Early 2023 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings: Familiar Face At 1

4. Sean Tucker, Syracuse

When projecting forward, many draftniks and pundits alike espouse the axiom, “traits over production.” They value a collegiate player’s traits more than his collegiate production. That makes sense, as there have been many productive college players that fizzled out in the pro ranks. But sometimes a player’s production is too much to ignore.

Syracuse’s Sean Tucker was 6th in the FBS in rushing last year with a single-season Syracuse record 1,496 yards. He averaged an efficient 6.1 yards per carry and ran for 12 touchdowns. Tucker is a compact back (5’10” 210) that is dangerous in the open field. He’s got deceptive speed and used it to lead ACC running backs in runs of 10+ yards last year (44). Sean Tucker is not afraid to take on defenders either, as he also led the ACC in yards after contact (1,014).

Tucker is a supremely conditioned athlete. He was second in the FBS in rushing attempts last year (246) and was one of only three backs in the nation with 200+ carries last season. He seemed to get better as the game went on, continuing to churn out yards in the fourth quarter when defenses were getting winded and tired of trying to tackle him.

His frame and physical play style should lend well to pass blocking at the next level, and he flashed some ability by catching a few screen passes last year. Sean Tucker could definitely be a three-down back in the NFL, as he has the skills and body type to do it. For scheme fit, he’d do well on a team that likes to run the ball, uses a zone-blocking scheme, and plays its home games on field turf. Tucker is probably looking at getting picked in the second through fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.