Did a knee injury make Tyjae Spears fall to the third round?

Tyjae Spears’ last game for Tulane was electric. The running back ran 17 times for 205 yards and four touchdowns against USC. The small school running back looked to be drafted within the first two rounds after his memorable performance, but after his medicals came out, he slid.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Spears suffered two torn ACLs in his past (2015 and 2020). While Spears was evaluated at the NFL Combine, a test revealed a full thickness cartilage loss and no ACL in his knee. Furthermore, Spears has arthritis in his knee from his two ACL surgeries.

Arthritic knees with bone spurs are rarely unstable, according to the Pro Football Docs. He will be able to play in the NFL, but will have a very short career.

Even with two torn ACL’s the Tennessee Titans took a risk by drafting Spears with the 81st pick in the NFL Draft.

“Played a lot of really productive snaps," said Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel. “Didn't miss much time at all. Was a full participant throughout the week at the Senior Bowl. I think both of us are comfortable with where we're at with Tyjae and what his availability will be going forward. Now, that may change, but [we] feel good about where it is right now.”

Spears, in 14 games, ran for 1,581 rushing yards (5th in FBS) and 19 touchdowns (3rd in FBS) last season at Tulane.

Spears will likely be a change of pace back behind Derrick Henry, but will probably need veteran rest days in practice for his knee.

Former NFL RB Jay Ajayi had a similar knee injury to Spears that caused him to retire after just playing 45 games. 

Luckily Ajayi had an insurance policy that paid him $5 million once he retired. Hopefully, Spears is looking to do the same.