Notes: D’Andre Swift ranks on lower end of RB1s

When it comes to RB1s heading into 2021, the Detroit Lions’ very own D’Andre Swift ranks just below the middle of the pack, according to one NFL analyst.

Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew ranked each team’s top running back, which he notes, offers a particularly deep crop this year. He made sure to emphasize the amount of back talent across the league right now. Swift came in at No. 22 on the list.

“Swift’s rookie season was a mixed bag with a few big performances but more subpar outings. The Lions can’t afford for their rushing attack to have a lull that stretches on for a while,” Jones-Drew writes.

In his first year in the NFL, Swift rushed for 521 yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns in 13 games. On the receiving side, he caught 46 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns.

Not bad, but not explosive just yet. Analysts nationwide predict he’s one of the prime candidates for a breakout season.

“Swift, a talented and versatile weapon out of the backfield, must find consistency and make a major Year 2 leap in Anthony Lynn’s offense,” Jones-Drew finishes.

And onto the rest of your notes.

• NFL.com’s GIl Brandt offers a list of the top 10 traded players who should have the biggest impact on their new teams. I spy a pair of quarterbacks on that list.

• The fellas over at The Athletic continue their series taking a look at the Lions’ 2020 draftees’ college tape. This round — Ifeatu Melifonwu. (Subscription required.)

• Later this summer, Calvin Johnson will join these 21 Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame. Can you name them? LionsWire’s Jeff Risdon has that story.

• Speaking of Megatron, sounds like he had a blast at the Rocket Mortgage celeb scramble:

• :A new time for me to just be able to show my talents and show my abilities and everything I’ve just been working on this whole offseason.” Jamaal WIlliams is ready for a new beginning alongside D’Andre Swift, per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard.