Running Back Draft Values to Target: D’Andre Swift (2023 Fantasy Football)

There is perhaps no bigger boost than drafting a mid-to-late-round running back who blossoms into an RB1. It’s the equivalent of winning the lottery in fantasy football and can dramatically improve your team’s chances of winning a title.

Last year, there were a handful of running backs taken outside the top 24 at the position who paid off in a big way. Miles Sanders, Tony Pollard and Rhamondre Stevenson were all drafted as RB3s and finished inside the top 13 in half-PPR leagues (I’m counting Sanders even if he technically wasn’t an RB1, he delivered great value).

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Fantasy Football Running Backs With Upside: D’Andre Swift

Who could be those draft day gems in 2023? Since ADP data isn’t exactly useful in mid-May, let’s take a look at our Expert Consensus Rankings to identify those potential home runs who are currently ranked as RB3s.

D’Andre Swift (RB – PHI): ECR RB27

I don’t think anyone can argue against D’Andre Swift’s talent. He’s an electric player with the ball in his hands. It’s consistency and durability that are the questions and the reasons why the Lions traded Swift to Philadelphia for practically nothing. No offense to Detroit’s brass, but I will trust Philadelphia’s front office over most in the league when it comes to identifying talent.

It’s funny how short of a memory the fantasy football community has sometimes. A year ago, Swift was drafted in the first round and as a top 8 running back that everyone wanted. Now, he’s an afterthought despite going to a better situation in Philadelphia.

Swift could be a lethal home run threat in the RPO game with Jalen Hurts. And I trust Philly’s coaching staff to use him properly as an outside runner and pass catcher. And yes, Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott will all factor into the backfield equation. But I also don’t think Swift has to touch the ball more than 15 times a game to deliver a ton of value.

If you want to cite injuries as the reason you won’t take Swift at any cost in drafts, I understand. But in today’s NFL, that case can be made for just about any running back. Swift is the type of high-upside player I’ll take a stab at, especially as my RB3 or flex.