Lions draft D'Andre Swift with 2nd-round pick

The Detroit Lions went with a running back with their first pick of the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, selecting D'Andre Swift out of Georgia 35th overall.

Detroit adds a three-down back despite the presence of Kerryon Johnson on the roster. It remains to be seen whether the Lions plan to pair the two together in the backfield or move on from their 2018 second-round pick.

Johnson played in just eight games last season due to injuries, recording 403 yards and three touchdowns.

Prospect Profile

School: Georgia
Height: 5-8
Weight: 212 lbs

Positives

• Three seasons of production in the SEC
• Excellent burst through the hole to pick up chunk yardage
• Great blend of speed, explosion, and power
• Quick feet and shifty - cuts on a dime to avoid tacklers in the open field
• Very good outside runner - if defenses don't contain the edge, he can make a big play
• Quick to diagnose running lanes at the line of scrimmage
• Always keeps his legs moving to gain extra yards - an effective short-yardage rusher
• Graceful movement skills in the open field and changes direction effortlessly
• Flashed ability to run routes out of the backfield

Negatives

• Not a consistent weapon as a receiver and had issues with drops
• Can lose yardage trying to make big plays instead of safe decisions
• Tested like an average athlete at the NFL combine

Bottom line

After a productive career against college football's stiffest competition, Swift joins the draft pool as one of the safer offensive prospects in his class. He possesses a number of traits NFL teams covet while offering very few weaknesses. The former Bulldog became one of college football's most elusive running backs over the last two years by blending speed, lateral agility, and power. He's scheme versatile thanks to his diverse skill set. Swift has work to do as a receiver, but he has the physical tools to develop into a three-down back. His ability to make defenders miss can't be ignored.