Tyjae Spears NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 200 pounds
School: Tulane
2023 NFL Draft: Tyjae Spears Scouting Report
Tyjae Spears is a player from Tulane who can play for any team with his unique characteristics. There is no doubt that he could come out being the top three backs once in the NFL. Make no mistake, Spears is more likely to be drafted mid round after the top five go in the first 2-3 rounds. However, passing on him is a big mistake. Coming from a smaller school comes with a significant disadvantage versus the Power Five. Tulane’s remarkable success in 2022-23 helped his stock immeasurably. And beating USC in the Cotton Bowl was icing on the cake showcasing a small taste of what the ceiling is for Spears.
Spears came out as a three star recruit from high school, but he wasted little time to get going. As a freshman, Spears ran for 192 yards on just 32 carries and one touchdown. Sophomore year got cut short because of a torn ACL — leaving him gone for most of the season. Still, Spears rebounded in 2021 — running for 863 yards with a healthy 6.7 yards per carry and 19 receptions out of the backfield, including nine touchdowns.
In 2022, he moved to another level. Gaining 1,581 yards on 229 carries and 19 touchdowns made him a legitimate draft prospect on the next level. Playing in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl put him on the radar nationally. He ran all over USC for 205 yards on 17 carries and four touchdowns. The win, 46-45 over the USC Trojans promoted him to be one of the best running backs and players to come out out of Tulane in a long time.
Strengths
- Magical breakaway speed once he hits the second level;
- Unwavering balance after contact;
- Above average catching ability out of the backfield;
- Patience to wait for his blockers to find the hole;
- Ankle breaking cuts leaving defenders in the dust.
Weaknesses
- Improvement is needed with pass protection;
- Slightly undersized with an average frame;
- Gets a bit stuck when defenders enter the backfield;
- Lack of power in a leg drive when defenders gang tackle;
- Small school prospect always gives way to doubters.
NFL Comparison: Austin Ekeler
Team Fits: New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs
Round Projection: 3rd-4th
Bottom Line on Tyjae Spears
Someone is going to get a steal in the mid rounds in the 2023 NFL Draft. Tyjae Spears is a player willing to do anything to help a team succeed. The grade on Spears should be a second round without a doubt. In reality, Spears is likely to go mid round to any team looking for a back that’s explosive. He’s a game changer. Make no mistake, having Spears on the field is a huge advantage for any team. Look for him to play immediately once training camp arrives.
A comparison to Austin Ekeler is a huge compliment for a guy coming out of high school as a three star recruit. Spears possesses the tools to catch more passes if given the opportunity. The speed is there. The X ray vision is there. The questions will be answered quickly about his smaller frame and small school competition. This pick is a no brainer, if Spears is on the board come the third round. He’s a top 50 pick. Just wait and see the impact come Sundays in September.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
