Chris Tyree NFL Draft Profile
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 197 lbs.
School: Notre Dame
2023 NFL Draft: Chris Tyree Scouting Report
Chris Tyree is a small, electric running back out of Notre Dame. His small stature might be the most noticeable feature he carries, and one of the reasons he will likely fall into the undrafted-free agent range. Although other, smaller running backs have seen success in the NFL, his role as a backup and small stature will put him on an uphill climb to sign onto a regular-season roster.
In his first season at Notre Dame, Tyree ran in 12 games for 501 yards (7.0 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. In his sophomore year, however, he rushed for merely 222 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and a touchdown, with an equally mediocre junior season at 433 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. During his three seasons, he netted 65, 258, and 128 yards respectively in the passing game. Although these statistics might be underwhelming and suggest an inability to be a main workhorse back, they overshadow the embedded skills Tyree has in his small stature. If he can work into a bigger, faster NFL, a team might find a decent change-of-pace scatback to add depth to special teams and an offence.
Strengths
- Scat-back framework with solid running fundamentals
- Electric manoeuvrability that matches his size and framework
- 4.29 40-yard dash (unofficial, non-combine participant)
- Better receiving fundamentals than statistics suggest, smooth receiver in space
- Despite size, possesses favourable advantage in swing-passes and outside runs
- No fumbles at Notre Dame
Weaknesses
- Small stature a certain knock on his value
- One-style (outside) running back due to size limitations
- Lack of full-bodied production at Notre Dame
- Will not be a pass or run blocker on offence
NFL Comparison: Justin Forsett
Teams With Need at Position: Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers
Projection: Undrafted Free Agent
Bottom Line on Chris Tyree
NFL teams need depth at running back, and smaller scat backs like Chris Tyree might find perfect form deep on an NFL roster. Players every year fall deep into the NFL draft simply due to size, injuries, or other limitations (small university) beyond their control. Yet, these players find a niche on an NFL roster and carve out an above average NFL career. Hence, Tyree – although projected for a UDFA slot – is not a bad draft selection and is an even better training camp signing.
Tyree is an electric running back with great form and top work ethic. His small frame, however, limited what he could do at Notre Dame and will, likely, limit him in the NFL. The right running back room, however, with the right coaches who might be able to carve out a niche and help a small running back learn how to absorb bigger hits, could turn Tyree into a functional rotation back. His ball security and lack of fumbles is a significant bonus that scouts can easily overlook. Despite his small frame, his ability to hold onto the football adds a sense of security should an NFL team trust him with running or return duties.
Main Image: Matt Pendleton – USA TODAY Sports
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