Sean Tucker 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Broke Syracuse’s single-season rushing record in 2021 with 1,496 yards 

• Played running back and cornerback in high school 
• Was a sprinter in high school that was a champion in the 100 and 200-meter sprints. 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Primarily zone with some gap. Plenty of pistol alignments. 
• 2022 projected role: Featured running back. 

Pros: Sean Tucker is a highly productive runner resetting Syracuse’s record books. He’s a quick accelerator with breakaway speed, which enables him to win off-tackle and present a home-run threat to the defense. Tucker’s footwork is quick and nimble; it’s quite impressive how light he is on his feet. He’s fully capable of remaining balanced while stringing together dynamic moves. Tucker does a great job of staying square. He’s a no-nonsense runner that gets downhill and runs to daylight. Tucker is physical, competitive, and powerful. I appreciate how he works off his blocks and his feet never stop moving through contact. Tucker has been a reliable ball carrier for Syracuse that has claimed a significant workload and delivered high-end production while demonstrating excellent ball security. 

Cons: For an explosive back like Sean Tucker with breakaway speed, I want to see him more involved as a receiving threat. He only collected 18 catches on 24 targets in 2021 and it certainly feels like he can be a greater asset to the Orange offense but overall, he has a lot to prove when it comes to catching the football and running routes out of the backfield. Tucker needs to get significantly better in pass protection where his processing skills are below average and so is his ability to secure blocks. He has to do a better job of leveraging his hips and activating his hands to be a more reliable asset in pass protection. I would like to see Tucker develop a greater sense for utilizing cut-back opportunities. In the open field, Tucker is reliant on his speed to win footraces more than he is a “make you miss” runner.

Sean Tucker NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino