Tyjae Spears grew up in the New Orleans area so he was a Saints fan. Spears said he thought they'd select him and it broke his heart not getting drafted by them. But he loves being a #Titans RB. pic.twitter.com/86QJGcLSul
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 22, 2024
Add Tyjae Spears to the list of New Orleans Saints fans who were shocked to see the team pick a different running back in last year’s NFL draft. Now with the Tennessee Titans, Spears recounted his draft-day experience with ESPN’s Turron Davenport. The Saints passed on Spears with the No. 71 pick, which they used on Kendre Miller. Spears went to the Titans ten slots later at No. 81.
“I ain’t gonna lie, I’m gonna keep it real. I was so, so hurt that they didn’t draft me,” Spears reflected. He was disappointed to not get to play football for his hometown team, but he’s grateful to be where he is now. Spears continue, “I’m blessed. I’m used to this position, I’m right where I need to be. My family inside the building, my family at home, I’m good, man.”
There was a lot of buzz around the pick last offseason. Spears had said publicly that he’d be thrilled to turn pro in New Orleans after excelling at Tulane. The team’s running backs coach personally put Spears through a workout at the Green Wave pro day. It had the makings of a great story.
But Spears fell in the draft due to concerns about the long-term health of his knee, and the Saints drafted a player with more immediate injury problems instead. Miller was actively recovering from a knee injury when they picked him. He missed more time with leg and ankle issues throughout his rookie year, and he’s been sidelined since the first day of training camp with an injured hamstring.
Spears was active for all 17 games last season and played well in tandem with Derrick Henry, totaling 100 carries for 453 rushing yards while catching 52 passes for another 385 receiving yards. He’s expecting a heavier workload after Henry left in free agency this offseason.
