Where does Bears’ D’Andre Swift rank among NFC North RBs based on PFF grades?

The Chicago Bears made a sizable investment at running back this offseason by signing D’Andre Swift to a three-year contract worth $24 million. Swift cashed in with the Bears after rushing for a career-high 1,049 yards with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. In fact, the entire NFC North division has undergone sweeping changes at the position. The Minnesota Vikings brought in Aaron Jones while the Green Bay Packers swapped Jones for Josh Jacobs.

All this change inspired us to break down how all four (five?) starting running backs in the NFC North fared last season according to the Pro Football Focus rushing grades.

DAVID MONTGOMERY | DETROIT LIONS | 83.6

It’s no surprise to see David Montgomery top the list after rushing for a third-best 13 touchdowns last season. Montgomery also finished ninth in the league in rushing yards (1,015). Dan Campbell’s explosive offense will continue relying on their between-the-tackles workhorse in 2024.

AARON JONES | MINNESOTA VIKINGS | 81.5

Color me a little surprised to see Aaron Jones ranked so highly. The Packers released him from his contract earlier this offseason after he rushed for just 656 yards, his lowest output since his rookie season (488). Jones was limited to a personal-low 11 appearances with recurring injuries. PFF obviously doesn’t think Jones was at fault for his dip in production.

JAHMYR GIBBS | DETROIT LIONS | 81.3

It felt unfair to not include Jahmyr Gibbs given how involved he is in the Lions’ offense. The dual-threat playmaker had a rushing grade of 81.3 while producing more than 1,200 total yards of offense as an immediate first-year contributor. Gibbs is a game changer.

D’ANDRE SWIFT | CHICAGO BEARS | 72.1

Swift ranks fourth, though he projects as a top-tier back in the NFC North this season. The former Georgia standout possesses significantly more upside than Jones. Swift averaged 4.6 yards per carry behind a quality Eagles offensive line throughout 2023. Running behind Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones should prove fruitful in 2024.

JOSH JACOBS | GREEN BAY PACKERS | 70.1

The Packers signed Jacobs to a sizable contract despite his 2023 struggles. He had the lowest PFF rushing grade (70.1) of any NFC North backs last season. Jacobs only had nine explosive (10+ yards) runs, and was a liability as a receiver as well, earning a pass-catching grade of 51.0.