From now until the 2023 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top 10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents. Today, I’ll be profiling Tulane RB Tyjae Spears.
#22 Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane (SR) – 5095, 204LBS
Senior Bowl Invite
Measurements
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Tyjae Spears | 5’9 204lbs | 10 | 30 5/8 | 74 |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| N/A | N/A |
The Good
— Patient runner that allows his blocks to form in front of him
— Superb vision to find the correct lane and cut upfield
— Doesn’t dance behind the LOS; finds his gap and gets north and south immediately
— Has the speed to catch the edge on outside runs, with the wisdom to cut upfield if a gap presents itself
— Has great ability to create positive yards for himself if his blocking breaks down
— Gritty runner, doesn’t shy away from contact and seemingly always falls forward
— Dangerous in the open field with diverse arsenal to elude or break tackles
— Solid as a receiver with clear potential to become more dangerous
The Bad
— Narrow frame cause for durability concerns
— Lacks experience in pass protection, often subbed out in obvious passing situations
— Doesn’t possess breakaway speed
— Average explosion through the hole and off his cut upfield
Bio
— Birthday: June 15, 2001 (21 years old)
— Three-star recruit out of Louisiana
— Majored in Health and Wellness
— Capped his final season at Tulane with eight straight games of 100+ yards rushing
— Saved his best performance for last, rushing for 205 yards and 4 touchdowns on 17 carries against USC in Cotton Bowl, winning Offensive MVP of the game
— 2022 season earned him AAC Offensive Player of the Year: 213 carries, 1,528 yards and 19 touchdowns with 20 receptions for 252 yards and two touchdowns
— Career Stats: 411 carries for 2,857 yards and 31 touchdowns with 46 receptions for 560 yards and three touchdowns
Tape Breakdown
It certainly doesn’t take long to realize why Tyjae Spears is one of the sharpest risers in the 2023 NFL Draft Class when you turn on his tape.