The Lions trade back with the Chiefs in the second round

The Lions picked up 3 additional picks from the Chiefs for No. 55 overall

No, this is not a duplicate. The Detroit Lions have indeed made another trade in the 2023 NFL draft.

In the middle of the second round, the Lions executed a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs traded up to No. 55 overall, sending the Lions three picks.

Detroit picked up No. 63 overall in the second round, plus No. 122 overall (4th round) and No. 249 (7th round) on Day 3. Detroit also sent back No. 194 overall (6th round) to the Chiefs.

Kansas City moved up to select SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice.

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10 facts about Lions No. 7 overall draft pick OT Penei Sewell

The Detroit Lions selected former Oregon OT Penei Sewell with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Here are 10 facts surrounding the pick.

The Detroit Lions went with a young offensive tackle with their No. 7 overall pick in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL draft.

The Lions took former Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Penei Sewell with their first-round pick.

Here are 10 facts surrounding the Lions’ selection of Sewell.

Lions GM Brad Holmes confirms teams have inquired about No. 7 overall pick

Chargers general manager Tom Telesco could be among the few looking to move up.

The majority of the talk surrounding the Chargers this week has consisted of the possibility of the team trading up for offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

If Sewell was to fall past the Bengals, the ideal spot to trade up would be the No. 7 pick, which is currently held by the Lions.

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes confirmed that teams have already begun inquiring about their pick.

“Yes, there have been [trade] discussions with other teams,” Holmes said, per MLive’s Kyle Meinke. “I will keep those in house, but yeah, there have been discussions.”

It would not be surprising if Los Angeles was among the teams that have called the Lions.

Given the fact that the position is a pressing need and Telesco has to be under a little pressure since he hasn’t put together a competent offensive line since he’s been around, I could see him dealing and wheeling to get his guy.

History tells us that he’s not afraid to move up, either.

Telesco has traded up four times in his eight-year tenure, most recently in 2020 where he jumped 14 spots to draft linebacker Kenneth Murray

Los Angeles would likely be attempting to outbid other quarterback-needy teams, finding themselves having to give up their first, second or third-round pick this year and next year’s first-round.

However, there’s the possibility of a less attractive quarterback only being available like Alabama’s Mac Jones, which might lower the bidding price. Instead of a first next year, it might only cost a second in 2021.

The bottom line is that L.A. must draft one of the top tackles to protect quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside, even if it means taking a leap to get him.

Lions RB D’Andre Swift hurdles defender

Former Georgia football RB D’Andre Swift makes a highlight play, hurdling a Washington defender in Week 10 of the NFL.

Former Georgia running back D’Andre Swift just had an insane hurdle for the Detroit Lions.

Swift broke free for a 16-yard run as he hurdled a Washington Football Team defender in the first quarter this Sunday.

WATCH:

Swift has six carries for 44 yards with less than 2 minutes left until the second quarter.  Swift and the Lions currently lead Washington 7-3.

Detroit Lions RB D’Andre Swift signs his rookie contract

Former Georgia football RB D’Andre Swift has signed his rookie NFL contract with the Detroit Lions.

It’s official.  Former Georgia running back D’Andre Swift signed his rookie contract with the Detroit Lions this Thursday.

Swift gave Dawgs fans countless explosive plays and memories, finishing 7th all-time on the Georgia rushing list in just three seasons with 2,885 rushing yards.

The incoming NFL rookie has put pen to paper and will now begin the next chapter in his football career.

The details surrounding the contract are not yet released, but it is estimated he will be signing an $8.5 million deal, based on standard salary slotting for the No. 35 overall pick.

Former Georgia RB D’Andre Swift is a huge Barry Sanders fan

Barry Sanders shares his thoughts on the Detroit Lions selection of D’Andre Swift, who is apparently a huge fan.

D’Andre Swift is the future running back that the Detroit Lions have put their faith in, selecting him 35th overall in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Barry Sanders left a rushing legacy in Detroit that hasn’t been touched since he retired.

According to ESPN Detroit Lions reporter Michael Rothstein, Swift revealed who his favorite running back ever is.

Rothstein mentioned Swift was born just weeks after Sanders’ last game in a Lions uniform.  Take that as you will, but I see a little bit of fate sprinkled into this pick.

Sanders is a big fan of Swifts too.

During the live Draft-a-Thon, Sanders shared his thoughts on Swift just moments after the Lion’s pick was announced.

“I’ve known that we had our eye on him (Swift), one of the best running backs in the draft,” Sanders said. “A guy that can get it done. He can get up and down the field.  He had a great career at Georgia.  One person that’s really celebrating is Matthew Stafford getting a solid piece at running back.  So that’s a very nice addition to the team.”

These are words coming from one of the best to ever do it at the running back position.  It will be fun to see Sanders and Swift link up in Detroit as the two both have admiration for each others game.  Hopefully Swift can carry the torch and be the next great running back in Detroits Lions history.

