5 possible steals the Chargers could make in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Jason Reed
2. Tyjae Spears in round three
The Chargers are going to need to add a running back at some point in the 2023 NFL Draft regardless of what Austin Ekeler's future holds. Even if Ekeler does return to the team this season it would undoubtedly be his last after his recent trade request.
Plus, the Chargers need to protect themselves in the situation that Ekeler sits out or regresses with his age. The team can't rely on Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller, who was not even NFL-ready in his first season, to carry the workload without Ekeler.
Tyjae Spears is an extremely fun running back prospect for the Chargers to consider both if Ekeler is playing and if he is not playing. Spears can be an overqualified change-of-pace back in year one with Ekeler and if needed, can have a larger role alongside Kelley.
Spears has been compared to Tony Pollard, which creates an obvious connection between him and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Just like two tight ends was an integral part of Moore's offense, so was the ability to utilize multiple running back.
If Spears falls to the Chargers in round three then he simply might be too good to pass up on.