Detroit Lions running back tandem the new Ingram and Kamara?

With picking D’Andre Swift in the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have him and Kerryon Johnson in the backfield. Could we be seeing Ingram and Kamara 2.0?

The Detroit Lions have had their fair share of flops in the backfield over the years, never seeming to recover from losing Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders to retirement in 1999. But now, with rookie RB D’Andre Swift and third-year Kerryon Johnson, does Detroit have something brewing?

It’s definitely intriguing to think about the potential of a two-headed monster in the backfield with those two. Some Lions fans are already comparing it to a possible replica of what the New Orleans Saints had with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara in 2017 and 2018.

It’s not a bad comparison. Johnson would bring the power and strength that Ingram has, and Swift would be the speedy and athletic back that Kamara is. I do believe that K.J. and Swift bring a little bit more “mph” to the table as both run physical. Nonetheless, the comparison is there.

Obviously, this is all hypothetical. We still have yet to see Swift in action for the Detroit Lions. With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, who knows if we’ll even get a chance to see him in the Honolulu Blue in 2020.

Another thing to note to look at is what the Lions’ plan is with drafting Swift in the first place. The RB room was already packed to begin with, especially with Bo Scarbrough proving his worth last season in place of the injured Johnson.

Is drafting Swift a sign that  Johnson’s time may be running out? Or are the Lions simply just trying to provide more support in the backfield to lessen the chance of injury for Kerryon? Until we get the pads on, only the Lions’ front office and coaching staff knows.

Personally, I think the Lions are trying to provide more support in the backfield. With two injury-riddled seasons for Johnson, it’s clear that he can’t be the bruising No. 1 running back that we want him to be.

The lifespan of NFL running backs are already short as it is. With the superb ability and talent that Johnson has, it would be a shame to see it go to waste because of injury. Swift can provide a reliable second option for Detroit, as well as keep K.J. healthy as possible.

Both of these guys are young, and there’s potential for something special down the road. If Kerryon Johnson can stay healthy, and D’Andre Swift can live up to expectations, the future of the Detroit Lions backfield is in good hands.