D'Andre Swift 2023 Outlook
The Philadelphia Eagles have a type. Tell them you’re a Georgia peach and they’ll go gaga for you. Shortly after loading up on Georgia defensive prospects in the early rounds of the draft (for the second straight year), the Eagles executed a trade on Day 3 of the draft to acquire Swift, a Philadelphia native and former Bulldog. They’ll hope he’s their new Miles Sanders, the head of a multifaceted backfield. The thing is, Swift’s numbers through three NFL seasons don’t come close to Sanders’. Yes, he scored eight touchdowns as a rookie, and yes, his yards per carry jumped to 5.5 in 2022, but on the whole the resume is. ... Fine. Philadelphia is likely counting on Swift benefiting from a more run-oriented offense with an increase in pure volume. Fantasy owners can take that gamble, too -- it may just pay off. Swift is also a plus option in PPR leagues as someone who can make the most out of his receiving targets. But Jalen Hurts and the Eagles don’t tend to throw to their running backs all that much. And remember, Swift will split carries with Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and Hurts himself.
D'Andre Swift 2022 Outlook
Swift has proven to be a boom-or-bust character. He generated two games of 130-plus rushing yards in 2021 but netted fewer than 35 rushing yards in six others. When healthy, Swift has the speed, elusiveness and dual-threat ability to be a game-breaker. We just haven't seen the consistency in his first two seasons. Perhaps more cohesive line play would help. Swift was recently asked if he and the other running backs on Detroit's roster ever wonder what it could be like this year running behind a healthy offensive line that's expected to be one of the better units in the league this year. "That crosses my mind at least once a day," Swift said. "If we can stay right up front, we'll be fine." Indeed, the Lions played 12 different offensive linemen last season, and their top five didn't play a single contest together last year because of injury. Still, Swift topped 1,000 scrimmage yards for the first time in his career last season, rushing for 617 yards (4.1 average) and catching 62 passes for 452 yards with seven combined touchdowns. He missed four games due to injury, after missing three games with injuries his rookie season in 2020. Worth noting: Through Week 11, Swift was a top-10 fantasy back. So the positive buzz around him looking to the 2022 season is well-founded, even if it's a little aggressive and not without downside.
D'Andre Swift 2021 Outlook
A new coaching staff in Detroit will mean a revamped offense that has observers anticipating a big season for Swift. Anthony Lynn, the new OC, said he believes Swift should also be a significant part of the passing game as the lead back. Duce Staley (assistant HC/RBs) told reporters the new staff sees Swift as a special player who could have 25 touches a game. "A lot of people think you got to go have 20 carries as running back to be successful, and sometimes you do," Staley said. "But touches, when you have a good back, an electrifying back, touches are definitely more important." Staley went on to explain: "You can get 18 carries and seven touches as far as receptions and you have 25 touches, which is what you want from your star back. When I look at D'Andre, I do think he's a three-down back (with) some special traits I can't wait to get my hands on." With a new quarterback in Jared Goff and its top receivers moving on in free agency, Detroit's offense is undergoing a complete overhaul. Since Dan Campbell took over as HC, the refrain has been about utilizing his best players. As of now, Swift and T.J. Hockenson sit squarely atop that list.
