Scouting Reports:
SI Draft Bible: https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/tyjae-spears
NFL Draft Buzz: https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Tyjae-Spears-RB-Tulane
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/tyjae-spears-0d36aca4-5d68-49ab-99fc-d76aa5ea5d3f/
Articles:
2023 NFL Draft: Jon Macri's favorite prospects from the class (RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane (Big board rank: 84, PFF projection: Fourth round, I would draft: Early round 3): Spears was one of the most productive runners this past season, earning over 1,500 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns while adding another 250 receiving yards and two touchdowns through the air. He has been a huge part of the Green Wave offense these past two seasons. It isn’t necessarily his production, however, that pushes him further up the board for me, but how he accumulates those yards by making defenders miss and being especially efficient with his opportunities. Spears earned the second-highest career rushing yards after contact per attempt in this class (4.5), which translated as a receiver as well, earning the highest missed tackles forced (0.63) in this class for his career. His elusiveness helps make up for his lack of ideal size, which should translate into NFL success, especially if he lands in a more gap-heavy run scheme where he thrived in college and lead him to an impressive 17.1% explosive run rate for his career.) (4-26-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-jon-macris-favorite-prospects-from-the-class
2023 NFL Draft: The top 8 running backs (4. Tyjae Spears, Tulane (Height: 5′ 9⅝” (27th percentile), Weight: 201 (18th), Bench Press: 18 reps (39th), Vertical Jump: 39″ (91st), Broad Jump: 125″ (87th), Arm Length: 30¾” (43rd), Hand Size: 10″ (92nd)) - Bio: Spears attended Ponchatoula High in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, north of New Orleans. He was a three-star recruit who didn’t see a lot of big-school offers, and he committed to Tulane, allowing him to stay close to home, when that offer came in. There was a late offer from Kansas State, but Spears stayed put with head coach Willie Fritz. It proved to be a wise decision. In 2022, Spears gained 1,581 yards and scored 19 touchdowns on 229 carries. adding 22 receptions for 256 yards and two touchdowns. He was the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-AAC, and the Most Valuable Player of Tulane’s 46-45 Cotton Bowl win over USC, in which he ran 17 times for 205 yards and four touchdowns. Stat to Know: Spears had 793 breakaway yards last season (yardage on runs of 15 or more yards) on 21 such carries. Strengths: I got to watch tape with Spears in the lower ballroom of the Omni Severin Hotel in Indianapolis in the days leading up to the combine, so let’s get the details on some of his more remarkable plays last season from the man himself. This 62-yard run in the Cotton Bowl against USC is the one you’d think he’d want NFL evaluators to watch the most, though this wasn’t even one of his four touchdown runs. He got past all kinds of trouble at the line of scrimmage, and just about had another score, though he got caught at the end when he got a bit too cute. “We were running a little inside zone,” Spears told me. “We had been working on that play Hug the playside leg, and it just popped right out the front door. I should have scored on that. man. But he had a great angle. I mean, I kinda fell down, but that was crazy. I don’t know, man — you can’t win all of them.” There was also this 55-yard run against Tulsa, in which Spears put moves on that defense that just weren’t fair. Spears might be the best stop-and-start runner in this class; his ability to get back to full speed from a “dead-leg” move is kind of freaky. “I just tried to make the hit as light as possible,” Spears said. “Never give up face, I just took my leg from him, and that’s just bursting on the inside, taking my leg from him.” Spears can de-legitimize contact at all levels of the field, which is an important attribute. Spears is also able to make things happen as a receiver beyond the basic routes, as he showed on this 29-yard catch against Southern Miss. “It’s called a seam read,” Spears said. “It’s two yards outside the hash. I had to clear the linebacker there — he had a bust right there, and that ain’t my problem. That’s his problem. Had a bust right there, and I caught the ball over his head. My objective is as a running back, as a ballcarrier, to just make the first guy miss. This was just a little counter action, boom, and I’m going to make that guy miss me. That’s what it’s going to look like, right there.” At his size, Spears won’t always make the killer block, but when I asked him to name his favorite play from last season, he immediately brought up this block against Memphis. With 10:35 left in the second quarter, Spears did indeed shift into the A-gap, and Memphis linebacker Cincir Evans had no idea what was coming. “I’m gonna fight,” Spears said when I asked him what this block should tell the NFL about him. “I may be considered a little guy, but I’m gonna step up and hit you in the mouth and fight. I’m not bragging, and I had a fair amount of good runs, but I’m talking about pass protection.” Weaknesses: For all of Spears’ effort and grit, there are times when the blocking thing doesn’t go quite as well. He’s not the first back you’d want off the bus against an overload blitz, picking out one of two guys to address who might outweigh him by 50-70 pounds. And there are times when Spears’ size shows up in power situations. He has impressive contact balance, but he really gets his missed tackles through speed, suddenness, and agility. He must rely on these things, and quick vision, to avoid traffic jams. Conclusion: Spears won’t be an ideal for every NFL team. You have to want a satellite back, and you have to be able to use him in a multitude of ways. He may never gain 1,000 yards in a season on the ground, but he could be a real weapon in a yards from scrimmage sense, and the extent to which Spears’ NFL team focuses on what he is, as supposed to what his size prevents him from doing, is how much his NFL team will be rewarded with the potential of a unique player. NFL Comparison: Austin Ekeler. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound Ekeler was an undrafted free agent out of Western State, and he managed to transcend size and small-school concerns to become the most important non-quarterback in the Chargers’ offense. Ekeler went from 24 catches in his rookie season of 2017 to 107 in 2022, he forced 44 missed tackles last season, and he had seven runs of 15 or more yards… for 233 total yards. It’s pretty easy to superimpose that kind of role for Spears.) (4-25-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-running-backs-bijan-robinson-jahmyr-gibbs-zach-charbonnet/
11 potential steals in 2023 NFL Draft include Stetson Bennett, Zach Charbonnet (Also watch: Tyjae Spears, Tulane. Spears was a key part of the Green Wave's bounce-back season, and a strong performance at the Senior Bowl has sent him rocketing up draft boards. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry during his final year at Tulane and should be a great change-of-pace back given his shifty running style.) (4-25-23): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-sleepers-steals-2023/i9ymauhscp1hx0shztd9x4ov
2023 NFL Draft: Sam Monson's favorite players at every position (RB – TYJAE SPEARS, TULANE: Spears has some incredible movement skills, which translated to some impressive production at Tulane. He posted a 90.6 PFF rushing grade in 2022 while averaging 6.9 yards per attempt and 4.55 yards per attempt after contact in addition to breaking double-digit tackles in his final three games of the season. Spears is also a solid receiver and can be an every-down threat at the next level. It’s an outstanding running back draft, but Spears is going to make an impact in the NFL wherever he ends up being selected.) (4-25-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-sam-monson-favorite-players-at-every-position-2023-nfl-draft
