D'Andre Swift

It was only two years ago that the Lions shocked the league by selecting Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 Draft, a move that precipitated Swift's exit from Detroit. At the time, the Lions were unsatisfied with Swift's toughness as a runner, leading them to spend a high pick on Gibbs even with Swift already under contract as a former 35th overall pick. The arrival of new coach Ben Johnson is particularly interesting as it pertains to Swift, because Johnson was Detroit's offensive coordinator during Swift's final year with the team. Even if Johnson still finds Swift somewhat disappointing, the Bears may have no choice but to start the 26-year-old after they concluded the 2025 Draft with just seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai added at running back. It remains to be seen how Johnson runs the Chicago offense now that he no longer has to report to Dan Campbell, but Johnson's offenses in Detroit consistently featured robust rushing attacks. If the Bears try to establish a similarly active rushing attack despite their weak backfield, Swift likely will be the one leading the charge.