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Ravens top 5 first round targets in the 2020 NFL Draft

By Ian Higgins

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the second half during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the second half during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 07: D’Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball in the first half against the LSU Tigers during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 07: D’Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball in the first half against the LSU Tigers during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. RB. Pick Analysis. Georgia. D'Andre Swift. 7. player. 814

In most NFL offenses with a successful running game, there is no longer a single workhorse back who shoulders the entire load. Usually, these two running backs have complimenting skill sets with one being used in the power run game (Mark Ingram), and the other being used in a more ‘lateral’ offensive scheme to get outside with exterior runs and passes.

D’Andre Swift is projected as the top running back in the 2020 NFL draft. Swift is a smooth runner who hits gaps well and explodes through rushing lanes. This kind of explosiveness to beat linebackers to the hole or to the edge gets him into space, where he is a difficult tackle in the open field thanks to not only his speed and quickness but also his elusiveness.

Behind Mark Ingram, Baltimore lacks a true number two back with a complimenting skill set to Ingram’s physical play. Swift could not only relieve Ingram of his heavy workload that resulted in an injury in week 17 of the regular season but could also open opportunities to open new portions of the playbook with his ulterior running style.

Ingram also only has two years left on his contract, becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2022. By this time, Swift would be entering the third year of his rookie deal and should be emerging as a legitimate lead back.

As of now, there is no reason to think Ingram would want to leave, but it is never a bad thing to prepare for future departures with high draft capital when they can contribute as a rookie as well.

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