Could Tyjae Spears Fall in the 2023 NFL Draft Because of a Medical Red Flag Issue? (4-24-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/video-tyjae-spears-nfl-draft-football-insiders-episode-33-2023/
2023 NFL Draft: All-Pros, Pro Bowlers and overachievers in this class (RED STARS - On the “Move the Sticks” podcast, Daniel Jeremiah and I have previously discussed how scouts will stand on the table for guys they believe will outperform their draft status. In the scouting world, these players are called "red star" guys because they are destined to make their mark in the league despite circumstances. After surveying the 2023 class for players with the right skills and intangibles to perform better than their draft grades, here are my five red-star prospects to watch. 5. Tyjae Spears: The electric playmaker is an ideal change-of-pace weapon at the next level. Spears' explosiveness as a runner-receiver could make him an intriguing option as an RB2 in an offense that needs a complementary back in the rotation.) (4-21-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-all-pros-pro-bowlers-and-overachievers-in-this-class
Lions have enticing RBs to choose from in deep NFL draft class (Tyjae Spears was ultra-productive at Tulane but has a history of knee injuries.) (4-20-23): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/20/detroit-lions-running-backs-nfl-draft-2023-david-montgomery-dandre-swift/70132005007/
2023 NFL draft: Potential Day 1 fit Bijan Robinson highlights RBs for Lions (In terms of another pure shifty Swift replacement, though? Tulane’s Tyjae Spears jumps to the top of the mind, with his joystick and home-run ability shining under the spotlight of Tulane’s Cotton Bowl win and his week at the Senior Bowl. Spears isn’t going to handle a heavy workload at the next level. But that doesn’t mean he couldn’t boost an offense on Day 1, even with a situation featuring Montgomery and Swift in the room for 2023. Spears ran for 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns, adding 22 catches for 256 yards and two scores last year. PFF had him forcing 63 missed tackles, adding 1,052 yards (sixth most in FBS) after contact.) (4-20-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/2023-nfl-draft-potential-day-1-fit-bijan-robinson-highlights-rbs-for-lions.html
NFL Draft prospects 2023: Ranking the top 10 running backs (10. Tyjae Spears, Tulane (5-10, 201 pounds): Spears is a high-upside change-of-pace back. He should continue to build on his open-field running and short-area receiving skills in the NFL. He can end up as another Alvin Kamara type. Mock draft projection: Saints, fourth round) (4-20-23): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2023-prospects-running-back-rankings/agu7havugaat9sakrthq98qm
MJD: Ranking 2023 NFL Draft RBs (System players - 6. Tyjae Spears: Spears amassed an impressive 1,581 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns in 2022 before winning the Cotton Bowl MVP Award with a 205-yard, four-TD performance in the comeback win over USC. He is explosive and powerful at the line of scrimmage yet elusive and quick when reaching the second level. Spears has potential to contribute in the pass game but must work on his consistency as a pass catcher to stay on the field for all three downs.) (4-19-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-running-backs-no-1-to-30
The 2023 All-Juice Team: Terez Paylor's legacy lives on with NFL Draft prospects he'd have loved (RB Tyjae Spears: Need a big play? Call Tyjae Spears. He was lightning in a bottle last season for Tulane, averaging a wild 6.9 yards per carry to go with 21 total touchdowns. Spears won’t be a bell cow-type running back in the NFL, but his ability to rip off chunks at a time would pair well with a team that has a sledgehammer to pair him with. Just watch his performance against USC. Yes, the Trojans had a terrible defense last season, but Spears looked like an NFL running back making people miss in the open field and finishing runs behind his shoulder pads.) (4-19-23): https://sports.yahoo.com/the-2023-all-juice-team-terez-paylors-legacy-lives-on-with-nfl-draft-prospects-hed-have-loved-140030559.html
Top 10 Running Backs in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jahmyr Gibbs and Tyjae Spears Firmly in Bijan Robinson’s Shadow (3. Tyjae Spears, Tulane: Although the gap between the top two backs is closer than Anthony Davis’ eyebrows (nine spots on PFN’s Big Board), the difference between No. 2 and No. 3 is wider than the one between Michael Strahan’s teeth (43 spots). But that’s not to say Tyjae Spears isn’t a talented back. Spears is the definition of a change-of-pace back, varying his strides to shock opponents in gaps and the open field. His nightmare-inducing change of direction has its downsides, as he is indecisive between the tackles. Yet, Spears’ ability to spear through defenses and leave them on their knees has a place on any team.) (4-15-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-top-10-running-backs/
2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top RB fits for the Lions (Tier 3 - Tyjae Spears (Tulane), 5-foot-10, 201 pounds
After the top two RBs, there is a cluster of talented backs to choose from in the pick 60-100 range. One of my favorites is Spears, who is one of the shiftiest and most explosive backs in this class. Spears suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in 2020 and takes some of the most violent-looking cuts you’ll see for someone as thin as he is, so teams will have to bear that risk in mind. How he fits: Change of pace back to complement Montgomery and good receiving threat. Potential Swift replacement. Round grade: Second/third round) (4-14-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/4/14/23677167/2023-nfl-draft-rankings-running-back-detroit-lions-bijan-robinson
A deeper look at the 2023 RB class: Ranking the best bell cows, scatbacks and more (RBBC — SPACE BACKS: These running backs are at their best when given room to work. They may not have the size or the running style to be ideal in the more physically demanding aspects of the running back position, but each is highly valuable nonetheless. 2. Tyjae Spears, Tulane: Spears and Evans aren’t as fast in a straight line but have similar easy dynamism. They’re all scraping right around the 200-pound mark, which gives them uphill battles in pass protection and taking on linebackers in the hole, but that’s why they are in an RBBC (running back by committee) section.) (4-12-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-deeper-look-at-the-2023-rb-class-ranking-the-best-bell-cows-scatbacks-and-more
2023 NFL draft: Louis Riddick's favorite prospects, sleepers (My Favorite Sleepers - Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: If Spears gets out of Round 2 -- which shouldn't happen but could -- then a team is getting great value on a Tony Pollard-like running back. Spears has the kind of toughness, elusiveness, stop/start acceleration and big-play capability that can ignite an offense at any moment. Spears (5-foot-10, 201 pounds) was the offensive star of the Senior Bowl practices this year in Mobile, Alabama, and there is sure to be more of that once the NFL season comes around.) (4-10-23): https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2023/story/_/id/36109804/2023-nfl-draft-louis-riddick-favorite-prospects-class-sleepers-watch-cj-stroud-jahmyr-gibbs-darnell-wright
2023 NFL Draft: Tyjae Spears scouting report (4-4-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-tyjae-spears-scouting-report/
