Tag: Dandre swift NFL Draft

Chiefs reveal why they passed on Georgia RB D’Andre Swift for Clyde Edwards-Helaire

The Kansas City Chiefs reveal why they passed on Georgia football RB D’Andre Swift for LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the NFL Draft.

Swift slides…

Georgia had two players selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on Thursday night, offensive tackles Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson.

Georgia is happy to have two players go in the first round, but running back D’Andre Swift slipping into the second round was a move that shocked Bulldog fans and quite frankly most NFL fans as well.

The Philadelphia native was long considered the best ball carrier in the draft, and likely still is despite the Kansas City Chiefs selecting LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire over him.

We kept waiting and waiting to hear Swift’s name called, but that did not happen on the first night. Most expected the Dolphins, Chiefs or Bucs to take Swift.

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Instead, Miami traded down from  No. 26 to No. 30 and took Auburn cornerback Noah Igbinoghene. But the real shocker came with the final pick of the first round when the Kansas City Chiefs took Edwards-Helaire, making him the only ball carrier taken in the first round.

Most football fans in general could not understand why the Chiefs went with Edwards-Helaire over Swift, who was the second highest player on Mel Kiper’s Big Board at the time of the selection.

But here’s why…

According to ChiefsWire, the reason has been revealed.

Apparently, Chiefs Super Bowl winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes made the decision.

From ChiefsWire:

The Chiefs called up Edwards-Helaire with Clark Hunt, Andy Reid, Brett Veach, Eric Bieniemy, and Deland McCullough to congratulate him on joining Kansas City. In the call, they let him, and the rest of Chiefs Kingdom in on a little piece of information. Both Reid and Veach revealed that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes had hand-picked Edwards-Helaire as the player that he wanted for the Chiefs. And so, they made it happen.

Here’s a snippet from head coach Andy Reid’s phone call with Edwards-Helaire:

“Hey, listen we’re fired up for you, man,” Andy Reid began. “We asked Pat Mahomes, ‘Who do you want?’ And he picked you. How great is that?”

“I’m ready to work coach you know that,” Edwards-Helaire responded.

“… Coach and I were thinking your way,” Veach said. “Then when we texted Pat [Mahomes] and I said, ‘Give me a name and don’t think about it.’ And he said, ‘Clyde [Edwards-Helaire] and I said, ‘We’re good.’”

Edwards-Helaire is a great player, but he’s no Swift. Either way, Swift is going to make one team very happy when he hears his name called early on in the second round. He is the second-best available player on Mel Kiper’s Big Board.

Remember the last Georgia running back taken in the second round? He just finished second in the NFL in rushing yards last season. I’m talking about Nick Chubb, by the way, who was taken #35 overall by there Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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Mecole Hardman, Georgia Twitter react to D’Andre Swift falling out of first round

Georgia football RB D’Andre Swift fell out of the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman and UGA Twitter reacted.

The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft came and went without Roger Goodell reading off D’Andre Swift’s name.

The Georgia running back and Philadelphia native was long considered the best ball carrier in the draft, and likely still is despite the Kansas City Chiefs selecting LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire over him.

We kept waiting and waiting to hear Swift’s name called, but that did not happen on night one. Most expected the Dolphins, Chiefs or Bucs to take Swift.

Instead, Miami traded down from #26 to #30 and took Auburn cornerback Noah Igbinoghene. But the real shocker came with the final pick of the first round when the Kansas City Chiefs took Edwards-Helaire, making him the only ball carrier taken in the first round.

Edwards-Helaire is a great player, but he’s no Swift. Either way, Swift is going to make one team very happy when he hears his name called early on in the second round. He is currently the second best available player on Mel Kiper’s Big Board.

Remember the last Georgia running back taken in the second round? Well he just finished second in the NFL in rushing yards last season. I’m talking about Nick Chubb, by the way, who was taken #35 overall by there Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Swift reacted to being passed up on:

Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman also reacted to the news after his team took Edwards-Helaire.

THIS DOES NOT MEAN HE IS ANGRY ABOUT THE CHIEFS PICK!!!!

And the rest of Twitter:

 

Kirk Herbstreit high on Georgia’s Jake Fromm, D’Andre Swift ahead of NFL Draft

ESPN CFB analyst Kirk Herbstreit is high on Georgia football stars Jake Fromm and D’Andre Swift as we approach the 2020 NFL Draft.

