Despite some clearer needs elsewhere, the Detroit Lions couldn’t pass on running back D’Andre Swift early in the second round of April’s draft. Kerryon Johnson has been fine, but he has also struggled to stay on the field. Knee injuries have cost Johnson a chunk of each of his first two seasons, and the Lions’ running game has suffered in his absence.

Swift had over 3,500 yards from scrimmage over three seasons at Georgia. He was not used much in the passing game though, with a total of 73 catches for 666 yards and five touchdowns. But it was not for lack of ability, as he averaged 9.1 yards per catch for his career. Pro Football Focus graded him as the best pass-catching running back in the 2020 draft class. So it’s safe to say he was underused in that area.

In a recent interview with MLive.com, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky talked about his frustration when he called Georgia games. Then, he unveiled a big vision for Swift.

One of the things I would just flip out about on the broadcast is they didn’t utilize him a lot as a pass-catcher,” “He is a very good route-runner, he has very good hands, and he has a very good understanding of space and body control when it comes to his route running.”

I would expect them to use Swift like the Saints use Kamara,” Orlovsky said. “Put him on the field on first down and throw him the football. That’s what the Saints do with Kamara. I just see them utilizing him as much as a pass-catching threat as he’s going to be a run-commitment threat in the run game.”

Tim Twentyman of Lions.com has been impressed with Swift’s passing game work early in camp.

Swift’s looked very crisp as a receiver early on and he excelled in one-on-one passing drills against defenders on Tuesday.” “His combination of quickness, speed and suddenness has proven to be a tough combination for defenders to lock onto early in camp.

Swift had just 24 catches for 216 yards last year, as his carry total pushed toward 200 (196) as Georgia’s No. 1 back. Multiple capable running backs in the Bulldogs’ backfield was a definite factor. But the Lions would do well to get Swift involved in the passing game, with no excuses.

Can D’Andre Swift be like Alvin Kamara?

As a rookie in 2017, Alvin Kamara had 81 receptions for 826 yards (10.2 yards per catch) and five touchdowns. He topped 1,500 total yards, and won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Over 80 catches and winning Rookie of the Year is a lofty expectation, and a pretty aggressive projection, for Swift this year.

If Johnson is banged up again this year, or is just generally mediocre, Swift can seize the lead back role for the Lions. And he might not give it back for many years.