2023 NFL draft big board: Running backs (7. Tyjae Spears, Tulane - The shifty Senior Bowl star brings electrifying footwork and instant acceleration. Good enough receiving skills to be a starting slot WR. Excellent in space, but not at all in tight quarters, as a runner.) (3-22-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-big-board-running-backs/
Tyjae Spears flashes the speed at Tulane's pro day (3-16-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2023/03/16/tyjae-spears-tulane-pro-day-nick-anderson-dorian-williams-2023-nfl-draft/
Best running backs available in the 2023 NFL Draft and free agency (8. Tyjae Spears, Tulane (98): Throughout this top 10, there are players who can be immediate starters in the NFL, with players like Tyjae Spears dominating at All-Star games and looking exceptionally fluid during the combine drills in Indianapolis.) (3-9-23): https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-running-backs-2023-nfl-draft-2023-free-agency
Prospects at 10 positions who saw their stock rise at the 2023 scouting combine (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: To nobody’s surprise, Tyjae Spears made my list, even without a forty-yard dash. To be honest, he really didn’t need to run because we already know how fast he plays. He has more than enough tape out there showing him outrun defenders. What makes Spears special is his lateral, short area quickness. Being a running back is not just about how you can outrun defenders, but they also have to block and run routes. Spears was able to run fluid routes with sudden movements. Spears is not looking to be a one trick pony. He wants to be on the field for all phases of an offense. One area where he needs to improve is his blocking. Since he is only 5-foot-9, taking a hit in the backfield all comes down to heart. I had a chance to ask him about one hit he took during the Senior Bowl, and on the next play he got right back up and continued to fight. “You gotta be a dawg, I was heated after that rep, I got kind of mad so, it’s all just being a dawg for real, I couldn’t go out like that!”) (3-7-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/pscouting-combine-stars-2023-nfl-draft/
2023 NFL Draft: Every top-10 running back's highest-graded season (TYJAE SPEARS, TULANE (Big board rank: 98/RB8, Best PFF grade: 90.2, 2022, 2022 Rushing yards: 1,586, 2022 Yards after contact per attempt: 4.6, 2022 Missed tackles forced on runs: 63, 2022 10-plus-yard runs: 35)) (3-8-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-running-backs-highest-graded-season
NFL Combine results: 10 standouts from the running backs group (Tyjae Spears, Tulane (5-foot-10, 201, no run) showed that he is an explosive cutter with fast feet and above-average change of direction skills. He provides a quarterback with a nice target, displays terrific body control, and shiftiness in space.) (3-6-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/6/23625811/2023-nfl-combine-results-10-standouts-running-backs-group
NFL Combine takeaways by position: Anthony Richardson's speed, Bryce Young's size & more we learned about 2023 draft (Running backs: Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and take your pick - To that end, Illinois' Chase Brown and Tulane's Tyjae Spears helped themselves the most with strong agility work.) (3-6-23): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2023-takeaways-anthony-richardson-bryce-young/ptpjkejssvw6s1dt6ghwfag0
Winners and losers among running backs (Winners - Tyjae Spears, Tulane: Spears tested well in the vertical and broad jumps but chose not to run the 40-yard dash. In the on-field portion of the afternoon, he looked really smooth. The most natural runners are those whose upper body is married to their lower body and Spears showed some of that, but to a lesser degree than Robinson.) (3-5-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2023-running-back-winners-and-losers-include-texas-bijan-robinson-alabamas-jahmyr-gibbs/
NFL combine: RBs not named Bijan the Lions should watch as on-field drills end (The Detroit Lions could be in the market for a running back this offseason. And most of that attention has centered on one outside name in the form of Texas running back Bijan Robinson. And that’s a segue into the joystick, swift-moving option out of Tulane. Tyjae Spears was the most electric player on the field at the Senior Bowl, and there is even more hidden in his tape. Spears helped lead the Green Wave to a win over USC in the Cotton Bowl, with 205 yards and four touchdowns that day. And he’s enjoyed the last couple of months in the spotlight. Spears measured 5-foot-9, 204 pounds in Mobile, so some durability concerns exist. But good luck getting him to the ground. He ran 229 times for 1,581 yards and 19 scores, adding 256 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2022. PFF ranked him 10th among all FBS running backs with enough reps. His 1,052 yards after contact were the fifth most, and those 63 missed tackles were in the top 20. And he’s well aware that making people miss is vital to his game and could separate him from the mid-round options. “That’s the thing, man, I’m not the biggest guy,” Spears said. “I got to make a lot of dudes miss. You don’t want that wear and tear on your body, so you got to manipulate your body through space.”) (3-5-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/03/nfl-combine-rbs-not-named-bijan-the-lions-should-watch-as-on-field-drills-end.html
Tyjae Spears looking to raise stock at NFL Combine after Senior Bowl breakout (3-4-23): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/tyjae-spears-tulane-nfl-combine-senior-bowl/trtqinksz8rljhouep7xkoig
Watching tape with Tyjae Spears, the most explosive back in the 2023 draft class (3-3-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-scoutinf-combine-tyjae-spears-senior-bowl/
Six sleepers to watch during the 2023 scouting combine drills (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: Spears was the epicenter of the Green Wave’s offense in 2022, gaining 1586 yards and scoring 19 touchdowns on just 231 carries. He forced 63 missed tackles and had 21 carries of 15 or more yards. The straight-line speed is impressive, but where Spears should really show up is in the agility drills, because he’s just so hard to deal with when he changes direction.) (2-28-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-scouting-combine-sleepers/
2023 NFL combine preview: 15 future fantasy football stars to watch (Tyjae Spears, Tulane: Spears' stock is on the rise, after an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. In possession of what Bowen refers to as "big-play juice," Spears is explosive as both a runner and a receiver. He has the potential to contribute immediately on third downs. He figures to wow in the 40-yard dash and 20-yard shuttle.) (2-27-23): https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/story/_/id/35747281/2023-nfl-combine-fantasy-football-players-watch
Brooks: 10 draft prospects to watch at the combine (Spears: The electric runner displays remarkable stop-start quickness and short-area burst. In addition, Spears has impressed as a versatile playmaker with the potential to impact the game as a runner and receiver. Given another opportunity to shine in front of NFL coaches and scouts after a magnificent performance at the Senior Bowl, this explosive playmaker could drive up his value in a crowded running back class.) (2-24-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-scouting-combine-quentin-johnston-kelee-ringo-among-10-prospects-i-can-
