6 running backs the Vikings could select in the 2023 NFL Draft

Tyjae Spears (Tulane)

Measurements:

Height: 5-foot-10 | Weight: 201 pounds

2022 Stats:

• 1,581 Rushing Yards

• 6.9 Yards Per Carry

• 22 Receptions

• 256 Receiving Yards

Tyjae Spears went out with a bang in his final collegiate season, putting up video game numbers as he helped lead Tulane to a Cotton Bowl victory.

Spears carried the ball 229 times in 2022, showing that he has the ability to shoulder a big workload, though he most likely won’t need to if he makes his way to the Vikings. Spears does have a slighter build to him that could be cause for concern in the NFL, but if Minnesota is looking to add some firepower to their running back room, they don’t have to look further.

Spears profiles as a complementary back in the NFL, and the Vikings could use just that. While Alexander Mattison is a solid between-the-tackles runner, Spears has the innate big-play ability that can go hand in hand with Mattison.

Spears does not have much work when it comes to receiving, which can be a drawback on his draft profile, though his small sample size has shown the potential for him to be a receiving threat.

Minnesota may be looking for a committee approach rather than relying on a workhorse back, so Spears’ quick running, matched with Mattison’s aggressive mentality, could be the perfect combo for the Vikings to work with.