Tyjae Spears 2023 NFL Draft Profile
No running back is shooting up my list faster than Tulane product Tyjae Spears. After lighting the world on fire at the Senior Bowl and Combine, how is everyone not excited at this point? Let’s just jump right in and walk through the Tyjae Spears 2023 NFL Draft profile!
I didn’t peep much Tulane football this year but I do know they beat up USC in the Bowl game. We knew USC couldn’t tackle but it was still impressive to watch Spears put up that kind of performance. On 17 carries, Spears rushed for 205 yards and four touchdowns. It was all part of a breakout 2022 season that included 1,581 yards (6.9 per) and 19 touchdowns.
The thing that stood out with Spears is his knee bend. He’s a gross knee bender in a good way. It’s almost not human the way he’s able to cut and bend. I know Spears did have a knee injury a few years ago but it doesn’t look like he’s suffering any lasting effects from it. In terms of pure shiftiness, Spears just might be the single best back in the draft.
We don’t have a 40 time for Spears but we know he can run. He for sure has lower body explosion. Spears did have elite jumping numbers with the 39-inch vertical. 18 reps on the bench is also a good number to have for a 5-foot-10, 201 pound running back. Not sure the pure athletic traits are a question mark here.
The receiving ability also has to be talked about. A year ago he had 21 receptions for 256 yards and two scores. It’s probably underselling him in terms of ability. Really natural receiver to the point where I think you could have him be your slot receiver if you wanted to. Runs routes really well and can catch. Hands are better than most at the position.
I really like Tyjae Spears and he’s a back I’m definitely targeting in the middle rounds when it’s your turn to go get your young running back. I believe in the talent here and should be able to positively contribute to whichever team drafts him.
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