2023 NFL Draft: Prospects who could shine at the scouting combine (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: Tyjae Spears rose his stock considerably at the Senior Bowl last month and expect more of that at the combine. Spears is one of the most explosive offensive prospects in this year’s draft. Right now, he is sitting 13th in the DraftWire running back big board; but that is because, in 2020, he suffered a season-ending knee injury after only playing in three games. In 2021, Spears rushed over 100 yards in four of the last five games of the season. He ran for 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns in the 2022 season and caught 22 receptions for 256 yards and two touchdowns. So not only can Spears run from behind the line of scrimmage, but he’s also a fantastic pass catcher. It really doesn’t matter if Spears has the ball or not, he’s going to get space in the open field. He does this with his bend, flexibility and explosive movements. Spears showed how sudden he makes his cuts when changing direction which should prove to increase his stock in the agility drills. This is the drill where Spears can show his quick feet, balance and jump cuts.) (2-22-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/scouting-combine-prospects-tyjae-spears-jalin-hyatt/
2023 NFL Combine preview: 12 RBs the Lions should be watching (Tyjae Spears, Tulane (5-foot-11, 195): Spears is one of this class's biggest risers after his performance at the Senior Bowl. While he doesn’t possess Achane or Gibbs’ speed, he’s plenty fast and has tremendous contact balance. With experience in gap and zone-blocking schemes, and the patience to work in both, he would fit in immediately with the Lions’ approach to the run game.) (2-21-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/2/21/23605325/2023-nfl-combine-preview-12-running-backs-detroit-lions-watch
2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Running back (8. TYJAE SPEARS, TULANE (BIG BOARD RANK: 100): Spears has the kind of dynamism everyone is looking for at the position, but he has the kind of playstyle that has a history of looking a lot better in college than it does in the NFL.) (2-21-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-running-back
6 Running Backs for Lions to Watch at 2023 Scouting Combine (Tyjae Spears, Tulane: Spears was the key to a Tulane team that shocked the country in 2022, capped off with a win in the Cotton Bowl over USC. He followed that up with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Spears has another opportunity to perform well at the combine, which would help further boost his stock. He’s a small but speedy runner who can also contribute in the passing game. He’s worth a watch in Indianapolis, to evaluate whether he possesses the traits to be a big-time contributor at the next level.) (2-20-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-combine-preview-running-backs
2023 NFL combine: Could the Lions use a first-round pick on RB Bijan Robinson? (Tyjae Spears, Tulane: He was outstanding at Tulane last season, running for 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns while helping lead Tulane to a 12-win campaign and top-10 finish. He was even better in his final game, outrunning USC for 205 yards. Then he went to the Senior Bowl, a showcase that has been very good to the Lions over the years -- netting them current starters like safety Kerby Joseph and guard Jonah Jackson -- and was the best, most elusive back on the field. If the Lions are searching for more speed and pass-catching ability on the final day of the draft, Spears could make so much sense.) (2-20-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/02/2023-nfl-combine-could-the-lions-use-a-first-round-pick-on-rb-bijan-robinson.html
NFL Draft 2023: Breaking Down 6 RBs Who Made February TDN100 (Tyjae Spears RB, Tulane (No. 97): Thanks to Joe Marino, Spears was on my radar well before the Senior Bowl a few weeks ago. That said, seeing and experiencing his dynamic speed and cutting ability in person was more than I imagined. Spears has the long speed to gash defenses for chunk gains. He is an “angle-breaker” because his speed allows him to erase pursuit angles by flowing defenders. He was dominant in Mobile and showcased his receiving upside as an NFL prospect.) (2-16-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-draft-2023-rb-breakdown-tdn100/
2023 Combine preview: Running back (Combine sleeper to watch: Tyjae Spears, Tulane, 5-10, 204. It was too bad Texas running back Roschon Johnson got hurt at the Senior Bowl because I would have liked to see who had the better week between him and Spears. With no Johnson after just one day of practice (broken hand), Spears was the clear No. 1 back in Mobile. Every day it seemed like he'd break off a huge run, which came on the heels of a 205-yard, four touchdown performance against USC in Tulane's bowl win to end Spears' college career.) (2-15-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-combine-preview-running-back-robinson-gibbs-charbonnet
2023 NFL Draft: How teams should copy Super Bowl champion Chiefs by adding similarly skilled prospects (Lightning-charged, later-round running back - For Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco. 2023 prospects to fit this role: Tulane's Tyjae Spears, East Carolina's Keaton Mitchell, Pittsburgh's Israel Abanikanda. When all is said and done, Spears will probably be picked much earlier than Pacheco was (Round 7). However, they're comparable running back prospects who aren't exceptionally big but run with so much speed-to-power conversion. We normally use that term strictly for defensive linemen, but it absolutely holds true with someone who runs like Pacheco. Spears is very fast in the open field -- he'll hit home runs in the NFL.) (2-13-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-2023-lessons-teams-can-learn-from-the-chiefs-and-eagles-including-prioritizing-offensive-line/
How High Could Tyjae Spears Go In 2023 NFL Draft? (2-9-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/how-high-could-tyjae-spears-go-in-2023-nfl-draft/
20 Players Who Raised NFL Draft Stock During All-Star Games (Tyjae Spears RB, Tulane: Spears was an electric talent all season long and carried it into the Senior Bowl where he was arguably the best player at the event. Looked upon strictly as a change-of-pace talent before the start of the campaign, his ability to create within the tackles, in space in the passing game, and in pass pro, has showcased a player that should holster snaps from whatever offense he lands in.) (2-8-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-draft-2023-all-star-standouts/
2023 NFL Draft: Tyjae Spears Makes Massive Impact at Senior Bowl (2-7-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-tyjae-spears-makes-massive-impact-at-senior-bowl
Biggest 2023 NFL Draft risers from the Shrine and Senior bowls (RB TYJAE SPEARS, TULSA: Spears was the most impressive back from the Senior Bowl group. He had two of the biggest runs of the week during practices, which went into him accumulating the most rushing yards from scrimmage on the week. His ability to accelerate and change direction on his cuts was impressive. He rushed for more than 1,500 yards with 19 touchdowns this past season. It’s a deep running back class once again this draft cycle, but Spears will be a fan favorite no matter where he goes.) (2-7-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-risers-shrine-senior-bowls
2023 Senior Bowl: 32 Players Sure To Make NFL Impact with Projections (RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane [Projection: Round 2]: The explosive Tulane runner showed up to Mobile with jet fuel rockets strapped to his ankles—Spears ran as if he were shot out of a cannon this week. He presents an exciting blend of burst, vision, and speed, is a capable pass-catcher and is a willing blocker; he looks like a top 50 talent.) (2-5-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-senior-bowl-32-players-sure-to-make-nfl-impact-with-projections
