D’Andre Swift took to Twitter this weekend to announce the signing of his rookie contract. Per the terms of his slot, the running back out of Georgia will earn $8.5MM over the course of his four-year deal.
Heading into the draft, many praised Swift as the best running back in this year’s class. The Lions weren’t thought to be targeting an RB early, but they seized the opportunity to grab the two-time 1,000-yard rusher at No. 35 overall.
Swift will provide a safety net behind Kerryon Johnson, who suffered injuries in each of his first two seasons. The youngster’s advanced blocking ability may allow him to perform as an every-down back at the next level and there’s reason to believe that he can develop into an adept pass-catcher as well. Swift didn’t post gaudy receiving numbers at UGA, but he’s got a 72-inch wingspan, so the potential is there.
With Swift signed, the Lions now have five of their 2020 rookies officially in the fold. Here’s the full rundown of their class, via PFR’s 2020 NFL Draft Tracker:
1-3: Jeffrey Okudah, CB (Ohio State)
2-35: D’Andre Swift, RB (Georgia): Signed
3-67: Julian Okwara, OLB (Notre Dame): Signed
3-75: Jonah Jackson, G (Ohio State): Signed
4-121: Logan Stenberg, OL (Kentucky): Signed
5-166: Quintez Cephus, WR (Wisconsin)
5-172: Jason Huntley, RB (New Mexico State)
6-197: John Penisini, DT (Utah): Signed
7-235: Jason Cornell, DE (Ohio State)
Finally a promising Run Game to go with the Passing Game. Now they have to get the O Line to Block
That’s easier said than done. Especially considering they failed to replace Glasgow and still have a gaping hole at the opposite guard spot as well
Stenberg and Jackson are both very capable and promising, ready lineman moving forward. They will likely lock down two spots on the Lions line moving forward for years to come.
The Lions got a steal in Stenberg, and I could easily see him as having a very solid and successful 10+ year career.
Those two, plus Swift, should significantly improve the Lions rushing attack moving forward. Not to mention, Swift is in fact an EXCELLENT receiving option out of the backfield.
He is not a great route runner, but he is able to swing out, take check downs, make defenders miss, and he is able to make plays. That is one thing the Lions have been missing, so Swift will add some overall versatility to their offense..!!
We’ll see. I’m not going to bank on a pair of mid-round draft picks immediately resolving their problem. Perhaps one of the two can step up, but I doubt both will in a shortened offseason
I believe they’re gonna surprise people and win the north. Stafford was lights out before last years injury and DET gotta some close loses and blown calls. If that defense improves like they should they’re gonna be a serious contender. I see Swift being able to snag OROY as well
I agree the NFC North is up for grabs, but I’m not sure if I’m willing to place any bets on Detroit stealing the division. Each team has so many flaws though. Green Bay has no receivers, Minnesota has an inexperienced cornerback duo, Detroit’s offensive line is questionable, and who knows what Chicago is going to do at quarterback. On the other hand, each team does have a specific advantage as well. Green Bay has Rodgers and a terrific pass rush duo, Minnesota has Cousins and Cook, Detroit has Stafford and defensive line depth, while Chicago has a lethal front seven. It’ll be both frustrating and exciting to watch these teams battle it out
The lions need to improve at quarterback, because Stanford isn’t the answer, but there problems don’t end there, because the defense is horrifically bad and their offensive line is even worse, so the lions need a lot of talent to be a contender in the NFC north in my eyes
Well… your eyes aren’t very good. There’s no qb named Stanford on the Lions.. the QB Stafford is far from horrible if you know football at all. Bears fan?