Instant Fantasy Analysis - RB D'Andre Swift, Lions

[The Football Guru 224]

Draft Profile

Running backs must have the trust of the coach in virtually all facets of the passing game if they hope to see more than half of the team's snaps. No worries here. Swift excels in space, typically picking up huge chunks on draw plays and screens, but his best attribute may be his receiving skills. He's also no slouch when it comes to running with power. He's not elite in that regard, but he has enough thump to run effectively between the tackles and convert in short yardage.

Swift didn't pull away from many second- and third-level SEC defenders and is also occasionally guilty of seeking out contact when he probably could drop his patented "dead leg" on a defender and pick up more yardage - something that might explain in part why his long run was 47 yards on 196 carries last season. Despite never playing more than 500 offensive snaps or logging 200 carries in any of his three seasons in college, Swift has a high ceiling. And while it's not always easy to tell from the film, it's obvious his football intelligence is also very high, making it much more likely he'll reach his upside.

What does it mean in redraft? The Lions have been hesitant to give Kerryon Johnson a full workload, and they've ensured he won't have to by adding Swift. Unfortunately for Johnson, Swift is a better back in most facets of the game and an immediate threat to be the lead back in Detroit. Despite the likelihood he'll begin a season in a committee, owners should view Swift as a high-end RB3.

What does it mean for dynasty? Check back Saturday morning and again after the draft.

[weepaws 3,323]

The Lions rb1. 

[polecatt 485]

Agreed Paws, he'll be the main RB.

He's going to be one of, if not the top pick in dynasty. He may not be the opening day starter but he should get plenty of touches.