The rookie year we saw from Tennessee Titans RB Tyjae Spears was very encouraging despite playing behind a struggling offensive line, operating in a complementary role next to Derrick Henry, and being stuck in one of the least explosive offenses in the league.
After the Titans decided to part ways with Henry this offseason, what can fantasy managers expect from Spears in 2024?
Should You Select Tyjae Spears at His Current ADP?
PPR Industry Consensus ADP: 101st Overall (RB36)
- Encouraging Rookie Season: Spears had an impressive rookie year, finishing as RB34 with 453 rushing yards, 52 receptions for 385 yards, and three total touchdowns, all while playing behind Derrick Henry.
- Efficiency Despite Challenges: Spears was highly efficient, averaging 5.5 yards per touch, which ranked sixth among RBs. He also matched Bijan Robinson’s rookie numbers with 2.7 yards before contact and 1.9 yards after contact per attempt, despite a poor offensive line.
- Improved Offensive Line: The Titans addressed their offensive line issues by drafting JC Latham with the No. 7 overall pick, which should provide a boost to the running game in 2024.
- Competition with Pollard: The addition of Tony Pollard, who struggled with efficiency last year but has a history of explosive play, adds competition for Spears. Pollard is not as dominant at the goal line as Henry, which could give Spears opportunities for more scoring touches.
- ADP Analysis: Spears is currently being drafted as the RB36 in the ninth round, behind Pollard, Javonte Williams, and Trey Benson. Given his rookie performance and potential for an expanded role, he offers solid value in the 10th round.
- Final Verdict: Spears is a promising pick in the middle rounds, especially with the potential to take on a larger role in the Titans’ offense. His efficiency and the improved offensive line make him a value selection at his current ADP.
PFN Consensus PPR Fantasy Ranking for Kenneth Gainwell
Note that these rankings are the PFN Consensus Rankings and may not fully match my analysis. Since Spears is ranked outside the top 75 in the PFN Consensus Rankings, we’ve listed the consensus RB rankings instead.
24) Najee Harris, RB | Pittsburgh Steelers
25) Rhamondre Stevenson, RB | New England Patriots
26) Jaylen Warren, RB | Pittsburgh Steelers
27) Jonathon Brooks, RB | Carolina Panthers
28) Brian Robinson Jr., RB | Washington Commanders
29) Tyjae Spears, RB | Tennessee Titans
30) Raheem Mostert, RB | Miami Dolphins
31) Ezekiel Elliott, RB | Dallas Cowboys
32) Javonte Williams, RB | Denver Broncos
33) Devin Singletary, RB | New York Giants
34) Gus Edwards, RB | Los Angeles Chargers
Tyjae Spears’ Fantasy Profile for the 2024 NFL Season
If you happened to check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast this past NFL season, then you probably recall Spears’ name coming up during every waiver wire episode last season because of his high-level efficiency and production in a complementary role behind Henry.
Spears still managed an RB34 overall finish with 453 rushing yards to go with 52 receptions for 385 yards and three total scores in his rookie year, operating exclusively behind King Henry.
Sure, those numbers aren’t exactly eye-popping, but one could make a legitimate argument Spears should see a significantly expanded role with his excellent per-touch efficiency behind a bad offensive line last year.
Spears’ 5.5 yards per touch actually ranked sixth at the RB position, and he flashed impressive elusiveness and burst over his entire rookie campaign.
To further the argument behind his efficiency, Spears averaged 2.7 before contact per attempt and 1.9 yards after contact per attempt — the exact marks we saw from Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson in his rookie year.
The Titans’ offensive line was among the worst units in all of football last year, which is why the team decided to address the tackle position with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting JC Latham out of Alabama to join Peter Skoronski, last year’s first-round pick, on the line.
After the release of Henry earlier this offseason, the table was starting to look like it was perfectly set for a potential breakout season for Spears in 2024. That was, however, until the Titans signed free agent running back Tony Pollard shortly after free agency began back in March.
Pollard finished his final season with the Dallas Cowboys as the RB14 in fantasy football after producing just 1,316 total yards and six TDs on 307 total touches, which felt like a big fantasy disappointment considering the first- or second-round draft capital managers spent on him last season.
Pollard’s efficiency hit a career-low last year, averaging just 3.99 yards per carry. Despite his struggles in 2023, though, Pollard is still a capable back who was previously a very explosive and efficient ball carrier in the Cowboys’ backfield next to Ezekiel Elliott.
It will be very interesting to see how this backfield shakes out, with Spears coming off of an encouraging rookie year and Pollard coming off the least efficient year of his career.
Is Spears a Good Value in Fantasy Drafts?
Spears’ current ADP rests at No. 101 overall in the ninth round as the RB36 off the board. For some context, he is being selected behind Pollard, Javonte Williams, and Trey Benson.
If you recall, Spears finished his rookie year as the RB34 when operating as the clear second fiddle to Henry in a rough Titans’ offense.
Sure, this unit could struggle again with Will Levis under center, but do we really think Spears’ role won’t expand a little bit this upcoming season? I certainly think it will.
Additionally, Pollard isn’t the goal-line threat that Henry is. It’s certainly possible Spears steals the majority of those looks away from Pollard this year, making him more than worth a selection in the 10th round.