Prior to the 2019 college football season, Jake Fromm was projected as an early first round draft choice, with some mocks having him as a top-five pick last summer. After a drop-off in production during his junior year, Fromm watched as his draft stock continued to dip.

Now, projected anywhere between a second and fifth round pick, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, a big Fromm fan, delivered a message to NFL scouts and general managers regarding Fromm’s draft stock.

“Anybody who has heard me talk about Jake Fromm over the past couple years knows I’m a huge fan of his,” Herbstreit said during an NFL Draft conference call. “He’s just an old soul. He’s a guy who isn’t going to go to the combine and blow everybody away with arm strength, but he’s a guy kind of like Gardner Minshew. He didn’t check every box, but next thing you know you draft him, he’s smart and picked up the system and after an injury, he’s in there and playing. Executing.

“Jake Fromm reminds me of that kind of guy. I’m interested in where he goes and what system. Whoever gets him is getting a gym rat.”

Herbstreit nailed it when discussing Fromm’s work-ethic and smarts. The Georgia signal caller recorded the second highest score in the Wonderlic test among draft-eligible quarterbacks and has often been praised for his pre-game preparation and film study.

And then there’s Georgia running back D’Andre Swift, considered by many to be the top ball carrier in this week’s draft.

There are some, though, who give that nod to Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins or Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor, but for the most part Swift is receiving a majority of the love.

Like he is on Fromm, Herbstreit is high on Swift and discussed the debate regarding whether or not Swift is the top running back prospect.

Based on his comments, it looks like Herbstreit has the Philadelphia native and Georgia junior as his number one back.

“I think he’s a three-down guy, which is what the NFL is always looking for,” Herbstreit said. “Can he run between the tackles? Can he catch the ball on the perimeter and make people miss? I think those of us who have followed his career know he can be that type of guy. He’s not necessarily a blazer, but he’s incredibly quick and can catch the ball. I think he’s the total package, and I’m interested in seeing where he goes and how he fits in as well.”

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Kirk Herbstreit praises Georgia football RB D’Andre Swift ahead of NFL Draft

ESPN CFB analyst Kirk Herbstreit is high on Georgia football RB D’Andre Swift ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Georgia football running back D’Andre Swift is considered by many to be the top ball carrier in this week’s NFL Draft.

There are some, though, who give that nod to Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins or Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor, but for the most part Swift is receiving a majority of the love.

During an NFL Draft teleconference, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit discussed the debate regarding whether or not Swift is the top running back prospect.

Based on his comments, it looks like Herbstreit has the Philadelphia native and Georgia junior as his number one back.

“I think he’s a three-down guy, which is what the NFL is always looking for,” Herbstreit said. “Can he run between the tackles? Can he catch the ball on the perimeter and make people miss? I think those of us who have followed his career know he can be that type of guy. He’s not necessarily a blazer, but he’s incredibly quick and can catch the ball. I think he’s the total package, and I’m interested in seeing where he goes and how he fits in as well.”

Herbstreit also discussed Jake Fromm, saying that the signal caller is not getting nearly enough love as we get closer and closer to the draft.

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Where Georgia Bulldogs rank on NFL Draft big board

A 2020 NFL Draft big board features eight Georgia Bulldogs including D’Andre Swift, Jake Fromm, Andrew Thomas, Solomon Kindley, and more.

With the NFL Draft ahead, let’s take a look at the 2020 NFL Draft big board. Several Georgia Bulldogs are projected to be selected including potential first round picks in Andrew Thomas and D’Andre Swift.

NFL Mock Drafts differ from big boards because they take into account team needs and potential trades. Big boards focus on the best players in the draft.

Here’s where Georgia Bulldogs rank on The Draft Wire’s big board:

7. Andrew Thomas OT (first round grade)

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Andrew Thomas. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

21. D’Andre Swift RB (first round grade)

Georgia Bulldogs running back D’Andre Swift. Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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According to analytics, this running back is the best fit for the Bucs

NFL Network analytics expert Cynthia Frelund explains why Georgia running back D’Andre Swift is the best fit for the Buccaneers.

With Tom Brady now the field general for the Buccaneers, the team will want to be sure to surround him with players who can help him flourish in Bruce Arians’ system.