Senior Bowl 2023: 10 players who made big impressions this week (8. Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane — Spears was the hands-down best player of the week during Senior Bowl practices, picking up right where he left off in his star-making performance vs. USC in the Cotton Bowl. It was a very good year for Senior Bowl running backs, with the elusive and lightning-quick Spears the best of a loaded group that also included Illinois’ Chase Brown, Oklahoma’s Eric Gray, Northwestern’s Evan Hull and Kentucky’s Chris Rodriguez.) (2-4-23): https://www.mlive.com/sports/2023/02/senior-bowl-2023-10-players-who-made-big-impressions-this-week.html
Final Risers From the 2023 Senior Bowl Include Tyjae Spears, Jayden Reed (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: There wasn’t a more electric player at the Senior Bowl this year than Tyjae Spears. He turned heads with his measurement first, coming in at 204 pounds. Then he showed he could retain his explosiveness and quick twitch at that size, dashing through lanes, routing up linebackers, and improving in pass protection. His week was a stellar one.) (2-4-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/final-risers-from-the-2023-senior-bowl-include-tyjae-spears-jayden-reed/
WATCH: Tulane RB Tyjae Spears makes defender look silly with ridiculous route (2-4-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2023/02/02/nfl-draft-senior-bowl-highlights-tyjae-spears-tulane/
2023 Senior Bowl Practice Winners: Tyjae Spears and Nathaniel ‘Tank’ Dell Stand Out Most at Their Positions (Tyjae Spears, Tulane | Running Back: Tyjae Spears was as good as advertised and, in some respects, even better. From the first day of practice, scouts could see Spears was the real deal, and the game film was not fraudulent. His running style is superb, as is his vision, quickness, and speed. Added to all the great skills he displayed carrying the ball, Spears put a shake-and-bake move during a route in pass-catching drills on Wednesday, leaving his opponent twisting in the wind. Spears caught the pass, sprinted to the end zone, and had the crowd oohing and aahing. The question about Spears after three days of practice? Does he now move into the second round?) (2-4-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-senior-bowl-practice-winners-tyjae-spears-and-nathaniel-tank-dell-stand-out-most-at-their-positions/
NFL Draft 2023 All Senior Bowl Team (Tyjae Spears, Tulane – The momentum Spears had over the course of his final eight games at Tulane was on full display in Mobile, Alabama. Averaging an amazing 8.4 ypc on 151 carries for 1,269 and 13 touchdowns over eight games, he carried on his hot streak, ripping off long runs with burst out of the backfield. Spears was exceptional. Standing just under six feet (5-foot-9, 204-pounds), he proved to be furious in pass protection. Pound for pound, tough as nails.) (2-4-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2023-all-senior-bowl-team
2023 Senior Bowl: Biggest winners at every position (RB: Tyjae Spears, Tulane: While undersized, Spears’ performances were big enough to overshadow the measurables. On the ground, Spears ran quick cuts, burst into the hole, and had the ability to make defenders miss in space. He busted loose for a big carry on Wednesday. Spears also raised eyebrows in the passing game, running slick routes to put defenders on skates and catching everything thrown in his direction with his 10-inch hands.) (2-4-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-senior-bowl-nfl-draft-winners-jayden-reed-tyjae-spears/
TWENTYMAN: 10 players who impressed at Senior Bowl practices (5. RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane: At 5-foot-9, 201 pounds, Spears told detroitlions.com his goal was to prove he can be a three-down back at the next level. I thought he held his own as a blocker, was terrific as a receiver, and showed off some big-play ability in the run game. This is a really good class of running backs and Spears proved he belongs among the top names.) (2-3-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-players-who-impressed-at-senior-bowl-reed-brooks-torrence
Senior Bowl Day 3 Practice Recap, Risers & Fallers (Tyjae Spears (RB – Tulane): Flashed all week long – I think he’s the biggest winner of the event. On Thursday, he once again set out to dispel a potential myth in his evaluation – that he couldn’t contribute on third-downs in the NFL. Spears’ strengths, obvious as they were on film, were equally obvious in Mobile. What impressed the most, arguably, was his addressing, one-by-one, the questions in his eval. And on Thursday, once again, he displayed receiving chops that weren’t as obvious on his film – which may have simply been a collegiate usage thing. Not only did Spears take profits with his easy pass-catching reps, but he showed route-running chops nobody gave him credit for coming into the week, and he caught multiple balls outside his frame before seamlessly turning upfield.
– Thor Nystrom) (2-3-23): https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/02/senior-bowl-day-3-practice-recap-risers-fallers/
– Thor Nystrom) (2-3-23): https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/02/senior-bowl-day-3-practice-recap-risers-fallers/
2023 Senior Bowl stock report: How potential fits for Lions fared at practices (Trending Up - Tulane RB Tyjae Spears: I didn’t expect to have a running back on this list, as these were tackle-free practices. But I also didn’t expect to see anyone move and make people miss in open space like Tyjae Spears. The former Tulane standout showed an elite ability at making second-level cuts as one of the standouts from Day 2 of practices. And for those compiling a clip of top plays from those three days of work, it’s possible Spears would have multiple on that list. The one that sticks out is when Spears caught a low screen pass, sprinted toward the sideline, made a couple of moves and then finished it off with the burners for the long score. He also had one of the more memorable routes of the week, leaving the defender lost at the 35-yard line for the easy score. Spears ran for 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns while helping lead Tulane to a 12-win campaign and top-10 finish. Running back is an interesting position for the Lions, with D’Andre Swift having one year on his contract and Jamaal Williams, a pending free agent. Spears put people on notice this past week in Mobile, though.) (2-3-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/02/2023-senior-bowl-stock-report-how-potential-fits-for-lions-fared-at-practices.html
Tulane RB Tyjae Spears' 51-yard TD run at American Team practice wows Jeremiah, Davis (2-2-23): https://www.nfl.com/videos/tulane-rb-tyjae-spears-51-yard-td-run-at-american-team-practice-wows-jeremiah-da
2023 Senior Bowl: Daniel Jeremiah's top 10 NFL draft winners from week of practice (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: Spears was the best running back in Mobile, whether he was toting the rock or catching it. He popped a long run during Wednesday's practice and when he's matched up against a safety one on one, the defender can't even get a finger on him. He's bigger and stronger than I expected.) (2-2-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-senior-bowl-daniel-jeremiah-s-top-10-nfl-draft-winners-from-week-of-practic
2023 Senior Bowl Practice Recap: Day 2 (Tulane RB Tyjae Spears: Although it's difficult for running backs to truly showcase their skill sets in the All-Star game practices, Spears stands out above the rest. RB TYJAE SPEARS, TULANE: It’s tough for running backs to really show their skills during the practices of All-Star events. In games, they are allowed to fight through contact and really do their jobs to the fullest. But with limited contact in practices, it’s tough to really showcase what teams will want to see from you. Well, no one told Tyjae Spears that because he has still been turning heads all week. His one-cut ability is deadly for opposing defenses, often leaving tacklers in the dust, like in the play below. It’s a loaded running back class, but some NFL team is getting a good one in Spears.) (2-2-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-senior-bowl-practice-recap-day-2
