D’Andre Swift 2025 NFL Redraft Outlook: Zero RB Hero?

Walking into Soldier Field feels different this year. There’s an electricity in the air that hasn’t been there since the days when the Bears’ defense could single-handedly win you games. Matt Eberflus is gone, and good riddance. His conservative approach held back a talented roster that deserved better.

Enter Ben Johnson, the mastermind who turned Detroit’s rushing attack into a two-headed monster that defenders had nightmares about. Johnson didn’t just coach Swift; he maximized his potential in ways that made Lions fans forget about their decades of suffering. The fact that Johnson chose to keep Swift instead of drafting a replacement tells you everything you need to know about what he sees in this player.

Johnson’s offense isn’t just about running the ball; it’s about creating favorable matchups and putting players in positions to succeed. Swift’s receiving skills, which have been underutilized at times, could finally shine in an offense designed to exploit linebacker coverage mismatches.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Chicago’s offensive line was a disaster last season. Watching Caleb Williams get pummeled behind that porous protection was like watching a horror movie through your fingers. The Bears ranked dead last in allowing sacks, and that’s not exactly the recipe for a successful running game.

But here’s where things get interesting. The Bears didn’t just tinker around the edges; they went nuclear on their offensive line problems. Joe Thuney brings Pro Bowl pedigree and nasty run-blocking skills. Jonah Jackson adds veteran leadership and consistency. Drew Dalman provides the kind of anchor point you need in the middle.

These three additions combine for a 73.7 PFF Run Blocking grade: that’s not just an improvement, it’s a transformation. When you’re replacing players who averaged a 67 grade, those six points make the difference between Swift getting tackled at the line of scrimmage and breaking free for chunk plays.

D’Andre Swift 2025 Fantasy Outlook

Here’s what separates the fantasy wheat from the chaff: opportunity. Swift handled 77.8% of Chicago’s rushing attempts last season, putting him in elite company with workhorses like Derrick Henry and Kyren Williams. That’s not just impressive: it’s the foundation of fantasy relevance.

But volume without efficiency is fool’s gold, and Swift’s -0.69 rushing yards over expected per attempt was genuinely concerning. Here’s the twist, though: that number has more to do with Chicago’s offensive limitations than Swift’s ability. When your offensive line can’t create running lanes and your quarterback is running for his life, even prime Adrian Peterson would struggle to produce.

With Johnson’s scheme and improved blocking, Swift’s efficiency metrics should see a dramatic uptick. Johnson’s track record speaks volumes: he knows how to maximize running back production through creative play-calling and favorable down-and-distance situations.

Swift caught 39 passes last season, but that number doesn’t tell the whole story. Johnson’s offense in Detroit featured Jahmyr Gibbs as a legitimate receiving threat, and Swift’s skill set actually aligns better with that role than most people realize.

Swift’s hands are reliable, his route-running is crisp, and his ability to create mismatches against linebackers is legitimate. In Johnson’s system, running backs aren’t just safety valves: they’re integral parts of the passing attack. Expect Swift’s target share to increase significantly, potentially pushing him toward 50-60 receptions.

That receiving upside is what separates Swift from other running backs in his draft range. While guys like Tony Pollard and James Conner are primarily ground-and-pound options, Swift brings dual-threat capability that provides a higher floor and ceiling.

Swift’s current average draft position sits at RB22, which feels like highway robbery when you consider his situation. He’s going behind players like Chubba Hubbard and Pollard: guys who don’t have Swift’s talent or favorable circumstances.

The fantasy community seems to be punishing Swift for past disappointments while ignoring the massive changes to his environment. That’s classic recency bias, and it’s creating an opportunity for savvy managers who can see past last season’s struggles.

James Cook sits at RB16, and while he’s talented, his situation in Buffalo is far less certain than Swift’s role in Chicago. Cook faces potential touchdown regression and competition for red zone carries. Swift, meanwhile, is clearly the featured back in an offense that should be significantly more productive.