A Bold Prediction for D'Andre Swift in 2021

Can running back D'Andre Swift secure over 1,000 rushing yards in 2021?

John Maakaron | May 18, 2021

The expectations for second-year running back D'Andre Swift have naturally started to increase.

"D'Andre Swift. Saw him in high school. We all seen him at Georgia and what he brought to the table -- just a complete back that was able to do it all," running backs coach Duce Staley explained. "First-down, second-down, third-down. He's the guy that you want to keep on the field. He brings problems to the defense, and his skill set is good. So, I can't wait to work with him, and hopefully, I can take it to a whole other level. That's my goal."

The 2020 second-round draft pick of the Lions (No. 35 overall) certainly has the offensive line to make it happen this upcoming season.

The latest to predict that the Georgia product will emerge on to the scene this upcoming season is ESPN beat writer Eric Woodyard.

Woodyard, in fact, has boldly predicted that Swift will record over 1,000 yards rushing in 2021.

As Woodyard writes, "D'Andre Swift will be the one to break the curse and rush for 1,000 yards this season. The Lions haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since Reggie Bush in 2013, the longest active drought in the NFL. Detroit's run game thrived during Barry Sanders' time with the team, as it led the NFL in 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 100-yard rushing games by individual players from 1989 to 1998. Since 1998, the Lions have been arguably the worst running team in the league, but Swift should change that."

In 13 games his rookie season, he rushed 114 times for 521 yards and eight touchdowns. He also chipped in as a receiver, hauling in 46 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns.

Going into his second NFL season, Swift has all the potential in the world to take the next step.

Can the ex-Bulldogs running back top 1,000 yards?

It will be quite the uphill battle, but should that feat be accomplished by Detroit's offense, it will be Swift ending the drought.

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Published May 18, 2021

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!