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With their second-round round selection, the Lions decided to switch it up and put the focus on the offensive side of the ball, shoring up their running back corps by picking Georgia running back D’Andre Swift.
For the second time in three years, the Lions have selected a running back in the second round (Kerryon Johnson in 2018). Even though it may not look like it on the surface, running back was an underrated need for the Lions going into the draft. With the consistent injury problems that have plagued Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarborough and minimal depth after those players.
Swift was considered by most as the top running back in the 2020 NFL draft because of his athleticism and versatility. He ran in a pro-style offense and averaged an insane 6.56 yards per carry during his time at Georgia (breaking Todd Gurley’s school record). During the last two seasons, he has recorded over 3,000 total yards and 21 touchdowns.
Swift is a three-down player who runs with patience in the backfield and elusiveness as a receiver. He has the explosion, short-area quickness and vision, that allows him to break the first tackle and punish you with the speed and power and netting positive yards consistently. Even though some of the passing ability is a little consistent, he has excellent pass protection skills that will allow the Lions to keep him on the field.
This might have been earlier than most would’ve thought for the Lions to select a running back. He fits with what the Lions look for in a player, versatility, high character, and he was a team captain and Co-team MVP. Not only did they land the best cornerback in the draft, but you can argue they also landed the best running back in the draft as well