2023 NFL DRAFT: TYJAE SPEARS

By Brandon Lane

TULANE (rJR), RB

Spears broke out in 2022 rushing 229 times for 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also excelled via the air hauling in 22 balls for 256 yards and two more scores. Those eye-popping stats earned Spears the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award. He topped off his collegiate career going absolutely berserk at the 2022 Cotton Bowl rushing 17 times for 205 yards and four TDs, taking home the Cotton Bowl MVP. He continued his impressive ways at this year’s senior bowl where I got to see first hand what he could do and he absolutely dominated the practice sessions. While opportunity lacked during the actual Senior Bowl game the practice sessions left a burning impression in my head and skyrocketed him up the big board. Given the right landing spot this talented underdog could be an NFL star in the making.

Pluses:

• Instinctive runner who is elite in the open-field
• Excellent receiving skill-set, excels in space
• Good pad level and finishes runs with power

Concerns:

• Injury concerns (knee)
• Size may be better suited for a complementary back
• Needs to improve blocking technique