Tyjae Spears has drawn the dreaded change of pace running back label from some, and at 5-9 and 201 pounds, I can understand that, but I can’t agree with it. Watching Spears’ tape it’s impossible to come away with the idea that he can only be used as a spell back. Instead, I am reminded of a player he profiles very similarly too from a frame standpoint and in some ways from a stylistic play standpoint — Packers running back Aaron Jones. Prior to Green Bay drafting A.J. Dillon, Jones earned a bigger workload than expected when he was drafted on Day 3 and he more than proved he could handle it while remaining just as impactful as both a runner and receiver.
Spears surprised some when he operated as a true workhorse back in 2022 and the clear focal point of Tulane’s turnaround (and for their program a breakout) 2022 season. He racked up 1,586 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on the season. A ridiculous amount of Spears’ rushing yards came after contact — 1,052 to be exact, per PFF. Spears’ ability to create yards after contact is his trump card trait when projecting his game to the NFL level. Watching Spears on film you’ll routinely see defenders fall off Spears’ legs on tackle attempts because he almost always wins the leverage battle and both his contact balance and lower-body strength make him hard to tackle. Spears also runs violently like every carry is his last — this is another reason why he is such a dominant yards after contact runner.
However, Spears’ defining trait is not the only trump card he has. His acceleration combined with his straight-line speed makes him a home run hitter as well. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry with 31 touchdowns at the collegiate level. In addition to the acceleration, Spears brings elusiveness to the open field via his change of direction skills. These traits also project to Spears earning a role as a receiver at the next level and becoming a useful starter on PPR rosters.
Age as of Week 1: 21 | Height: 5-foot-9 | Weight: 201 | 40-time: 4.47 *At Pro Day
Comparable body-type to: Aaron Jones
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Spears from a Fantasy manager perspective, including best fits, Dynasty outlook, measurables, scouting report, key stats and an NFL comparison.
Best Fantasy Fits
Texans
This is an odd fit from a personnel standpoint, so I hope I don’t lose you, but the schematic fit strikes me here. Sure, the…
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