D’Andre Swift, Georgia University
D’Andre Swift was taken at Pick 35 in Round 2 by the Lions and was the second running back off the board. He spent three years at Georgia University where he ran for 1,218 yards on 196 carries (6.2 yards per carry) and caught 24 passes for 216 yards with 8 total touchdowns during his last year in college.
Athletic Profile
Film Analysis
Running: Swift shows everything you want to see out of a runner on tape and he’s my number one running back in the class because I just couldn’t find much to knock him. He displays the vision needed to find the right path, showing the necessary patience when the hole isn’t there right away. If there is only an inch of daylight, Swift has the burst and acceleration to get through the hole. He runs with tempo control, consistently setting up defenders to be left in the dust once he reaches space. In tight spaces his ability to change direction without losing a lot of speed is among the best in class. Finally, Swift has elite reflexes as he was able to spin out of point-blank tackles
Receiving: Swift was utilized as a receiver both from the backfield and out wide. He consistently spun linebackers around with his sharp route running and when the ball was thrown to him, he made sure to catch the ball with his hands and not allow it to get into his chest. Catching the ball with your hands consistently is what you want to see out of any player because it extends the target that the quarterback can aim at. Swift is versatile and should be utilized at the next level similar to David Johnson and James White.
Pass Blocking: Swift isn’t afraid to take on blitzing linebackers head-on and is quick to do so in multiple situations. His ability in pass protection makes him one of the most reliable running backs in the draft starting day one.
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Landing Spot Reaction
My number one running back in this class, D’Andre Swift, is taken early as we open up round 2 of the draft. It’s a very interesting spot for Swift to land. The incumbent running back, Kerryon Johnson, is going into the third year of his four year rookie deal after he was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft. Unfortunately for Johnson, he has missed 14 games over his first two seasons, which opened the door for Detroit to take Swift. Swift is heading into an offense that should look better this year if Matt Stafford can stay healthy and they have Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. on the outside. Detroit had the 20th ranked run blocking line in the NFL, but I’m not worried about that because I believe they’re going to have Swift on the field for a majority of the snaps. Additionally, they run the ball right in line with the league average. Opportunity is the name of the game; Swift should be given the opportunity to be a three-down back.
Kerryon Johnson had many dynasty owners hopeful for his first two years in the league but his body couldn’t hold up to the hits and now this is the final nail in the coffin of his time with the Lions. You would be lucky to get anything back in a trade for him now. Having stability at the running back position should help the Lions as an offense next year, but there isn’t a huge fantasy value change to Stafford or the wide receivers on the team.
Dynasty Draft Projection
D’Andre Swift was my number one running back on tape and I believe he is going to be given the full workload in Detroit, which means you’ll need a top five pick in the rookie draft to get him. If your league mates believe it’s going to be a timeshare and he starts falling, that would be an excellent opportunity to trade up and draft one of the most talented players in this class.
Draft Night-Where would I take him in a dynasty draft? Did he move in my rankings?Thanks for reading and stay tuned to Dynasty Football Factory for all your NFL Draft night coverage, you can follow me on Twitter @DFF_JoeMem
