Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse: 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Sean Tucker is one of the most exciting players in the 2023 NFL Draft. A detailed scouting report highlights what makes the Syracuse star so special.

Name: Sean Tucker

School: Syracuse

Position: Running Back

Age: 21 (Oct. 25, 2001)

Height: 5-foot-10*

Weight: 210 pounds*

(*unofficial)

Sean Tucker 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background

Sean Tucker was born in Owings Mills, Maryland, and starred as a multi-sport athlete as a high schooler at Calvert Hall. Tucker played both sides of the football, serving as the top running back and top cornerback on his squad.

He also won several state championships as a member of the track team. Tucker showcased his blazing speed in the 55-, 100-, and 200-meter events, causing college programs around the country to take notice.

Tucker took little time to decide his future, committing to the Syracuse Orange to continue his career on the gridiron. As a true freshman in 2020, the three-star recruit made his mark early thanks to injuries and opt-outs on the depth chart.

Tucker made the most of this opportunity by seizing the starting gig in the backfield and never looking back. In 2021, the Syracuse star set the school record for rushing yards in a season (1,496) and the most 100-yard games in a single season (8).

In his final season for the Orange, Tucker saw a drop off in production. This dip in the box score is partially due to fewer touches, but the three-year starter did plenty to show scouts that he is the same player he’s always been.

So, how early will Tucker go in the 2023 NFL Draft? Let’s dive in on a detailed scouting report for one of the most exciting players in the entire class.

Strengths

•Electrifying – The best word to describe Sean Tucker is “electric”. With the ball in hand, the defense looks like it is moving in slow-motion compared to Tucker. He is a home run hitter capable of taking any snap for a touchdown. Some people just move differently, and Tucker is one of them.

https://twitter.com/cusefootball/status/1566223695437348864?s=61&t=3jxbpqfxb-JkizEVXntrSQ

•Pass Catching – The most intriguing part of Tucker’s game is his traits as a pass catcher. He boasts a more diverse route tree than most ball carriers heading to the NFL. Tucker sells play actions and screens and stretches the field substantially as a receiver.

•Top-End Speed – Tucker can take a few steps to reach his top gear, but when he does, he is GONE. With a full head of steam, Tucker regularly leaves defenders in his dust. The 40-yard dash should allow Tucker to flex his track star speed, potentially approaching the 4.3 range.

•Shiftiness/Creativity in Space – Tucker is nearly impossible to tackle one-on-one. If the Syracuse star gets the ball in space, all I have to say to opposing defenses is good luck. He is an ankle snatcher with elite start-stop and cut-on-a-dime ability. Tucker is a cheat code for offensive coordinators.

https://twitter.com/cusefootball/status/1462185371295432708?s=61&t=3jxbpqfxb-JkizEVXntrSQ

•Vision – A divisive part of Tucker’s game is his vision. While I agree it is lacking at times between the tackles, I see more good than bad overall. When Tucker is allowed to stretch the field as a runner, that is where he shines. He anticipates holes and running lanes at the second level and takes advantage.

Weaknesses

•Patience – Where Tucker can get in trouble is his eagerness to create big plays. Too often, he forces the issue and fails to give the offensive line enough time to form lanes. With a tad more patience behind the line, Tucker would be in contention for the RB1 mantle in 2023.

•Blocking – Tucker’s pass-catching chops are impressive, but he must improve as a blocker in order to reach his three-down back potential. As a pass protector, Tucker lacks proper technique and is guilty of ‘mailing it in’ when he knows the ball isn’t coming his way.

•Contact Balance – Tucker’s body control is next level, but he does not handle contact well. Several times, if a defender squares him up, he goes down. Very few times did Tucker bounce off tackles and continue his momentum down the field.

•Lower Body Strength – A clear issue with Tucker between the tackles is his lack of elite leg strength. Many of the top running backs in the NFL are capable of moving the pile and churning their legs to pick up more yardage. Tucker’s natural strength combined with an NFL conditioning program could eliminate this issue altogether.

2023 NFL Draft Grade

•Mid-to-Late Day 2 (Round 2-3)

Sean Tucker is an awe-inspiring athlete with the ball in his hands. He possesses the versatility to be a bell-cow running back but must improve as a blocker to stick on the field on passing downs. Tucker will blow teams away with his track speed when he runs the 40-yard dash, and his agility in on-field drills at the Combine should solidify his day-two status in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Games Evaluated: 12