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5 Breakout star candidates for the 2022 NFL season

By Kris Mcandrews

Apr 25, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) works out during a Denver Broncos mini camp at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) works out during a Denver Broncos mini camp at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Lions running backs (from left: Jason Cabinda, Dedrick Mills, D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams) on the field during training camp at the Allen Park facility Saturday, July 31, 2021.Lions williams cabinda deandre swift dedrick mills /

No. 3 NFL Breakout Star:  D’Andre Swift – RB, Detroit Lions

. . . D'Andre Swift, RB. 3. player. 50

The Detroit Lions of 2021 were a bad football team. For most of the season, they lacked an offensive identity.

The situation was made worse when D’Andre Swift limped into the season with a groin injury sustained in camp. The Lions also shut him down at the end of the year with a shoulder injury.

Because of this, there is a noisy contingent that would like to label him as injury-prone. I do not see it that way.

It would be insane for Detroit not to make Swift the focal point of their offense. He is a dual-threat, can catch well, and has great vision between the tackles.

The Lions have not yet fully unleashed him either. This offense became exponentially better later in the season when Dan Campbell took over the play-calling. This trend should continue into 2022.

Lastly, we cannot overlook the volume of touches he should have this season. In 13 games last season he had 213 touches which is roughly 16 a game.

Not nearly enough for a guy with his size and skill combination.

I expect him to get the bulk of the carries and be a key player in the passing game. Even on a bad team, his offensive output will increase and he will take his spot in the “best backs in football” conversation.

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