D'Andre Swift

Chicago went into free agency looking to jumpstart a running game that was previously decent but noticeably lacking in explosiveness, so it made sense to target Swift and make him the centerpiece. Swift did well as the primary runner for Philadelphia in 2023, eclipsing 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his four NFL seasons, and the hope is he'll tap into another level yet with the Bears. After years of rebuilding, the Chicago offense finally has strong personnel across all positional groups, making this a plug-and-play situation for Swift after signing a three-year, $24 million contract ($15.3 million guaranteed). Meanwhile, the Chicago backfield lacks any other player with Swift's talent/versatility. Khalil Herbert is a capable runner but lacks passing-down utility, while Roschon Johnson can block and catch but poses little threat on the ground. The Bears offense should improve significantly in 2024, and Swift has a real chance to earn a three-down role just as the tide rises. If Swift has a major limitation it's the question of volume capacity -- 2023 was his first season with more than 151 carries or 512 snaps. His three previous years, all in Detroit, were impacted by minor but nagging injuries that sometimes affected his workloads even when he was active. While there perhaps remains a question as to how much he can handle, Swift should approach whatever that number is in 2024.

Swift's talent is well demonstrated, and the Eagles were willing to send the Lions a future fourth-round pick and a late-round pick swap to acquire the running back for the final season of his rookie contract. He had 2,878 total yards and 25 TDs in 40 games for the Lions, averaging 7.7 yards per catch and 4.6 per carry, but persistent injury troubles suggest he can't scale up the volume of his production. The Eagles don't need Swift to be a three-down workhorse, and if his fantasy price dips to a certain point then neither do his fantasy investors. Swift has been in and out of practice for years – basically ever since Georgia made him a starter in 2019 – and at this point it seems unlikely he'll ever hold up over more than 500 snaps or so in a season. As much as fantasy investors would like every snap for themselves, it might be in the best interests of both Swift and new teammate Rashaad Penny to split the workload. Swift just needs to hold off Kenneth Gainwell, which should be easy enough.

The Lions' signing of Jamaal Williams last offseason created concerns new coach Dan Campbell would use a committee backfield rather than giving Swift a chance to win a lead role, and those concerns wound up being justified. The duo posted nearly identical numbers on the ground, and Swift only saw more than 14 carries in a game once, when he handled a whopping 33 totes against the Steelers in Week 10. The second-year back was still productive, however, thanks to steady usage as a receiver. Swift got at least five targets in nine consecutive games to begin the season and caught at least four passes in eight straight, eventually creeping over 1,000 scrimmage yards despite missing four games with a shoulder injury. Durability has been an issue for Swift for two straight seasons, so maybe a timeshare is the smart approach, and his efficiency numbers as a runner were nothing special in 2021. His 1.5 yards after contact per carry ranked 46th out of 50 running backs with triple-digit carries, although it should be noted Williams ranked dead last in that category. Detroit didn't make any big changes to its offense this winter and figures to struggle for wins again in 2022, so while Swift has far more upside, Williams likely will remain involved to some extent.

On the surface, Swift's production as a rookie last season was nothing special and paled in comparison to other members of his loaded draft class. He saw only 12 carries through the first four weeks, and just as it seemed as though he was ready to break through in the second half, a concussion cost him a few games and curtailed his momentum. Swift still flashed his upside with some big performances, including 149 scrimmage yards Week 10 against Washington. The 22-year-has good speed (4.48 40) and outstanding vision and agility, and he can do significant damage when he gets the ball in space. It's the changes around him in Detroit that create optimism he'll be able to take a big step forward in 2021, though. Matt Patricia and Darrell Bevell are gone, and new offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn and RBs coach/assistant head coach Duce Staley both have track records of putting their running backs in position to succeed. The departure of Kenny Golladay, and swapping out Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff, are also strong indicators that the running game will be the focus of the Lions' attack. Swift did pick up some competition for touches in Jamaal Williams, but both backs have similar skill sets, and creative use of the duo could create some confusion in defenses.

Georgia's recent track record of producing quality NFL runnings backs is outstanding, and Swift seems ready to be the next Bulldog to follow in the footsteps of Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. Despite his name, Swift's calling card is not elite speed, though he ran a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He mostly relies on a dynamic blend of vision, footwork and football IQ that makes it difficult for the initial defender to bring him down, or even the second or third would-be tackler. Swift seemingly understands how to get the most out of his blockers, and he adds good receiving skills. Like many rookie running backs, he needs to improve his pass protection, and a lack of pile-moving power could deny him short-yardage opportunities, but he nonetheless offers three-down potential long term. It's less clear that he'll actually have that opportunity this season, coming in as the 35th overall pick to a Detroit backfield that already has 2018 second-rounder Kerryon Johnson. The Lions even added another running back in the fifth round - 193-pound Jason Huntley - to compete with Ty Johnson and Bo Scarbrough at the bottom of their depth chart, and the team additionally saw fit to bring in Adrian Peterson just prior to Week 1. Swift looks like the closet thing the team has to a complete package in the backfield, but he'll likely be part of a two- or three-man committee at least to begin the season.