While the six-time Super Bowl champion will have a bevy of receivers to throw to, running back is another story. Peyton Barber jumped ship in free agency and headed to the Redskins, leaving Ronald Jones as the primary back. Jones had an admirable 2019 campaign, rushing for 724 yards to go along with six touchdowns, but the Bucs could use some insurance in the backfield. And the 2020 NFL draft seems like the perfect place to find it.

With depth at the running back position, the Bucs could easily find value on Day 2 of the draft. The question is, which collegiate back would be the best fit in Tampa Bay? According to NFL Network analytics expert Cynthia Frelund, Georgia running back D’Andre Swift is that back.

Per Frelund:

“Swift is such an exceptionally strong fit with the Bucs, thanks to the style of offense he was asked to execute at Georgia and his ability to be extremely productive in it. These two factors forecast for a shorter learning curve in the NFL. No back in this class helped his team stay ahead of the chains when contacted on rushing downs more than Swift. And considering the number of inside rushes we saw from him last year, that stat is particularly impressive. The 21-year-old is also a skilled route runner… and we know how much No. 12 loves to target his RBs.”

Brady does indeed love targeting his running backs. Patriots running back James White flourished as a pass-catching back playing with Brady. In the Patriots’ Super Bowl LI win over the Atlanta Falcons, White had 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. If Tampa Bay can add a running back like that to their roster, they’d be unstoppable.

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Which current NFL star does Georgia RB D’Andre Swift compare himself to?

Who does Georgia football RB D’Andre Swift compare himself to ahead of 2020 NFL Draft?

Georgia star D’Andre Swift is widely viewed as the best running back in the 2020 NFL Draft class.

Swift’s versatility as both a ball carrier and a receiver is what makes him so special compared to other tailbacks in this draft class. As a ball carrier, not only can he run you over, but he can also blow past you with his speed and he has one of the nastiest arsenals of jukes, spins and cuts that you’ll see from a college running back. But what really sets him apart is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and make things happen.

That’s why, in a video tweeted by the NFL, he compared himself to current Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey.

(Keep scrolling for video)

That’s quite the comparison, as McCaffrey just signed the richest running back contract in NFL history on Monday.

If you’ve seen McCaffrey play or are familiar with his production, you’re keeping your fingers crossed that Swift can produce similar numbers to the former Stanford great, who in 2019 tallied 1,387 rushing yards and 1,005 yards receiving on 116 catches.

“The team that drafts me is going to get a hard worker, somebody that’s committed to the process of football, the grind, loves the game of football, a leader and a competitor,” Swift said.

And a fun fact that we learned from this video: When Swift was six years old, he took his very first handoff for a 60 yard touchdown. He said that’s when he knew he wanted to play football.

The video closes out with Swift discussing the current success of Todd Gurley, Sony Michel and Nick Chubb — all former Georgia Bulldogs who are having great NFL careers.

“It’s amazing. Just to know you were on the field with those guys just not too long ago. So it kind of gives you a sense of hope, like, you’re on the right path and definitely can succeed at the next level. “

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Watch: D’Andre Swift on possibility of playing with Tom Brady, Bucs: ‘Every little kid’s dream’

Georgia football RB D’Andre Swift, the top back in the 2020 NFL Draft, discussed the possibility of playing with Tom Brady and the Bucs.

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USA TODAY Sports Mackenzie Salmon sat down with Georgia football star D’Andre Swift, the top running back prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft, to see how he’s preparing for the draft during the pandemic. Salmon also asked what it would be like to team up with Tom Brady and the Bucs.

“Every little kid’s dream,” said Swift when asked about the possibility of playing with Brady in Tampa.

Swift also walked Salmon through how he has been training during quarantine. He said that he has been staying in Athens to prepare for the draft and drives roughly an hour each day to Buford, Georgia where one of his trainers is located.

February up until the actual draft is a terribly busy time for both teams and prospects. This year, they’ve been thrown a curveball as coronavirus has prevented both parties from actually having face-to-face pre-draft meetings.

Swift said that almost everything has been conducted via FaceTime. Technically difficulties, weak internet connection and other obstacles have made that slightly more difficult, he added.

Swift said he will be home in Philadelphia during the NFL Draft to watch and celebrate with his family as he hears his name called.

