D.J. Swearinger
DB, South Carolina · 2013 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #57 (HOU)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 110 of ~128 possible regular-season games from 2013 through 2020 (~86%). Last NFL season: 2020.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #44 (#5 at his position), close to where he went (#57).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
South Carolina: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.67 40-yard dash at 208 lbs: faster than 2% of DBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DB (DB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.7% of the time (1,116 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 110 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 5 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 28 |
| Defense | 327 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 14 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2020 |
The 2013 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2013 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position DB | 50.7% n=1,116 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 10", 208 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.67 s |
| Bench press | 17 reps |
| Vertical | 37" |
| Broad jump | 124" |
| 3-cone | 6.7 s |
| Shuttle | 4.11 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.3" / 9.4" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #44 overall (#5 DB) |
Picked around him 2013 redraft
| 54 | Jamar Taylor | redraft #84 |
| 55 | Vance McDonald | redraft #98 |
| 56 | Arthur Brown | redraft #175 |
| 58 | Montee Ball | redraft #142 |
| 59 | Aaron Dobson | redraft #148 |
| 60 | Robert Alford | redraft #59 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.