The Tennessee Titans made their second questionable decision on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL draft when the team picked running back Tyjae Spears at No. 81 overall.
My qualm with the pick has less to do with Spears (although his past knee issues are definitely a concern) and more to do with the fact that the Titans passed on a major need at wide receiver to take a player at a position that wasn’t anywhere near the top of the list of the team’s priorities.
We start our draft grades round-up with our in-house guru, Shaun Calderon, who gave the Titans an “F” for the pick. Here’s some of what he had to say.
Before I continue, to be perfectly honest, this rant doesn’t have much to do with Spears. He was my fourth highest-graded running back, and I think he’s a fantastic eventual heir apparent to Derrick Henry.
My opinions solely revolve around the ignorant negligence going on at the wide receiver position. Unless there is some master plan to acquire a veteran, this makes no sense to leave the first two days of the draft without a single wide receiver.
While people are down on the pick locally, those in the national media had a more positive view on the pick. Here’s how experts viewed it.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: B+
Genuinely elusive, explosive RB with major long speed. Quality pass catcher. Highlight-reel maker.
Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football: C-
The rebuilding process is about to begin for the Titans, who could be trading Derrick Henry in the near future. Tyjae Spears is a complete back who could take over as the starter in the near future. He makes sense in this range, except for his horrible knee history. He has no ACL, which is a big problem.
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: B+
Spears is an electric runner who should pair perfectly with the power of Derrick Henry. At Tulane, Spears posted 1,581 rushing yards on an absurd 6.9 yards per carry, and finished with 21 total touchdowns. He was also phenomenal at the Senior Bowl, showcasing quick feet and great balance.
Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: A
The Titans needed a change of pace back for Derrick Henry this season and someone to help out Will Levis in the future. Spears is a big play waiting to happen and was the All-Juice team running back.
Pro Football Focus: Good
Spears profiles as a nice complement to Derrick Henry in Tennessee’s backfield. He is dangerous in the open field and is coming off an elite final season at Tulane during which he forced 63 missed tackles on the ground. Spears averaged at least 4.5 yards after contact per attempt in each of the past two seasons.
Christian D'Andrea, For The Win: A
Spears was the darling of draftniks across the landscape, averaged 6.8 yards per carry at Tulane and now is set up as Derrick Henry’s heir apparent in Nashville.
Chet Gresham, DraftKings: C
Spears was a good college running back who showed positive traits, but overall he doesn’t have the moves and vision to be a starting NFL back. Derrick Henry won’t be looking over his shoulder.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: B+
Genuinely elusive, explosive RB with major long speed. Quality pass catcher. Highlight-reel maker.
