Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2023 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at wide receiver, running back, cornerback and both interior and edge pass rusher.
The Vikings are slated to have five picks and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Tyjae Spears
- Tulane
- Height-5100
- Weight-201 lbs
- Fourth-year senior
- 3-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 427 carries, 2,910 yards, 6.8 YPC, 31 touchdowns, 48 receptions, 564 yards, 11.8 YPC, 3 touchdowns
- Games watched: Cincinnati 2022, UCF 2022, USC 2022
Strengths
Spears is an excellent running back. He might be a tad on the smaller side, but Spears is not slight.
The first thing that stands out aobut Spears is how nimble his feet are. He keeps them moving to avoid defenders.
Spears is ideal for a zone blocking scheme as well. He sets up his blocks well and is a one cut and go runner. The explosion through the hole is what makes him special.
Spears’ feet are the catalyst for his ability to evade defenders. He sets them up well and evades them with ease.
Speed isn’t an issue for Spears. He has the burst to take the corner on just about anyone and does so often.
As it also shows above, his long speed is quality. Once he gets past the second level of the defense, the only way he gets caught is with a good angle.
Spears is also a capable blocker. The biggest thing with blocking is effort. He shows that in droves and also gets up into the defender with leverage. What you love to see is the below clip, where he buries the defender into the ground.
Spears shows his elusiveness as a pass catcher as well. He has soft hands and wins in a myriad of ways, including having tremendous balance.
Weaknesses
There isn’t a lot to dislike with Spears. One thing that isn’t great is his lack of decisiveness in the backfield. His feet can get a little bit too happy at times. Same with his vision. It gets a little too inconsistent and could be better.
Spears did have a knee injury in 2020 when he tore his ACL. Making sure he will be good long-term could determine how high you want to take him.
Overview
| Vision | 7.7/10 |
| Cutback | 8.7/10 |
| Long Speed | 4.3/5 |
| Contact Balance | 8.0/10 |
| Pass Blocking | 7.9/10 |
| Break/Avoid Tackles | 13.8/15 |
| Durability | 7.2/10 |
| Receiving | 8.0/10 |
| Quickness | 8.8/10 |
| Ball Security | 8.2/10 |
| Grade | 82.6/100 Second Round |
Spears is such a good football player. He understands how to evade defenders with both his footwork and speed. If his knee checks out, Spears is going to be a really good running back.
