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Detroit Lions secure rushing attack with D’Andre Swift at 35

By Steven Mullenax

ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 12: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball during a game between University of South Carolina Gamecocks and University of Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 12: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball during a game between University of South Carolina Gamecocks and University of Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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After securing their secondary in round one, the Detroit Lions looked to do the same with their running game with their high second-round selection.

The Detroit Lions have been linked to one name throughout the entire offseason. And with the third overall selection in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on Thursday night, they made that speculation a reality with the choice of Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah. However, their possible second-round selection has a bit more hazy.

The Lions could have chosen to go in several different directions with the 35th overall selection on Day Two of the draft. There were several intriguing names still available on the board when their number was called. In the end, Detroit elected to address their offensive backfield and help to secure their rushing attack.

Detroit drafted Georgia running back D’Andre Swift with the 35th overall pick on Friday night. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks rated Swift as his top running back in this draft class and he wasn’t alone. Compared to NFL running backs like Frank Gore and Dalvin Cook, D’Andre is a patient, cerebral runner who has a good combination of acceleration, power, and balance to be a three-down starter in the NFL.

Swift racked up 1,218 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 6.2 yards per carry in 14 games in 2019. He also caught 24 receptions for 216 yards and another score through the air as a junior last season.

Detroit Lions: Top 5 leading rushers since Barry Sanders. dark. Next

As the newest member of the Detroit Lions, D’Andre Swift figures to compete for the starting role with fellow second-rounder Kerryon Johnson who has struggled with knee injuries during his first two seasons in the Motor City.

Also on the depth chart at running back are Bo Scarbrough, Ty Johnson, Tra Carson, and Wes Hills. All of whom should compete for reserve roles this summer. But this is clearly now a two-man rushing attack in Motown with Swift and Johnson leading the way.

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