D’Andre Swift is a valuable NFL running back, make no mistake about that. But like all players, the third-year Lions RB has his strengths and weaknesses.
One of Swift’s issues is running between the tackles. He’s not a physical runner despite being a well-built 211 pounds at 5-foot-9, his Lions listings. Swift also needs some space to use his quickness and burst, and that just doesn’t come easily in the middle of the field.
He really struggled to make things happen between the tackles in 2021. In fact, no RB averaged less yards per carry up the middle than Swift did. Among the 33 RBs with at least 53 attempts, Swift’s 3.0 YPC was the worst. He’s over two full yards behind the No. 2 man on the list, Denver’s Melvin Gordon.
