D’Andre Swift’s projected NFL draft stock has been interesting to follow since the end of the season, trending up and down at different stages.
Swift is regarded as the top running back in the 2020 NFL Draft by many, but there’s great disparity between where analysts project that will lead to him being selected.
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ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay is among the most bullish on the former Georgia running back. McShay projects Swift as the No. 14 overall pick (to Tampa Bay) in his most recent mock draft on March 2.
McShay points out Tampa Bay ranked in the bottom-third of the NFL in rushing yards and the Bucs’ Receivers were 17th in receptions. Swift, of course, is a dual threat with his explosive running and capable receiving abilities.
Pre-combine, most all mock drafts had Swift projected in the first round.
Many suggested Miami would use one of its three first-round picks on Swift, likely No. 18 or No. 26 overall.
From the DawgNation perspective, the No. 26 slot still seems most likely.
Swift was charismatic and confident at the NFL combine last month, sharing his thoughts matter-of-factly.
“There are a lot of great backs in this class, but I think I’m the most versatile,” Swift said during his interview session last month at the NFL combine at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
“I think I’m a three-down back, and I can do whatever I’m asked to do. God gave me a lot of ability. I don’t take that for granted. I work hard every day, and I’m a leader.”
WATCH: DawgNation D’Andre Swift interview at NFL combine
Swift worked so hard, his days turned into nights, and sometimes, early mornings.
“Offseason, I would work out, and when everybody left, I would come back at like 1 or 2 in the morning and have someone come with me to throw me balls,” Swift said, explaining that it was just a matter of wanting to take advantage of every opportunity to improve himself.
“I’d catch myself sometimes staying up and I’d think: ‘Why not go try to get better, why not go do something to be better?’ I’m the kind of person, I’m never settling. I’m always looking to get better, you never can be perfect.”
Swift ran a 4.48-second time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. It was faster than Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, but not as fast as some might have expected.
WATCH: D’Andre Swift’s NFL combine 40 vs. Nick Chubb, Sony Michel
Swift is a home run-hitter when it comes to his explosive speed, likely faster with the ball in his hands, than not.
Still, the recent trend has seen Swift projected as a second rounder, including mocks from CBS analysts Pete Prisco (March 13), Chris Trapasso (March 20) and Ryan Wilson (March 24).
Michael Renner, from Pro Football Focus, also left Swift out of the first round of his March 2 mock draft.
NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah had Swift going No. 28 overall in the first round to Baltimore on March 2.
More recently, Will Brinson (March 20) projected Swift No. 32 in the first round to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The NFL draft is scheduled to start with the first round on April 23.
Sports Illustrated’s most recent three-round mock draft projected Swift to be the first running back off the board and going to the Miami Dolphins — but with the 39th overall pick, and in the second round.
It’s all conjecture at this point.
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