The Derrick Henry era is over in Tennessee, but the Titans are confident that a young sophomore player can take the reigns in a big way.
Tyjae Spears, the third-round pick out of Tulane in 2023, performed admirably in limited time last season. The 22-year-old running back ran for 453 yards on 100 carries while adding 385 yards as a receiver.
Was his stellar rookie season enough to warrant the starting job with the Titans in 2024?
Tennessee Titans GM Likes What He Sees Out of Spears
Speaking to reporters at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Titans general manager Ran Carthon was complimentary of the player Spears has become since being drafted by the organization last year.
“Tyjae is passionate about football; he loves the game and is a hard worker,” Carthon said. “Tyjae is one of those guys that is always in the building. I know there were concerns about his knee coming out, and that was the big question, but we’re talking about a guy who never missed practice or a game.”
Replacing a player like Henry is no tall task, especially with a franchise like the Titans. Spears may have had a strong rookie season, but compared to Henry’s 9,502 rushing yards in his eight seasons, there are plenty of reasons why the second-year pro has major shoes to fill.
That isn’t deterring Carthon from heaping enough praise on the young back.
“For lack of a better way to put it, he’s made of the right s—.”
The Titans are in an early stage of a rebuild just a few years after being consistent playoff contenders. The team traded away young wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, fired head coach Mike Vrabel, and replaced him with a young 39-year-old Brian Callahan.
Add in the fact that both Henry and quarterback Ryan Tannehill will hit the open market this offseason, and the evidence is apparent that 2024 could be a tough season for Tennesee fans.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
The important part during a rebuilding process is finding players who can be a good fit for the next run of dominant football for the future. Should Spears be able to play at a high level despite a weak offensive line in front of him, he could line himself nicely to being a player that is a big part of the team’s plans once they get back to contending for AFC South titles.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!