As the Detroit Lions head into the 2023 NFL season, one of the biggest questions surrounding the team is who will be the starting running back. With a new coaching staff and a revamped roster, there are several players vying for the coveted spot. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the top contenders and analyze their chances of earning the starting role.
The Contenders
D'Andre Swift
D'Andre Swift was the Lions' second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season. Despite missing some time due to injury, Swift rushed for 521 yards and eight touchdowns while also catching 46 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns. He has a well-rounded skill set that includes speed, agility, and excellent hands out of the backfield. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, Swift has a great chance of being the Lions' starting running back in 2023.
Jamaal Williams
The Lions signed Jamaal Williams in free agency in 2021 to provide a veteran presence in the backfield. Williams spent his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers and was a solid contributor as both a runner and receiver. He rushed for 505 yards and two touchdowns while catching 31 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown in 2020. Williams is a tough, physical runner who excels in pass protection and could be a valuable asset to the Lions' offense in 2023.
Jermar Jefferson
Jermar Jefferson was a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and could be a dark horse candidate for the starting running back job. He was a productive player at Oregon State, rushing for 1,380 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final college season. Jefferson is a physical runner with good vision and could be a nice complement to Swift or Williams in the Lions' backfield. While he may not be the favorite to start in 2023, Jefferson could surprise people and earn a significant role in the offense.
Factors to Consider
When deciding who will be the starting running back in 2023, the Lions will need to consider several factors. First and foremost, they will need to evaluate each player's skill set and determine who is the best fit for their offensive scheme. They will also need to consider each player's durability and injury history, as well as their ability to pass protect and catch passes out of the backfield.
Another factor to consider is each player's performance in training camp and preseason games. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring each player's progress and looking for someone who stands out from the rest. Ultimately, the player who performs the best and gives the team the best chance to win will be the one who earns the starting job.
Conclusion
While it's impossible to predict with certainty who will be the Lions' starting running back in 2023, there are several strong candidates vying for the job. Whether it's D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Jermar Jefferson, or someone else entirely, the Lions will need to carefully evaluate each player and make the best decision for the team's success. With a new coaching staff and a revamped roster, the Lions are poised for an exciting season, and the starting running back position will be a key part of their success.
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