Detroit Lions: Midseason rookie report for 2020 draft class
35. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RB. Georgia. D'Andre Swift. 50
2020 Statistics: 41 carries for 186 yards (4.5 YPC) and 4 TDs, 23 receptions for 174 yards (7.8 YPR) and 1 TD
Similar to the Okudah pick, drafting running back D’Andre Swift could be chalked up to taking the best player available. He fell in the draft according to what most had his projection to be and perhaps the Lions took advantage.
Personally, I had Swift as the best running back in the class, but there wasn’t a consensus number one. Despite taking him in the second round, the Lions went on to sign running back Adrian Peterson before the start of the season.
As of now, Peterson still holds the title of lead back, which most Lions fan can agree that it isn’t the best move. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of time left in the season for Swift to take over.
Best trait: Vision
A plethora of options could have been taken here. Go back and watch Swift more closely, his vision has a lot to do with why he has been playing well compared to the other backs on roster. Whether if it’s in the run game or pass game, he sees and scans the field at a high level.
Area of Improvement: Power running
Obviously we’re “nit-picking” here. We have seen a lot to like from Swift, but also we haven’t seen a lot from him to determine anything concrete. What we do know, is that offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell implements a power run scheme.
That includes a lot of I-Formation and full back sets. Fans would call it “ground and pound”. The issue is Swift isn’t the type of running back you want stick behind a full-back. Perhaps later in his career, but now isn’t likely.