Lions RB D’Andre Swift tops fantasy football rookie rankings

Detroit Lions RB D’Andre Swift ranked as the top preseason 2020 rookie fantasy football player.

Former Georgia running back D’Andre Swift is expected to make a big NFL splash early in his pro career.

Swift, who was drafted in the early second round by the Detroit Lions, is already at the top of predictions for this upcoming season. Sporting News has Swift as the No. 1 2020 fantasy rookie available for next year that can help your team right away.

Detroit had injury problems at the running back position last year, meaning Swift could have a much bigger role than expected early on.  He will definitely be used catching short passes in the backfield a lot which will be great for PPR (point per reception) leagues.

Swift was listed ahead of three rookie running backs including the Colts Jonathan Taylor, Chiefs Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Ravens J.K. Dobbins.  He was also ranked ahead of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who went first overall to Cincinnati in the draft.

Sporting News on Swift:

“Swift likely will start in a committee with Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough, but Matt Patricia will end up trusting the Georgia running back and use him in a similar role as Bill Belichick does with Sony Michel. Swift might be inconsistent from week to week early in the season, but there’s a good chance he leads all rookies in rushing yards in 2020.”

Swift could be a solid steal for fantasy owners who will most definitely want to keep him on their radar.

How former UGA RB D’Andre Swift fits with the Detroit Lions

Read how we see former Georgia RB D’Andre Swift fitting in with his new team the Detroit Lions.

It’s official, Detroit fans.  D’Andre Swift is officially a Lion!

So how does Swift fit into this offense?

Swift received All-SEC honors in 2019, rushing for 1,218 yards and 7 touchdowns on 196 carries, and 24 catches for 216 yards and a touchdown.  Swift is small but compact.  His agility and ability to make such hard and swift cuts (no pun intended) will ultimately be what makes him excel at the next level.

He may be 5-8 but he weighs around 220lbs, and that muscle is mostly in his legs.  His cut backs and explosiveness are similar to those of New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.

The Lions finished last season with a record of 3-12-1, after starting the season 2-0-1.  This is partially due to losing their star RB’s Kerryon Johnson, who only played in five games, and Bo Scarbrough, who played in just six.  Swift fits perfectly with the Detroit Lions because they need a quick-cutting, fast back to mix with their power of a hopefully healthy Johnson and Scarbrough.

Swift gets the opportunity to play with Lions QB and former Georgia legend Matthew Stafford, which will be a sight to see for Bulldog fans.

Watch Swift’s junior year highlights here (video via College Films):

Detroit Lions fans, get to know your new RB D’Andre Swift

The Detroit Lions have selected Georgia RB D’Andre Swift with the 35th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Now Lions fans, meet your new RB.

Detroit fans, it’s official.  D’Andre Swift is officially a Lion!

Now, it’s time for you to meet your new running back.

Swift is from Philadelphia, PA where he attended St. Josephs Prep and was ranked as the #4 running back in the 2017 college recruiting class.

He committed to the University of Georgia in September of 2016 in dramatic fashion and still remains the most hype college commitment video of all time.

Watch Swift’s 2016 UGA commitment video here:

Swift didn’t choose the easy option. He had an arsenal of seriously talented running backs ahead of him at UGA, including now super bowl champion Sony Michel, and the highest returning PFF graded NFL running back Nick Chubb.

Swift didn’t back down from this challenge, but instead used these players ahead of him as mentors, learning everything he could while he was the #3 or #4 back.

Swift got 81 carries on his rookie season, helping the Dawgs to a Rose Bowl title and nearly a national championship.  He split carries with Elijah Holyfield in his sophomore season, tallying over 1,000 rushing yards in a breakout year.

Swift now is coming off his junior year at Georgia, putting up the 7th all-time most rushing yards (2,885) in school history in his three years there.

Watch the shiftiest RB in the draft’s highlights here (Video via JustBombsProductions):

The Detroit Lions select Georgia Bulldogs RB D’Andre Swift

The The Detroit Lions have drafted University of Georgia running back D’Andre Swift with the 35th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

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And with the 35th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the The Detroit Lions select D’Andre Swift, running back from the University of Georgia.

It has been D’Andre Swift’s dream his entire life to hear his name called on NFL draft day, and that dream has finally come true.

Swift finished 7th all-time in rushing yards in school history during his three years playing for the Bulldogs.  He helped lead the Dawgs to a Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl and an SEC Championship.

An incredible pick by the Detroit Lions that will provide them with a franchise caliber running back and be an offensive catalyst, hopefully for years to come.

Swift was originally the favorite to be the first RB selected off the board, but in stunning fashion the Kansas City Chiefs selected LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the final pick of the first round.

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit had some great things to say about the Philadelphia native prior to draft day.

“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.”

Congratulations to D’Andre on an amazing accomplishment that came from nothing but hard work and dedication!

We wish him the best of luck in Detroiu.