Many Twitter users analysts had D’Andre Swift pegged as the best running back in the 2020 draft class. Coming out of Georgia, Swift had some of the best film of any incoming rookie regardless of position. Over his three seasons in Athens, he displayed the game-breaking speed (his 4.48 40 time placed him in the 83rd percentile according to PlayerProfiler) and versatility of a future high-end RB1 for fantasy.
What set Swift apart, however, was his acumen in the receiving game and his ability to break plays in a number of ways. Though Detroit was far from an ideal landing spot, the Swift hype train got rolling the second the Lions selected him at the top of the second round of the NFL Draft (behind only Clyde Edwards-Helaire). What transpired was, for lack of a better term, a roller coaster of a rookie season that was equally riddled with moments of frustration and promise.
In Week 1 against the Bears, literally his first game in the NFL, Swift enjoyed a respectable 43% snap share (though he saw just eight total touches). Unfortunately, he rushed just three times for eight yards, while reeling in three of his five targets.
Despite being on the field more, Swift was out-rushed by both Kerryon Johnson (7/14 on 27% snap share), and 36-year-old Adrian Peterson (14/93 on 30% snap share), appearing to be a distant third on the Lions backfield totem pole. The lowlight of Swift’s NFL debut came when the rookie (after running a great route) dropped what would have been the game-winning touchdown pass in the end zone to sink the Lions.
Obviously a major drop, but in crunch time of his first NFL game (w/no preseason), this was a phenomenal route by Swift.
Fluid cut, loose hips, just can’t let the ball get that deep.
Swift is one of my favorite young RBs to watch play. Can’t wait to see his jump in year 2 pic.twitter.com/d8OJUk2pqV
— Freeflow 🏈 (@FreeflowFB) January 19, 2021
D’Andre Swift eventually got out of the doghouse after his costly drop (he averaged a 22% snap share over the next two games), and went on to have a very promising rookie season.
Despite being stuck in a Lions offense that for most of the year was both without stud receiver Kenny Golladay and employing Matt Patricia as its head coach (both of which are equally damaging to a young running back’s development), Swift was utilized in a number of ways and showed himself to be a complete NFL back. Playing in just 13 games, Swift gained nearly 900 total scrimmage yards, caught 46 passes (3rd-most on the team) and scored 10 total touchdowns (10th-most among all RBs).
Entering his second NFL season, there have been several new offseason developments that have significantly improved Swift’s fantasy football outlook; not the least of which is the hiring of new OC Anthony Lynn. A former NFL running back himself, Lynn has an extensive track record of getting the best out of his running backs. Since 2003, Lynn’s rushing offense has topped 1,000 yards in all but two seasons. He is also no stranger to peppering his running backs with targets, as we saw with Austin Ekeler and his 108 targets in 2019.
A look at the number of targets per game new Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn has provided his RB room each year (as an OC/HC)
2016: Buffalo #Bills Interim OC/Interim HC
2017-2020: Los Angeles #Chargers HC
Present: Detroit #Lions OC pic.twitter.com/3T0yKoPDop— Eli Grabanski (@3li_handles) February 11, 2021
Already this offseason, the Lions coaching staff has praised Swift’s playmaking ability and seem fully committed to him as a true three-down back. New running backs coach Duce Staley had this to say about Swift:
“A lot of people think you got to go have 20 carries as running back to be successful, and sometimes you do,” Staley said. “But touches, when you have a good back, an electrifying back, touches are definitely more important. You can get 18 carries and seven touches as far as receptions and you have 25 touches, which is what you want from your star back. When I look at D’Andre, I do think he’s a three-down back and like I said, he has some special traits I can’t wait to get my hands on, so I’m excited about that.”
If Detroit remains committed to featuring D’Andre Swift as its three-down back, the 22-year-old should be in line for a steady workload in what should be a totally revamped offense. The Lions return four starters on the offensive line (including Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow) and new head coach Dan Campbell is looking to spearhead a culture change in the Motor City as the franchise embarks on a brand new chapter.
While other second-year backs may be getting more hype, don’t forget about the versatile Swift and his legit game-breaking ability. Detroit is in the midst of a rebuild, but if Swift emerges as a focal point of their offense, he could assert himself as a potential league-winner and should drastically outperform his current ADP of 46.6 (according to Fantasy Data).
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The Detroit Lions are such a boring organization that they have made some people forget just how good D’Andre Swift is. He is every bit as talented as any back in his class, and could take the biggest leap in year two. Swift is a smash spot if you’re lucky enough to snag him anywhere after round two, as well as an elite dynasty hold.
What do you think of Swift’s outlook in 2021 and beyond? Let us know!
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