Tulane RB Tyjae Spears turning heads at Senior Bowl (2-1-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-senior-bowl-tyjae-spears-tulane/
2023 Senior Bowl Day 2 standouts: NFL draft buzz for WR Nathaniel 'Tank' Dell, LB Daiyan Henley (5) Tulane's Tyjae Spears looking sharp as receiver. It's going to be hard to slow down the Spears hype train this week. The Tulane running back has been one of the early stars at the Senior Bowl, making impressive plays two days in a row. On Wednesday, Spears had a few eye-opening plays. He slipped on a run play during 9-on-7 work, and it looked like he might go down for no gain, but he regained his balance, shifted his weight and picked up yardage. He also stood tall in receiving and pass-blocking drills, and ripped off a long touchdown run late in the session. Two things have stood out: Spears has looked quick at 204 pounds (after playing in the 190s last season, he said) and has done well catching the ball. At Tulane, Spears was often an afterthought as a receiving option, catching only 28 passes in his first 22 college games. A two-game spell last season against Southern Mississippi and Houston offered a glimpse of that ability, with Spears catching a combined 11 passes for 159 yards and a TD. Spears said Wednesday he never asked the Green Wave coaches for more chances as a receiver. Why? Because he said it wasn't his job to decide how the offense was run. "I never tried to put myself in the coach's shoes because there are so many things you've got to put into the equation," Spears said. "I can't just go to (them) and say, 'Hey, use me (as a receiver) out of the backfield. I am not that player. I'll let you figure it out." It appears the American team coaches have figured it out. Expect Spears to get even more chances to catch the ball as the week continues.) (2-1-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-senior-bowl-day-2-standouts-nfl-draft-buzz-for-wr-nathaniel-tank-dell-lb-da
TWENTYMAN: Senior Bowl Day 2 observations (Big Play Spears: Tulane running back Tyjae Spears has had a really nice first two days of practice, but he really showed out Wednesday at the American Team practice. He broke off a long touchdown in a team period late in practice. He was also a big part of the passing game in 7-on-7 drills and held his own in RB-LB pass-block drills. This is a great class of running backs in the draft and here at the Senior Bowl, and Spears is really helping himself this week.) (2-1-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-senior-bowl-day-2-observations-johnson-reed-hooker
Senior Bowl Day 2 observations: Potential Lions fit CB Kyu Blu Kelly shines (Tulane running back Tyjae Spears put the bow on another solid day. Spears flashed his ability in space on a screen to open the practices yesterday. And then he took that to another level to end the second day of sessions for the American team. Spears’ ability to make cuts and reads at the second level have been remarkable. He broke a long run, making multiple people miss, and later took a screen to the house. Spears made the low catch out of the backfield, broke toward the sideline and then cut back through the middle of the field. And while there isn’t any tackling in these practices, it’s hard to imagine anyone getting to him to the ground on those looks.) (2-1-23): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/02/senior-bowl-day-2-observations-potential-lions-fit-cb-kyu-blu-kelly-shines.html
Senior Bowl standouts on Day 1: The offense (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: Tyjae Spears plays like he’s shot out of a cannon every time he touches the ball. Today, he was one of the best running backs on the field. He was taking clean handoffs, not hesitating when finding his lanes up the middle, and he caught screen passes in the open field with a fluid motion. Spears is a five-foot-9, 204-pound back who ended his 2022 season with 1,581 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns, 6.9 yards per carry. Over his last five games of the season, he rushed for over 100+ yards in four of them.) (2-1-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/senior-bowl-standouts/
Senior Bowl running backs expected to impress this week (Spears (5-9, 204) ran for 205 yards in Tulane's bowl win over USC and was named the AAC Offensive Player of the Year. He rushed for nearly 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. "I want to run my own race (this week) and prove to myself and many other scouts that I'm a three-down back," Spears said after Tuesday's American Team practice. "Run the ball, block, catch the ball out of the backfield. Do the whole nine.") (2-1-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/senior-bowl-running-backs-expected-to-impress-this-week-johnson-mcintosh-spears
Thor Nystrom’s Senior Bowl Day 2 Practice Recap (Tulane RB Tyjae Spears, outlined above in the winner’s section, spoke with Crissy Froyd and I on Wednesday morning about how he’s gained weight since the season ended for the pre-draft process. Spears, who was listed this past season at 195 pounds, said he played the bowl game against USC at 197 pounds. He said he put on the extra seven pounds to get him to his Senior Bowl weigh-in number of 204 over the past four weeks in training.) (2-1-23): https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/02/senior-bowl-day-2-practice-recap-winners-losers-2023/
5 things to watch: 2023 Senior Bowl (Oklahoma's Eric Gray (1,366 yards) and Tulane's Tyjae Spears (1,581) are also backs to keep and eye on.) (1-31-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-2023-senior-bowl-duggan-mcintosh-harrison
2023 Senior Bowl: Group of Five NFL Draft Prospects Include Rashee Rice, Tyjae Spears, and More (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: The Tulane Green Wave has washed over college football this fall, making the Cotton Bowl champions one of the fairytale stories of the season. If the program is akin to a Disney story, then running back Tyjae Spears is the heroic leading protagonist. The Green Wave has truly flown through his dynamic playmaking ability, resulting in 21 total TDs and 1,837 yards in 2022. Furthermore, he’s never averaged less than six yards per carry in his entire Tulane career. Spears is explosive and fast. He’s got good vision and cut ability. Meanwhile, he can lower his shoulder to initiate contact or extend runs with excellent contact balance. A dynamic weapon as a receiver, too, Spears is comfortably one of the best Group of Five NFL Draft prospects at the Senior Bowl.) (1-31-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/group-of-five-nfl-draft-prospects-2023-senior-bowl/
Senior Bowl Day 1 observations: Towering Ohio State OL Dawand Jones dominates (On the flip side, Tulane’s Tyjae Spears had an impressive catch-and-run on a screen, hitting another level to break away from defenders.) (1-31-23):https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/02/senior-bowl-day-1-observations-towering-ohio-state-ol-dawand-jones-dominates.html
Senior Bowl notebook: Day 1 observations and first impressions (The Lions could very well be in the market for a running back in the draft. There are quite a few in Mobile that should merit deeper attention. The biggest standout was Tulane’s Tyjae Spears. A lightning-quick, aggressive runner, Spears electrifies in space with the ball in his hands. His acceleration and sharp cut at full speed on a screen pass brought back memories of Reggie Bush at his Lions best.) (1-31-23): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/senior-bowl-notebook-day-1-observations-and-first-impressions/
