The Tennessee Titans unexpectedly added to their running backs room in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft when they selected Tulane running back Tyjae Spears.
We say unexpectedly not necessarily because the Titans didn’t have a major need at running back (they did need to fill the Dontrell Hilliard role, though), but because they opted for one in a spot where they could’ve (and should’ve) grabbed a much-needed wide receiver.
Adding to the controversy, the Titans decided to draft a player who has injury concerns due to past issues with his knee, which is ominous to say the least for a team that has been plagued by injuries in recent years.
When looking at pre-draft scouting reports about the rookie, those issues were a topic some experts addressed in their evaluations of him.
Let’s see what they had to say about that and more in a roundup of pre-draft scouting reports pertaining to the Titans’ newest back.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Brugler’s positional rank: 5
STRENGTHS: Runs with quick feet, lateral agility and explosive cutting skills … sees the field well to instinctively read, slash, flow … regains his speed post-cut in a flash… impressive body balance and control on his start/stop moves (averaged 4.52 yards after contact per carry in 2022) … stays patient behind lead blocks and accelerates through creases before pursuit can react … can make defenders miss in the hole with subtle hip/shoulder shimmies … will lower his pads and keeps his feet through weak tackle attempts … comfortable chipping and flashes fight in pass pro (Spears: “My quarterback becomes my best friend, and you have to protect
your buddy.”) … quick hands to pluck in the screen game … nose for the end zone and tied for the FBS lead (with Pitt’s Israel Abanikanda) in total touchdowns (21) in 2022 … scored a touchdown once every 13.8 carries during his career … led the AAC in rushing yards (1,581) in 2022 and averaged more than 6.0 yards per carry in each of his four seasons in college.WEAKNESSES: Smallish frame and build with a lean lower body … tends to slow at contact and lacks the run strength to power through congestion … average contact balance and will struggle to escape NFL wrap tackles … accelerates in a flash but lacks a breakaway gear and can be caught from behind … shows blocking determination on some plays but looks disinterested on others … his lack of size hurts his success rate vs. blitz pickup … inconsistent tracking on throws over his shoulder … battled a nagging hamstring injury in 2022 spring and regular season; suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee (September 2020), requiring season-ending surgery.
SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Tulane, Spears was consistently productive in offensive coordinator Jim Svoboda’s RPO-based multiple offense. After a torn ACL in 2020 and shared workload in 2021, he had an extremely productive 2022 campaign, finishing No. 5 in the country in rushing yards (1,581) and rushing yards per carry (6.90). Spears is a slippery runner with his dynamic start/stop cutting skills, patient vision and darting acceleration, which are highlighted on counter and outsize zone plays. He has the functional skills to provide value in the passing game, but he can be more dependable as a blocker and pass catcher. Overall, Spears doesn’t have
desired build or run strength, but his explosive read-plant-burst action allows him to abruptly change his rush path and elude tacklers. He shows the potential for three-down duties, although he will be at his best as part of a committee, similar to the Buffalo Bills’ James Cook.GRADE: 3rd Round (No. 73 overall)
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Overview
Spears has the size of a change-of-pace back, but he needs to play with more consistent explosiveness, as he’s unlikely to offer the versatility typically expected from a player in that role. He’s coming off an extremely productive and consistent season as Tulane’s RB1, though. He runs with good bend, average vision and the patience to use lead blockers to his advantage. Spears possesses modest creativity and power through the line of scrimmage but becomes more elusive once he’s up to the second level.
Strengths
Averaged seven yards per carry during his Tulane career.
Finished 2022 season with 21 total touchdowns.
Runs with good bend and smooth change of direction.
Adequate field vision through the line of scrimmage.
Can make sharp cuts on the second level.
Runs defenders into his blockers.
Makes cuts off the hip of blockers with good timing.
Weaknesses
Average recognition and imagination as a runner.
Tends to lack early pace and decisiveness.
Doesn’t have much run-through power in his legs.
Hands are slippery and unsure as pass-catcher.
Significant knee injury history will require examination.
Joe Marino, The Draft Network
Top Reasons to Buy In:
Speed, quickness, and agility
Competitive running style and instincts
Vision, ball security, and balance
Top Reasons For Concern:
Lean and narrow build
Ideally, he would have more experience and consistency on passing downs
Can he add additional value on special teams?
Ideal Role: Complementary back
Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
Strengths: Explosive, game-changing running back who is also effective catching the ball out of the backfield. Displays outstanding vision as well as running instincts, runs low to the ground and behind his pads, and keeps his feet moving.
Incredibly quick and will pick and choose spots on the inside. Makes defenders miss and avoids piles. Quickly cuts back against the grain, loses little momentum changing direction, and possesses a tremendous burst of speed. Fast enough to turn the corner or beat defenders into the open field. Works, runs, and doesn’t go down without a fight. Outstanding receiver who adjusts to the errant throw or gets down to scoop up low passes. Displays outstanding route discipline.
Weaknesses: Not a big-bodied back who will pick up much yardage off initial contact. Won’t be able to handle a lot of carries at the next level.
Overall: Spears is a well-rounded RB with a three-down game, but he has size limitations. He’ll be a very productive third-down back on Sundays and can even be used as a situational starter or share the ball. I fully expect Spears to be productive as a rookie and have an outstanding NFL career.
Derrik Klassen, Bleacher Report
POSITIVES
— Very good acceleration and speed. Can threaten the perimeter and rip off explosive runs.
— Great short-area explosiveness.
— Good balance and ability to mitigate contact. Have to make clean, strong tackles to bring him down consistently.
— Tough, energetic runner. Always fighting for extra yards.
— Good vision and decisiveness as a runner.
— Good third-down back. Receiving and pass protection skills are both up to par.
NEGATIVES
— Tough runner, but size often inhibits his ability to actually push the pile.
— Not an exceptionally small player, but his build may limit his ability to carry a full NFL workload.
On Spears’ injury history:
With that being said, size and durability are concerns for Spears. While 201 pounds isn’t tiny, it’s a little under the desired threshold for a true lead back. There are exceptions, such as Austin Ekeler, but not many. Spears is more likely to split time than be a full-time guy.
Additionally, Spears suffered a torn ACL back in 2020. Those kinds of injuries always leave concerns about a player’s long-term sustainability and possibility of reinjury.
Natalie Miller, Draft Wire
Tyjae Spears is a highly productive, explosive, and speedy talent who will have the opportunity to start in the league. His versatility and twitch make him a dangerous third-down back who needs to be accounted for out of the backfield, but he is not limited to just that role, as he clearly has the physical tools to be an effective runner at the next level. Teams may be hesitant to give him a lead-back role given his frame and lack of answers to disruption, but he can improve on those with time. In a league where running backs need to do more and more, Spears will prove valuable in most offenses.
Projection: Top 70 Pick
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