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4 Detroit Lions players who are vulnerable to being replaced in the 2023 NFL Draft

By Brad Berreman

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Brock Wright #89 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball while being tackled by Anthony Barr #42 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Brock Wright #89 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball while being tackled by Anthony Barr #42 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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D'Andre Swift, Detroit Lions
Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports /

3. RB D’Andre Swift

Barring something unforeseen, Swift is entering his final season as a Lion–the final year of his rookie contract. And it’s possible, if the right trade offer comes over the rest of this offseason or into the season before the trade deadline, he lands elsewhere before the 2023 season is even over.

A 10,000-foot view heading into free agency said if Jamaal Williams left in free agency, Swift could become the Lions’ No. 1 back with a lower-end free agent most likely replacing Williams if the team went that way. Then the pivot to David Montgomery came, and thus Swift will maintain his role as a complementary back. Head coach Dan Campbell also acknowledged starting from scratch with Swift, in regard to a plan to keep him healthy after last year’s plan did not work.

There is no denying Swift’s talent level. But he has not been able to stay on the field, and while a switch in position coach from Duce Staley to Scottie Montgomery might change something a coach can’t coach up a lack of durability.

While the Lions are unlikely to draft a running back in the first round, or maybe even the first two or three rounds, Day 3 could be a sweet spot to take one with an eye on the future. Montgomery, Swift, Craig Reynolds and a rookie….someone may have to give.

If that possible running back pick comes by early in Day 3, the fourth round, the idea Swift could be on the move in a trade becomes palatable.

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