Projecting production for Detroit Lions rookie RB D’Andre Swift

Comparing Miles Sanders to Lions’ Swift

Next, we have Miles Sanders, the rookie for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019 who was also drafted in round two but at pick 53. The similarities are not just in his game as an overall three-down back but Sanders also had to compete for carries with the talented veteran, Jordan Howard. Sanders has similar gifts at under 5-11, and 212-pounds.

Sanders followed Saquon Barkley as the Penn State starter and had a very productive career in Happy Valley. He is a good receiver, shifty runner, and runs a very similar 4.49-second forty-yard dash, times from Draft Scout’s website, here. Howard was seen as the bruiser and short-yardage back while most assumed that Sanders’ role would be more of a third-down, receiving-back role.

Sanders surprised many by rushing for 818 yards while catching 509 yards of passes on 50 receptions, too. He produced 6 total touchdowns, 3 each rushing and receiving, Pro Football Reference is the source for all basic NFL stats. This seems like the most similar situation to the Motor City and what D’Andre Swift is coming into.

Jordan Howard, taken in the third round, was injured partway through the year and Sanders finished strong. Howard had 525 yards and 6 scores prior to being sidelined after 10 games. Hopefully, no one is hurt in 2020 but Swift has at least as much upside if Johnson or anyone else should find their way to the infirmary.