The Lions might have found the perfect solution for D'Andre Swift's injury issues
Despite having plenty of talent at the running back position, there are still a handful of unanswered question in the Detroit Lions’ backfield. The Lions saw leading rusher Jamaal Williams sign with the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Though Detroit lost its most impactful offensive contributor from 2022, general manager Brad Holmes quickly filled the […]
Despite having plenty of talent at the running back position, there are still a handful of unanswered question in the Detroit Lions’ backfield.
The Lions saw leading rusher Jamaal Williams sign with the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Though Detroit lost its most impactful offensive contributor from 2022, general manager Brad Holmes quickly filled the void by signing former Bears RB David Montgomery.
Montgomery joins D’Andre Swift as the duo will assume an overwhelming majority of the Lions’ carries next season. However, the depth behind Detroit’s one-two punch is suspect at best.
That leaves the door open for Detroit to spend one of its eight picks in the 2023 NFL Draft on a running back. After the team addresses more glaring holes on the roster early, the Lions could be targeting ECU RB Keaton Mitchell in the later rounds.
According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Lions recently met with Mitchell with the draft just three weeks away.
Mitchell was one of college football’s most dynamic weapons last season, but because of where he played he never received a national spotlight.
In 2022, Mitchell rushed for 1,452 yards and 14 touchdowns on 201 carries, adding 27 receptions for 252 receiving yards and a score. Altogether, Mitchell racked up 1,704 yards from scrimmage with the Pirates last season.
He tested well at the NFL Scouting Combine as well, racing to a 4.37s 40-yard dash time.
Montgomery is the more bruising back between him and Swift. Plus, Swift has really struggled to stay on the field of late, though his abilities are still jaw-dropping at times.
Mitchell provides a fantastic insurance option as a receiver out of the backfield if Swift is to ever miss any time. The Lions won’t have to sacrifice a player at a key position of need either, especially considering Mitchell isn’t likely to hear his name called until Day 3.