And that shouldn’t take long — it’s expected that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will announce Swift’s name either in the first or early second round , seeing as how he is considered to be the top back in the draft.

His versatility with and without the ball in his hands is what makes him so special compared to other tailbacks in this draft class. Not only can he run you over, but he can also blow past you with his speed and he has one of the nastiest arsenals of jukes, spins and cuts that you’ll see from a college running back. But what really sets him apart is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and make things happen.

Swift’s catching numbers by season:

2017: 17 receptions, 153 yards, 1 TD

2018: 32 receptions, 297 yards, 3 TDs

2019: 24 receptions, 216 yards, 1 TD

If you get Swift into the right offense the sky is the limit.

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USA TODAY NFL mock draft: D’Andre Swift still on the board

USA TODAY NFL mock draft snubs Georgia running back D’Andre Swift in the first round. Andrew Thomas is the only Dawg selected in the top 32.

According to our USATODAY NFL mock draft, only one Georgia Bulldog will be selected in the first round. Georgia’s stud left tackle Andrew Thomas has fallen down draft boards a little bit, but he’s a near unanimous first round pick.

In fact, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Andrew Thomas 14th overall in the mock draft. Thomas would have a chance to block for legendary quarterback Tom Brady in Tampa. New England’s 2018 first round pick Isaiah Wynn blocked for Brady as left tackle. Now, Brady would have another first round pick out of Georgia as his left tackle in Andrew Thomas.

Feb 26, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Andrew Thomas speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine.  Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Beyond Thomas, the biggest Georgia-related shocker of the USA TODAY NFL mock draft is that D’Andre Swift didn’t get picked in the first round. Altogether no running back was selected in the first round.

The NFL is off and on about valuing the running back position. Swift is a first round talent, but what team will value his position enough to select him? First round running backs traditionally make an immediate impact.

Swift is one of the best receiving backs in the draft, so that aspect of his game is league-ready. Swift has frequently been mocked to the Miami Dolphins at the 18th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Will that be the case come late April?

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Watch: D’Andre Swift Georgia highlights

Highlights of Georgia football RB D’Andre Swift as we approach the 2020 NFL Draft.

D’Andre Swift finished his collegiate career ranking seventh in Georgia history with 2,885 rushing yards.

When Swift committed to Georgia in September of 2016 (in epic fashion), he did so as a 5-star running back out of Philadelphia who ranked as the No. 4 ball carrier in the country.

He knew he was about to join a crowded running back room, with Sony Michel, Nick Chubb and Elijah Holyfield all on the roster. Chubb and Michel would go on to become the school’s second and third all-time leading rushers.  Swift’s time would come, but first he was given the opportunity to learn from the two senior backs.

In 2017, Swift burst onto the scene. In a backfield that included two future NFL stars, the freshman still took 81 handoffs for 618 yards as he helped the Bulldogs to the national championship game.

When Michel and Chubb left Athens for the NFL, it was Swift’s turn. Paired with Holyfield, the two formed a deadly duo and rushed for 2,067 yards, with both topping the 1,000 marker.

With Michel and Chub gone, Swift began to show Georgia fans a crazy blend of finesse, speed and power.

Following the 2018 season, Holyfield left for the NFL. Zamir White and Brian Herrien remained on the roster, but this was Swift’s backfield. He received 33 more carries than in 2018 and tallied 1,218 rushing yards as he was the focal point of the Georgia offense. Had he been fortunate enough to have a real offensive coordinator (sorry, James Coley), those numbers could have been way higher.

Swift’s versatility with and without the ball in his hands is what makes him so special compared to other tailbacks. Not only can he run you over, but he can also blow past you with his speed and he has one of the nastiest arsenals of jukes, spins and cuts that you’ll see from a college running back. But what really sets him apart is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and make things happen.

Swift’s catching numbers by season:

2017: 17 receptions, 153 yards, 1 TD

2018: 32 receptions, 297 yards, 3 TDs

2019: 24 receptions, 216 yards, 1 TD

If you get Swift into the right offense – looking at you Kansas City – the sky is the limit. That would be a Fantasy Football dream scenario.

Non-Georgia fans, if you’re unsure of Swift’s abilities check out this video featuring #7’s best runs of his three-year Georgia career.

Video via JustBombsProductions:

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