Which NFL Running Back Is Best Player Comp to Lions Rookie D’Andre Swift?
The Detroit Lions selected running back D’Andre Swift in the second round of the NFL Draft this year.
As the second running back to be selected, expectations are reasonably high.
Swift is a do-it-all type of player who can thrive in all phases of the game.
So, if you had to compare Swift’s game to a current NFL back, who would it be?
First and foremost, Swift himself was asked about who thought he most resembled in a pre-draft interview with USA Today’s Mackenzie Salmon.
His answer was the highest-paid running back in the NFL: Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
“Just because he [McCaffrey] does everything,” Swift said. “Catch the ball out of the backfield, they put him in space a lot, make a lot of people miss. And I think that’s something I can do really well.”
From a national media standpoint, there have been plenty of different views on what Swift can bring to the table.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen likened Swift’s skill set to Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report draft analyst Matt Miller compared Swift to New Orleans Saints' own Alvin Kamara.
Whether it be McCaffrey, Cook or Kamara, the Lions would be more than happy if Swift becomes any of the above.
The Lions haven’t had that type of talent in the backfield in a long time.
Running a combine official 4.48-second 40-yard dash at 5-foot-8, 212 pounds, there is one comparison I like for Swift outside of the aforementioned individuals: the Eagles' Miles Sanders.
Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports
Now, Sanders is only going into his second year in the NFL, and it is relatively unknown what he can do at this point.
However, he is in line to be the main back for Philadelphia in 2020, and his future looks bright.
In his rookie season, Sanders rushed the ball 179 times for 818 yards and three touchdowns.
His biggest impact might have come in the receiving department, where he logged 50 catches, 509 receiving yards and three more touchdowns through the air.
Much like Swift, Sanders was a second-round pick with the same weight, speed, explosion and versatility.
Their pass-catching prowess, coupled with route-running ability, allow each of them to be a threat anywhere on the field.
Both excelled in college on zone runs and outside sweeps. Neither are really going to run anyone over, but they don’t necessarily need to because they make people miss.
No running back is exactly the same, and no comparison is perfect.
No matter the case, if the Lions could add a Sanders-type of talent to their backfield, maybe Detroit could finally find a semblance of a rushing attack that has alluded them for what feels like an eternity.
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