Eagles RB Draft Target? Why Tyjae Spears Could Be Mid-Round Steal

Tulane running back Tyjae Spears was one of college football's best running backs last season as he rushed for 1,581 yards and scored 19 touchdowns for the Green Wave. Should the Philadelphia Eagles give him a look in the 2023 NFL Draft?

With 2022 Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders leaving for the Carolina Panthers in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles will have to look elsewhere to replace his production.

This will be a tall task for the Eagles as Sanders rushed for 1,269 and 11 touchdowns. Both were career-high totals, and earned him a four-year, $25 million contract with the Panthers.

That said, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman must add another running back in the NFL draft. At the moment, the dream for Eagles fans is Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson, a projected first-round pick. In 12 drafts as the team's general manager, Roseman has never selected a running back in the first round. While things obviously can change, his track record shows he doesn't see the value in picking a running back that early.

Nonetheless, Eagles fans should feel lucky because this draft is deep at the running back position. Many running backs who hear their name on days two and three could very well have successful careers, including Tulane running back Tyjae Spears, a guy the Eagles should have on their radar. 

Last season at Tulane, Spears rushed for 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns on 229 carries. His total of 21 touchdowns was tied for the most in the FBS with Pitt's Israel Abanikanda. He also helped Tulane beat USC in the Cotton Bowl, a game where he rushed for 205 yards and four touchdowns. 

His draft stock has skyrocketed after that game, as he had an impressive outing during the Senior Bowl. Spears was even voted the Senior Bowl practice player of the week by NFL scouts. Spears' quick feet and fierce ability to cut gives him the tools to be a Pro Bowl running back in the NFL.

Currently, the Eagles have Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Trey Sermon, and Rashaad Penny under contract. Penny signed with the team during free agency. When on the field, he has shown the potential to be a Pro Bowl running back as he averages 5.7 yards per game. However, it's tough to trust his durability, as Penny has missed 40 of 82 career games in the NFL.

Gainwell showed flashes that he could be a starter in the NFL, especially against the New York Giants in the divisional round, as he rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown. Gainwell also has proved himself to be a weapon out of the backfield, as he has caught 56 passes in the past two seasons. However, it is concerning that he only has 121 carries in two seasons. To put this in further context, last season Sanders had 259 carries. Gainwell's lack of career carries should put a significant question mark on if he will be able to carry a more substantial load next year with Sanders' departure.

Spears has shown that he can carry a large workload and has a knack for finding the end zone, which is something that the Eagles won't have this year in a running back since Sanders is on the Panthers. 

Roseman should give Spears a comprehensive look leading up to the NFL draft. Spears could be capable of replacing a good amount of Sanders' production, and it wouldn't cost Roseman a first-round pick. 

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