2023 NFL Draft: Worrisome medical report emerges after Titans select Tulane RB Tyjae Spears

The Tennessee Titans were busy on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. After trading up for Kentucky quarterback Will Levis at No. 33 overall, the Titans selected Tulane running back Tyjae Spears at No. 81 overall. While Spears is a dynamic playmaker who was a draft crush for many, a report from NFL Media quickly stifled whatever excitement Titans fans were feeling. 

Ian Rapoport reported on the NFL Network that Spears suffered two torn ACLs in his past. At the NFL Combine, tests revealed a full thickness cartilage loss, and no ACL in his knee. Additionally, Spears has arthritis. Rapoport says it’s unclear how long he will be able to play in the NFL, and even openly wondered if Spears could be a “one-contract guy.”

Spears was fifth in the FBS in rushing last season with 1,581 yards, and tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns with 19. In the Cotton Bowl against USC, Spears dominated with 205 yards and four touchdowns on 17 carries. That’s 12.1 yards per carry!

Spears dominated in his final season at Tulane and impressed at the Senior Bowl, but the Titans passing over other positional needs to draft a backup running back with no ACL in the third round is puzzling to say the least. The Titans of course still have star running back Derrick Henry on roster, who has been Tennessee’s offensive identity for years now. Spears can be a true dual-threat weapon out of the backfield and a change-of-pace option in the run game, but Rapoport’s report is certainly worrisome.