Tyjae Spears (Tulane) - 2023 NFL Draft Pick #81 by TEN
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Tyjae Spears
College: Tulane
Position: Running Back
Height/Weight: 5'10", 201 lbs
Overview
Tyjae Spears emerged as a standout player during his time at Tulane, showcasing a blend of speed, agility, and vision that made him one of the top running back prospects heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. His performance in college, particularly during the 2022 season, highlighted his ability to be a dynamic playmaker both in the rushing and passing game.
Strengths
- Explosive Speed: Spears possesses impressive breakaway speed, allowing him to turn the corner and break off long runs.
- Vision and Patience: He demonstrates excellent field vision, often waiting for blocks to develop before accelerating through the line of scrimmage.
- Receiving Ability: Spears is a capable receiver out of the backfield, making him a versatile threat in both the run and pass game.
- Balance: He shows good balance when navigating through traffic, often keeping his feet moving after contact.
Weaknesses
- Size Concerns: At 5'10" and 201 lbs, some scouts may question his ability to handle a heavy workload in the NFL.
- Pass Protection: Spears will need to improve his blocking technique to be effective in pass protection at the next level.
- Injury History: He has had some injury concerns during his college career, which could raise red flags for teams.
Overall Assessment
Tyjae Spears has the potential to be a valuable asset for any NFL team looking for a dynamic running back. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him an appealing option, especially for teams that utilize a spread offense or place a high value on versatile playmakers. While he may not be the biggest back in the draft, his skill set and performance at Tulane have positioned him as a strong candidate for early to mid-round selections.
Projected Draft Position
Tyjae Spears is projected to be selected in the 2nd to 4th round of the 2023 NFL Draft, depending on team needs and the overall running back class depth.