Detroit Lions sign D’Andre Swift; What does he bring to Motown?

The Detroit Lions have signed their 2020 second-rounder, running back D’Andre Swift

On Saturday, running back D’Andre Swift signed his rookie contract and is now officially a member of the Detroit Lions. The deal covers four years and should pay the Lions’ second-round choice an approximate total of $8.5 million according to Spotrac.com.

If you were surprised that the Lions chose a running back with their second-round pick which was 35th overall, you’re not the only one. Many seemed to believe Detroit would select a player that would improve the team on the defensive side of the ball with that selection.

There were many notable defensive players available like pass rushers Zack Baun, A.J. Epenesa, and Yetur Gross-Matos. But the Lions ultimately believed that Swift was the best player on the board at the time.

Despite being the second running back taken in the 2020 draft, many seemed to believe that Swift was the best player at his position in the entire class. LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the first running back taken in the draft as he was selected in the first round, 32nd overall, by the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs.

While defense was an obvious need, especially on the front seven, it didn’t hurt to add a running back like Swift to the mix. Current running back Kerryon Johnson has shown flashes of what he could be for the Lions but has had trouble staying on the field as he’s missed 14 games in his first two seasons in the league.

What does D’Andre Swift bring to the Detroit Lions?

With Swift now in the fold, he will form a good running back duo with Johnson. Although these two both come with question marks. While Swift has tons of upside, he is just a rookie and will need to prove himself against professionals. Johnson will need to prove he can stay healthy and regain his 2018 form where he averaged 5.4 yards a carry compared to just 3.6 yards per rushing attempt last season.

In three years spent at Georgia, Swift rushed for 2,885 yards averaging 6.6 yards a carry with 20 touchdowns. In the air, he caught 73 passes for a total of 666 yards with five touchdowns.

If D’Andre Swift can stay healthy, expect him to be a big factor in the Detroit Lions make-or-break season. While the rookie runner will split carries with Johnson, he’s a pass-catching, three-down back that can run well and can be a reliable option in the passing game.