ATHENS — D’Andre Swift finally got his number called in the 2020 NFL Draft on Friday night.
The Detroit Lions chose Swift in the second round with the 35th overall pick on Friday night in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Swift joins a backfield that includes former Georgia No. 1 pick Matt Stafford at quarterback and former Auburn tailback Kerryon Johnson.
Former Bulldogs’ tight end Isaac Nauta is also a part of the team, a seventh-round pick last season.
But for Swift, it’s all about an opportunity to play the game.
“I love the game of football, the process, the grind,” Swift told a Philadelphia NBC affiliate earlier this week. “Some people might like what football brings to them, but I just love working.”
Perhaps, but Swift didn’t like waiting. The Georgia back took to Twitter after he was passed over in the first round on Thursday.
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Swift is the fifth Georgia running back drafted into the NFL in the past six years.
RELATED: What to know about D’Andre Swift in 2020 NFL Draft
“D’Andre’s athletic ability and work ethic make him the total package,” UGA coach Kirby Smart tweeted out on Thursday. “The NFL better brace themselves for one more UGA RB!”
Swift, a 5-foot-9, 215-pounder from Philadelphia possesses a rare blend of power and quickness, along with excellent route-running abilities and receiver skills.
“I think he’s a three-down guy, which is what the NFL is looking for,” ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit said. “Can he run between the tackles, can he catch the ball, get on the perimeter and make people miss? I think those of us who have followed his career know he can be that kind of guy.
“He’s not necessarily a blazer, but he’s incredibly quick and can catch the ball. I think he’s the total package, so I’m looking forward to seeing where he goes and how he fits in.”
Swift shouldered a heavy load for Georgia last season, leading the team with 1,218 yards on 196 carries and seven touchdowns. He also had 24 catches for 216 yards.
“What sets him apart is the completeness, as a runner, receiver, blocker and ball security,” ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said during the evaluation process. “All four areas, he comes out on top.”
Swift is the third Georgia player selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Offensive tackle Andrew Thomas was the No. 4 overall pick (N.Y. Giants), and offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson was the No. 29 overall pick (Tennessee Titans).
Georgia backs in NFL draft since 2000
2018 Sony Michel, No. 31 (first round, third RB selected), New England
2018 Nick Chubb, No. 35 (second round, fourth RB selected, Cleveland
2016 Keith Marshall, No. 242 (seventh round), Washington
2015 Todd Gurley, No. 10 overall (first round, first RB selected), St. Louis
2009 Knowshon Moreno, No 12 overall, (first round, first RB selected), Denver
2008 Thomas Brown, No. 172 overall, (sixth round), Atlanta
2003 Musa Smith, No. 77 overall (third round), Baltimore
2002 Verron Haynes, No. 166 overall (fifth round), Pittsburgh
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