Smith for a third-straight season, but the Lions thought enough of his performance late last year to offer him a one-year deal this season. Smith still has to prove he can stay healthy, but he thinks the added strength and power will help. Given the ongoing issues Best and Mikel Leshoure bring to the table, it seems like a good idea for Smith to be ready.
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