Ranking the top 32 NFL running backs for the 2022 season

Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; AFC running back Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (28) runs with the ball against the NFC during the third quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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NFL 2022
NFL 2022 – D’Andre Swift (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

31. D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions

2021 stats:

  • 1,069 yards from scrimmage
  • 7 total touchdowns
  • 62 receptions

In 13 games last season, D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams split carries almost right down the middle for the Detroit Lions.

Swift was more involved in the passing game, and wound up leading the Lions in total touches offensively with 213, catching a pretty robust 62 passes.

Still, the Lions need more from the former second-round pick out of Georgia. He’s only 23 this season and I expect the passing game to open up considerably for the Lions this year.

Detroit has added a number of key options in the passing game including first-round pick Jameson Williams and free agent acquisition DJ Chark.

If the passing game can open up for Detroit, things are going to be a lot easier on D’Andre Swift, who can be a dynamic three-down back at the NFL level.

If Swift can give the Lions a fully healthy season, I don’t think 1,800 yards from scrimmage is out of reach for him in 2022.