3 most overrated Detroit Lions players entering the 2022 season
1. RB D’Andre Swift
Swift’s place on this list, and being No. 1 on it, is rooted in expectations. He is a dynamic talent, as evidenced by over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 62 catches in 13 games (practically 10 games) last year. But he has missed at least three games in each of his first two NFL seasons, and he was an ineffective/inefficient between the tackles runner last season.
Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire tabbed Swift as the most overrated Lions’ player heading into the 2022 season. If only for lack of a clearly better candidate, it’s hard to argue.
"Swift is a quality running back who can definitely make special things happen with the ball in his hands. He’s proven to be one of the best receiving threats in the league at his position. But Swift’s reputation as a runner greatly exceeds what he’s actually done, especially between the tackles. While he’s a tremendous threat in space, Swift goes down on first contact too easily and lacks the decisive vision and powerful style to thrive as an every-down back. He was the least-effective runner on the team in 2021."
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report predicted Swift to be the biggest bust on the Lions this year, using some of the same points of contention that are already out there.
"Even when healthy, Swift hasn’t contributed at a high level outside of his receiving skills. According to Ian Hartitz of PFF.com, the 23-year-old ranked dead-last in the site’s rushing grade metric amongst the 50 backs who qualified with 100 or more carries. Unless he shows serious improvement as a ball carrier, Swift will remain an injury-prone, one-dimensional pass-catching back set up to disappoint in 2022."
Swift has acknowledged where he needs to improve after last season, and he showed his commitment by coming in for offseason work noticeably more muscular. The proof will ultimately come in the on-field pudding though, with better durability and ideally a full season of high-end all-around production. This is absolutely an all-around critical year in his career.
Related Story. 3 Detroit Lions players who have to 'prove it' in 2022. light
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