Lions OC excited to work with former UGA star running back Swift

Detroit Lions rookie running back D’Andre Swift could be in for plenty of action and a good year if he delivers on the promise his coaches see in him.

The excitement was almost palpable in offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s voice Wednesday when he spoke about the versatility and potential he sees in the No. 35 overall draft pick out of Georgia.

“We’re super excited to have him,” Bevell said during a Zoom chat with reporters. “We feel like he’s a really talented, well-rounded running back. A guy you feel like could handle the run but as well as that he has ability in the pass game, where you could do some things with him there. So really just a complete guy.”

Swift is an elusive runner and was effective carrying the ball as well as catching it in three seasons at Georgia. In the run game, he had 2,885 career yards and 20 touchdowns. In the passing game, he had 73 catches for 666 yards and five touchdowns.

Swift not only adds more talent to the NFL’s 21st-ranked run game, but he should also elevate the group’s competition level.

“To be able to add him in there with Kerryon ( Johnson), with Bo (Scarbrough), such a good group there,” Bevell said.

It remains to be seen which back emerges as the workhorse. But Bevell, who worked wonders last season patching together a run game amid a slew of injuries, certainly seems keen on the Lions’ highest-drafted running back since Jahvid Best at 30th overall in 2010.

“Again, super good player, super talented,” he said. “I think you’re be able to do a lot of things with him. He can handle as much as you want to give him.”