NFL Draft results 2014: Travis Swanson selected by Detroit Lions
Swanson could take over for Dominic Raiola in Detroit.
Spruce Derden-US PRESSWIRE
The Detroit Lions have drafted Arkansas center Travis Swanson with the 76th pick in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Swanson was No. 112 among prospects ranked on SB Nation's top 200 big board prior to the draft. That placed Swanson fourth among all centers in the draft.
Swanson was a Second-Team All-SEC player in 2013 and a First-Team All-American the same year, as it happens. Swanson started at center for the duration of his time with the Razorbacks, not switching around among the interior positions like many players do in college.
The Lions have a nice veteran center already in place with Dominic Raiola, but clearly he's nearing the end of his career. Taken together with Larry Warford, the Lions are forming a talented young core for their offensive front.
Swanson also brings leadership to Detroit as a two-time captain at Arkansas with 50 starts under his belt playing for an SEC team.
NFL Draft
Combine results
Height: 6’5
Weight: 312
40-yard dash: 5.28
Bench press: 20
Vertical jump: 26 in.
Broad jump: 7’11
20-yard shuttle: 4.65
3-cone drill: 7.73
As stated before, Swanson didn’t move around between guard and center in college, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t suited to play guard. He’s very athletic and can get out to block in space, and seems suited to play the left or right guard positions if need be at the next level.
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