Detroit Lions depth chart: D’Andre Swift vs. Kerryon Johnson

Can Detroit Lions rookie D’Andre Swift beat out Kerryon Johnson in 2020?

The Detroit Lions struggled through injuries in 2019 offensively, and in particular, the Lions struggled with injuries and inconsistency at the running back position.

Although they wound up finishing the year ranked 21st in the league in rushing, the Lions could not find consistent balance offensively, largely because of the injury to quarterback Matthew Stafford.

With that said, the Lions saw tremendous value in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft when Georgia running back D’Andre Swift was still on the board, and they made him their second selection after using their top pick on Jeffrey Okudah, the star cornerback out of Ohio State.

Even with Kerryon Johnson on the roster, the Lions saw a potential upgrade available, and at the very least made their depth that much better with the addition of Swift to the backfield stable.

Lions rushing leaders in 2020

• 1. Kerryon Johnson: 403 yards, 3 TD, 3.6 yards per carry (8 games)
• 2. Bo Scarbrough: 377 yards, 1 TD, 4.2 yards per carry (6 games)
• 3. Ty Johnson: 273 yards, 0 TD, 4.3 yards per carry (16 games)
• 4. JD McKissick: 205 yards, 0 TD, 5.4 yards per carry (16 games)

Although an injury limited Kerryon Johnson’s playing time in 2019, he showed well as a rookie in 2018 averaging 5.4 yards per carry with 641 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games. He also caught 32 passes.

With a clean bill of health, the former second-round pick out of Auburn should still be an impactful player for the Lions, but Swift has a chance to be really special.

I love Swift’s three-down abilities as a runner and receiver, and the speed at which he plays the game is a sight to behold.

Swift can bring a jolt to the Detroit Lions’ offense that will be desperately needed.

With a healthy Matthew Stafford and a healthy Kerryon Johnson, the Lions’ offense is already going to be markedly better than it was a season ago. But it’s the inclusion of D’Andre Swift that’s going to help this team push for a lot more wins in 2020 than anyone thinks they’re getting right now.

Can Swift come in and take Kerryon Johnson’s spot on the depth chart?

There’s no question about it. In fact, it would be surprising at this point if the rookie was not the team’s number one ball carrier to open the season.

Johnson can still provide depth and carry the load when asked to do so, but Swift is the guy who is going to make the Detroit offense that much better.