Tag: D’Andre Swift

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With the 2021 NFL trade deadline coming, will the Detroit Lions make a move

Detroit Lions principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp, recently said about her franchise’s current rebuild, “Everyone knew this was going to be a hard year. A rebuild, no one wanted to say that exactly, but we all kind of knew it was going to be and I think, as I say, the good news is that our young guys are getting a lot of experience, probably a lot more than they would have normally, So, I think at the end of this year, we’ll really know what we have. I think we’re building our foundation, and as you know, we have a slew of draft picks coming up the next few years. So, I see nothing but positive going forward. I think we’ll have a chance to really, really improve ourselves, and I feel like we’ve got the right leaders to get us there.”

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 24: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions rushes for a touchdown during the first half in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

For the 0-7 Detroit Lions who’s record hides the fact that rookies have played very well and improved week to week, the trade deadline can speed up the painstaking rebuild.

Lions General Manager, Brad Holmes who knows the Los Angeles Rams very well, could swing a massive trade is he chooses to do so. The Rams are in the market for a running back. Not that the Lions want to deal one, but one player could net a huge return.

D’Andre Swift, who is one of the NFL’s versatile running backs could net the Detroit Lions a return they simply could not turn down. Rams general manager Les Snead, has never shied away from dealing draft picks to gain talent.

The Lions who currently holds two first round draft picks in next springs draft could add more. Dealing a player like Swift, the Rams could cough up draft picks that include:

2022 second round draft pick

2023 second round draft pick

2023 third round draft pick

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 09: A Detroit Lions Helmet sits on the field before the NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals on December 9, 2018 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

That is not an overvalue of D’Andre Swift. As I stated he is very talented and would fit seamlessly into the Rams offense. I am not saying this will happen. But in a rebuild nothing is or should be off the table. Including one of the better young players in the league.

Will Brad Holmes swing a massive deal like this? We will find out next week.

 

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D’Andre Swift gives the Detroit Lions a building block at running back

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell knows and has acknowledged the team is undergoing a massive rebuild. Yes there are current players who could and should make it out of the rebuild still with the franchise. Offensive Tackle, Taylor Decker, Tight End, TJ Hockenson,  Center, Frank Ragnow, and a few others should all be Detroit Lions after the rebuild. So should running back D’Andre Swift, who gives the Lions a legitimate threat running the ball.

Ever since Barry Sanders retired from the NFL in 1999, the Detroit Lions have been a graveyard for running backs. Enter D’Andre Swift who was selected by the Lions in the second round of last years NFL Draft.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 15: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions reacts following a first down in the fourth quarter during their game against the Washington Football Team at Ford Field on November 15, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

D’Andre Swift is blessed with serious speed and playmaking ability. As a rookie Swift had 511 yards, while he accounted for 878 yards overall and scored 10 touchdowns, Swift also averaged 4.6 yards per carry for the season.

Swift gives Lions head coach Dan Campbell and new Offensive Coordinator Anthony Lynn a player who looks ready for a bigger role next season. Dan Campbell has made it clear he likes a run-first offense. A running back like Swift gives him an immediate impact player at the position his offense is said to revolve around.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Head coach Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

While he was an offensive coordinator before being head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, Anthony Lynn also preferred a run first offense. When Lynn called the offensive shots for the Buffalo Bills he used the run 55% of the time to 45% pass. Lynn did not call offensive plays has a head coach.

With the aforementioned Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow along with the Detroit Lions best and most consistent linemen Jonah Jackson who was a rookie last season as well, the Detroit Lions offensive line is in good shape going forward.

D’Andre Swift in a run-first offense has the ability to become a break-out player for the Lions as soon as next season. Even during a rebuild. The Lions will need to find another running back to help manage Swift’s workload.

But going forward the Lions are in pretty good shape at running back.