After a sensational rookie season, Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears is being pegged as an early breakout candidate for 2024.
In an article written by Pro Football Focus’ Jonathon Macri that picks one breakout candidate for each team, Spears was the choice for Tennessee.
Derrick Henry’s time in Tennessee appears to be over. This comes at a good time for Spears, who shined in limited action as a rookie, which includes a 76.8 PFF offensive grade (18th), 74.6 PFF receiving grade (eighth) and 77.3 PFF rushing grade (26th). Depending on what the team does to address the position, Spears could emerge as more than just a receiving down back and earn more carries based on his strong play in Year 1. He managed double-digit carries just once in 2023, racking up 74 rushing yards on 16 attempts for a strong 72.4 rushing grade.
Spears was electric during his rookie campaign as both a runner and receiver and finished with 838 yards from scrimmage, which was 10th among all first-year players and fourth among rookie running backs.
Making that total more impressive is the fact that he had to share work with Derrick Henry, and both backs were working behind a putrid offensive line.
No matter what happens with Henry, Spears has earned himself a bigger role in 2024. And, if the Titans can improve the offensive line in front of him, the Tulane product will be primed for a big year in his second season.
