Tyjae Spears
- Rookie Draft ADP: 21 (RB6)
- RB Rookie Model Percentile: 72nd
- Underdog ADP: 178.6
- Landing Spot: Tennessee Titans (81st overall)
Fantasy Outlook
Admittedly, landing in Tennessee isn't the best-case scenario for Tyjae Spears. Derrick Henry still occupies the RB1 position for the Titans (and most of our fantasy rosters), and, despite turning 28 last year, the former All-Pro notched his third 300-plus-attempt season. So, we can't project Spears for a consistent role throughout his rookie campaign.
But let's look at Spears' situation in a different way.
The former Tulane RB was above the class average in yards after contact per attempt and explosive run rate. Spears fits the archetype of an RB that could slide into an RB1 role should the starter miss time or get traded. As a result, drafters should use Spears' profile and situation as a way to fill out their bench slots and see how the season unfolds.
Way-too-early 2023 redraft rank: mid-range RB5
Summary
Standing at 5’10" and 201 lbs., Tyjae Spears is a running back out of Tulane University coming off his redshirt junior season. Despite starting his career as a 0-star recruit (ESPN) with only five scholarship offers from lower-level D1 schools including McNeese State, Southeastern Louisiana, Southern Miss, Texas State, and Tulane, Spears persevered and overcame the odds.
After a slow start during his freshman year, Spears showed glimpses of his potential with an impressive 274 yards on 37 carries, boasting an impressive 7.4 yards per carry. Unfortunately, his progress was halted when he suffered a devastating ACL injury in the season's third game.
Spears bounced back in a big way in 2022, averaging a ridiculous 6.9 yards per carry, with 1,052 of his 1,586 yards coming after contact.
What's more, Spears's performance wasn't limited to lower-level competition. He was crowned the Cotton Bowl MVP after rushing for a jaw-dropping 205 yards and scoring four touchdowns against USC.
Pros
Spears is a home-run hitter with a dynamic first step, as seen in his 91st-percentile burst score. While he doesn’t have home-run speed (4.54 40-yard dash) his acceleration allowed him to hit big plays consistently.
Spears’s dynamic acceleration is shown consistently in the angles he takes in the open field. He sets defenders up and blows by them at the second level.
He plays with toughness and competitiveness that makes him seem bigger than he is. He has strong contact balance, runs through arm tackles, and is not scared to mix it up.
Cons
While Spears plays with toughness, teams will have size concerns when it comes to playing him as an every-down back—he will likely be relegated to a committee role at the next level.
Spears has the acceleration, but without the top-level speed, teams may have questions about how effective he can be as a change-of-pace back. If he slips from a day two to day three pick, he could get lost in the shuffle.
His prototype is that of a third-down back, but Tulane didn’t use him enough in the passing game. Targeted 28 times, Spears showed flashes of upside in the passing game, but per Lance Zierlein, his “hands are slippery and unsure as pass-catcher.”
Fantasy Outlook
Like many running backs in this class, Spears’s fantasy outlook will depend on draft capital and landing spot. He has the big play ability and nose for the end zone that we love, and if he hears his name called on day two, he will shoot up draft boards.
Per NFL Mock Draft Database, Spears is the consensus RB5, with an overall ranking of 80th, down 35 spots from his peak of 55.
Considering where he is currently going in Underdog Drafts, he is a low-risk, high-reward play who has a chance to skyrocket if he hears his name called on day two.
You can get ahead of the curve if you think this plays out by drafting him on Underdog Fantasy before the NFL Draft. Take advantage of a 100% deposit match of up to $100 below and start drafting Spears today!
