2023 NFL Draft Scouting Notes: RB Sean Tucker, Syracuse

Syracuse has an offensive player that they have come to lean on as a stronghold and cornerstone, and that player is Sean Tucker. His strong running style fits the unique set run sets that Dino Babers and his staff run in New York. He may be among the best in this class as a pure running back, but has some work to do with the other parts of the game.

Sean Tucker

RB – Syracuse Orange

HT: 5086
WT: 208
Year: Super Sophomore
High School: Calvert Hall (Towson, MD)
Rating: 3-star (0.8593)

Projected Draft Grade: Immediate Starter

Projection: 2nd Round

Sean Tucker is a DUDE.

This was blocked so well – nothing really special, just running toward the receivers who were able to push defenders downfield and Tucker’s burst gets him to that crease along the sideline – 15 yards downfield. pic.twitter.com/enCxQVf6M4
— John “Draft” Vogel (@DraftVogel) August 22, 2022

Sean Tucker scouting notes

Pros

Really has some solid body control. Has a lot of subtle adjustments that he makes really well. Can work the sideline tightrope. Changes direction well. Has a nifty cutback. Showed solid cutback ability away from the play.
Runs with good power. Rarely goes down on first contact. Excellent second-effort work.
Relatively explosive athlete. Hits the hole with some force when he has a crease.
Very solid patience. Reads blocks very well. Excellent vision with reading blocks and following his teammates. Has some manipulative moves to put on defenders. Will use his lack of size to dance behind blockers and lose the defender behind the blocker.
Good hands, nothing special but he can be utilized as a receiver out of the backfield.

Cons

Doesn’t seem to be a real speed threat. Is certainly quick, has good quick feet. Looks to be in the 4.50 range. He’s not going to outrun a secondary down the field when he breaks a big run.
Acceleration is a little bit slow for the position, but adequate for the NFL level.
Capable route runner. Was split out side in the spread scheme that Syracuse ran often, but didn’t appear to be a part of the read progression. He’s got to be careful not to draw blocking downfield penalties. Has good feet through cuts, but could condense it by a step or two.
Not a powerful pass protector at all. Watched defenders work through him like melted butter. Very willing regardless, just needs some coaching to better handle defenders.