2023 Senior Bowl: Without a deep QB class, a pair of offensive skill players stand out on Day 1 (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane (CBSSports.com prospect ranking: No. 11 RB (159th overall)): Spears may have flown under the radar for much of the season at Tulane, but he stood out as one of the best players on the field here Tuesday. For the Green Wave, Spears was a workhorse back with low miles (he had 229 carries in 2022 compared to just 178 in the three previous years). He runs low to the ground and plays like a much bigger back (he weighed in at 5-foot-9, 204 pounds) who also happens to have home-run abilities because of his short-area quickness and top-end acceleration. Added bonus: He's a legit threat in the passing game, which was on full display on Day 1, when he caught everything thrown his way. We had a Day 2 grade on Spears coming into the week, and we've talked to several teams that expect him to get drafted Friday. The only question is how high he could end up going.) (1-31-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-senior-bowl-without-a-deep-qb-class-a-pair-of-offensive-skill-players-stand-out-on-day-1/
Tuesday 2023 Senior Bowl Team Practice Report: Jaelyn Duncan and Dawand Jones Dominate (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: Tyjae Spears gave everyone on hand what they expected to see at the Senior Bowl — several long runs and the ability to take it the distance. Spears’ whole running style is impressive, from the patience he shows waiting for blocks to develop, to the vision he possesses and the ability to hit the hole with authority. The fact he’s a slightly shorter ball carrier who runs behind his pads allows Spears to get lost in the traffic and hide behind his linemen.) (1-31-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tuesday-2023-senior-bowl-team-practice-report-jaelyn-duncan-and-dawand-jones-dominate/
2023 Senior Bowl preview: Burning questions for NFL scouts hitting Mobile (Gray and Tulane's Tyjae Spears figure to have a lot to gain, too. After a down 2021 season, Gray used his terrific vision and jump-cut ability to break out again for the Sooners in 2022. A strong week could vault him into the Day 2 discussion. Spears is a fascinating prospect who ripped off eight straight 100-yard rushing games to close out Tulane's dream 2022 season, including the stunning Cotton Bowl win over USC in which he ran for 205 yards and four scores.) (1-30-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-senior-bowl-preview-burning-questions-for-nfl-scouts-hitting-mobile
2023 Senior Bowl Preview: Offense (Most to Gain: Tyjae Spears. Spears is a polarizing prospect. I’ve been a fan of his for years – when he flashes, hide your eyes or you’ll temporarily lose your vision. This past year, those flashes turned into consistent production. The never-Spears camp will say he’s a durability concern (ACL in 2020). They’ll say he has a skinny build that may not be able to handle the full load. They’ll say he has questionable third-down utility besides, and that he has no special-teams experience. With running backs, there’s a natural element to the best ones. An innate ability. Something that cannot be taught, something they couldn’t explain after the fact if they tried. Poetry in motion. You know it when you see it. Spears has that. He’s super explosive. He’s eyes-in-his-ear-holes instinctive. He makes the correct decisions at high speeds like a NASCAR driver. He consistently clowns defenders in the open field. I can’t tell you how many times last season I saw him leave an open-field defender on the ground who didn’t come close to getting a finger on him. Tyjae Spears plays his position like a boxer. A jab is not a jab – it is setting up the hook, or an upper-cut. And it’s not just on any given run. Watch any of his games start-to-finish from last year. Notice how he’ll offer certain looks early. And then use the doubt introduced into the defender’s head to set up his next open-field subterfuge. Spears does not slow down as the game progresses. But his opponents do, and they additionally become progressively more unsure of their decisions against him in space. Their feet tend to get stuck to the turf or tied into knots as Spears introduces his newest Guitar Hero flurry. Spears isn’t a clean prospect. He’s just a natural one. That’s why he has as much on the line as any back heading into Mobile. He’s not going to convert the never-Spears camp. That shouldn’t be the goal. The goal is to get evaluators who already like his game to fall head-over-heels.) (1-28-23): https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/01/2023-senior-bowl-preview-offense/
Senior Bowl 2023 RB Primer: What You Need To Know (Tyjae Spears: A secret to the public for some time, Spears’ three-down value was put under a national spotlight as the Green Wave maneuvered its way into the top 25 this fall. A small-statured back at 5-foot-10, he rushed for nearly 1,600 yards with 19 touchdowns this fall. Producing against the top draft-eligible seniors in the country will be big in proving to the league he wasn’t just the best athlete on the field at all times against lower-level competition.) (1-24-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/senior-bowl-2023-rb-primer/
Top Running Backs at the 2023 Senior Bowl Include Kenny McIntosh and Chase Brown (4. Tyjae Spears, Tulane: The fastest running back in Mobile, Tyjae Spears is a late addition and a potential fast riser within the draft community. Spears hits his highest speed quickly and can outrun anyone to the sidelines or the end zone. He’s a menace to bring down with his compact frame that will pop you in the chest or simply leave defenders grasping for air. Spears is certainly not the biggest player on the field, but he’ll make his mark in Mobile and, ultimately, in the NFL very soon.) (1-23-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-running-backs-at-the-2023-senior-bowl/
2023 Senior Bowl roster reveal: What you need to know (Tulane's Tyjae Spears finished with eight straight 100-yard rushing efforts, including 205 yards and four TDs in the Cotton Bowl comeback win over USC.) (1-10-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-senior-bowl-roster-reveal-what-you-need-to-know
Top 15 2023 NFL Draft prospect performances from college football bowl season (6. RB TYJAE SPEARS, TULANE GREEN WAVE: Tulane’s Cotton Bowl victory over No. 10 USC was the first New Year’s Six bowl win for the Green Wave since 1938. The biggest reason for that historic win was Tyjae Spears. The junior’s four rushing touchdowns were two more than any other player in bowl season. His 137 yards after contact trailed only Frank Gore Jr., as did his 12.1 yards per attempt. Spears is a fourth-round prospect on PFF’s big board.) (1-9-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-15-2023-nfl-draft-prospect-performances-college-football-bowl-season
2023 NFL Draft: A Post-Cotton Bowl Look at Tulane’s Top 2023 NFL Draft Prospects (Beginning on the offensive side of the football, it all starts with Tyjae Spears, the superstar tailback out of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Spears was electric in the Cotton Bowl, rushing 17 times for 205 yards and four touchdowns against a solid USC defense. He is listed at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, which is perhaps a bit smaller than ideal for the NFL, but by no means a red flag in terms of size. Spears has excellent ballcarrier vision and patience; his understanding of how to leverage his blockers resembles that of a running back with many more years under his belt. He frequently breaks tackles, and while he does not appear to have elite speed, Spears should be fine at the next level. He projects as a potential fifth-to-seventh-round pick without too much tread on his tires. Spears is one of Tulane's best draft prospects. (Spears was also voted the American Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of the Year and holds the unique distinction of being the first non-quarterback to win the award.)) (1-6-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-a-post-cotton-bowl-look-at-tulanes-top-2023-nfl-draft-prospects
Max Duggan, CJ Stroud and 6 other NFL Draft prospects with most to gain in New Year’s bowls (Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane, 5-10, 195, junior, has not declared: Needless to say, there will be plenty of attention heaped on Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, but given the fact that he is a sophomore and ineligible for the NFL Draft until at least 2024, the award-winner scouts will have their eyes on the most in this year's Cotton Bowl is Spears, the first non-quarterback to ever be named Offensive Player of the Year in the American Athletic Conference. Spears isn't just good, he's hot, having rushed for more than 120 yards in seven consecutive games to push Tulane to an 11-2 record and a No. 14 ranking in the AP Poll. Spears isn't the most physically intimidating back in the country, but he changes directions like a hummingbird, darting laterally and stop-starting to elude would-be tacklers. The true junior, who has yet to announce his intentions for next year, showed UCF in the AAC Championship Game just a few weeks ago the elusiveness that will, sooner or later, earn him NFL interest. Spears is facing a USC defense angry after surrendering 223 yards and three touchdowns in a 47-24 beatdown by Utah in the Pac-12 title game. ) (12-29-22): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/max-duggan-cj-stroud-and-6-other-nfl-draft-prospects-with-most-to-gain-in-new-years-bowls
NFL Draft News and Rumors: Michigan Duo Mazi Smith, Mike Morris Mulling Draft Decision, and Ole Miss RB Zach Evans to Return? (Tyjae Spears, Tulane: Tyjae Spears of Tulane is going through the process, and he’s considering making the move to the next level. In fact, several tell me the running back will enter the draft. Spears had a spectacular season, totaling 1376 rushing yards with 15 TDs. He also caught 21 passes. Over the past three seasons, Spears is averaging just under 7 yards per carry on 378 attempts. He’ll be a terrific third-down back/situational runner, and Spears should be selected during the back end of day two if he eventually enters the draft.) (12-15-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-news-and-rumors-underclassmen-update-mazi-smith-will-rogers-more/
2022 All-AAC College Football Team and Individual Honors (2022 All-AAC Football Team Honors - Offensive Player of the Year: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane. AAC Offense Honors - Running Back of the Year: Tyjae Spears, Tulane. First-Team All-AAC Offense - RB: Tyjae Spears, Tulane) (12-6-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/all-aac-college-football-team-and-individual-honors-2022/
2022 PFF College All-AAC Team: Houston QB Clayton Tune, Cincinnati LB Ivan Pace Jr. and more (FIRST TEAM Offense - RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane) (12-2-22): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2022-all-aac-team-houston-clayton-tune-cincinnati-ivan-pace
College Football Week 12 Stock Exchange: USC Usurps Pac-12 Title Chances (Stock Up: Tulane Green Wave - Tulane came into Week 12 in must-win mode if they wanted to keep their conference championship hopes alive. Coming off a loss to UCF, the Green Wave now snuck toward a potential postseason whirlpool in SMU. The Mustangs’ high-octane offense has been a problem for teams all season, but it didn’t phase Tulane in the slightest. On Thursday night, in primetime, Tulane beat SMU 59-24. Michael Pratt and Tyjae Spears combined for eight touchdowns, and the Tulane defense held star receiver Rashee Rice to six catches for 41 yards.) (11-24-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-12-stock-exchange-usc-usurps-pac-12-title-chances/
College Football Week 12 Live Reactions, Results, and Takeaways (Week 11 riser Tyjae Spears of Tulane turned in another massive performance on Thursday night. Against SMU, the redshirt sophomore running back totaled 121 rushing yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns. He is developing into an outstanding third-down back/rotational ball carrier for the next level. TP) (11-19-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-12-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/
Byron Young, Jared Verse Include Week 11 2023 NFL Draft Risers (Sleeper Prospect: Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane - I wrote glowingly about Spears, a redshirt sophomore, during my Tulane summer preview, and he has not disappointed. He’s continued to be the primary offensive force for Tulane and has shown a lot of improvement in his game. Spears popped off another outstanding performance in the loss to UCF on Saturday, rushing for 130 yards on just eight carries. The prior week against Tulsa, he totaled 157 rushing yards on 14 carries. For the year, Spears has 10 rushing TDs and is averaging close to six yards per carry. He’s a smaller, creative ball handler with great quickness and balance and the ability to run to daylight. Graded as a sixth-round prospect entering the season, Spears is a rotational/third-down back who will move up draft boards as he continues to progress on the field.) (11-14-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-risers-sliders-cfb-week-11-2022/
Week 8 Prospect Stock Report (Rising Tide Of Green: - Tulane RB Tyjae Spears: A game about the team as a whole now puts Tulaneat 7-1 and is winning games in an extremely impressive fashion. Outside of their one loss, Tulane has overwhelmed opponents with a tough and physical brand of football. They play sound, disciplined football on both sides of the ball and win because of it. Offensively they aren’t going to wow anyone, at they also aren’t going to give a game away. Michael Pratt is a smart and technical quarterback who can make plays with his arms and legs but also knows what is needed at any time of the game. Their best player on offense is running back Tyjae Spears. He is the motor that keeps everything moving, and so far, he seems very hard to slow down. The American Conference has gotten more attention and is only improving, but Tulane has been a forgotten team. Now they are in a position to win the conference while everyone else is scratching their head, wondering how it happened.) (10-24-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/2023-nfl-draft-week-8-stock-report
AAC 2023 NFL Draft prospects and scouting reports (Tyjae Spears, RB | Grade: 3.32 | Projected Round: 6 - Redshirt sophomore Tyjae Spears is a small but speedy ball carrier, who possesses a terrific upside. His athleticism and versatility lend me to believe he’ll be viewed as a third-down back moving forward.) (8-23-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/aac-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-scouting-reports/
2023 NFL Draft: Tulane RB Tyjae Spears Has Early-Round Potential (8-21-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/player-interviews/2023-nfl-draft-tulane-rb-tyjae-spears-has-early-round-potential
Tulane’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by Sincere Haynesworth, Tyjae Spears (Tyjae Spears, RB: When he’s healthy, there might not be a more explosive offensive player for Tulane than running back Tyjae Spears. Although his first two seasons were hampered, he’s never averaged less than six yards per carry in any of his three years with the program. He’s explosive and fast. However, Spears also has the ability to be physical, whether by lowing his shoulder to initiate contact or extending runs with impressive contact balance. Expect him to be the leading offensive weapon and a genuine 2023 NFL Draft prospect.) (June 23, 2022): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tulanes-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-led-by-sincere-haynesworth-tyjae-spears/
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