Sean Tucker could provide important offensive redundancy in 2023

Feb 8, 2023 - 1:00 PM

Sean Tucker, RB
School: Syracuse | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 5’10” / 205 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Rounds 3-4

Player Comp: Knowshon Moreno

College Statistics

Player Overview

Sean Tucker has his roots in Baltimore, having played at Calvert Hall in high school, where he graduated as the 59th running back prospect in the country. This despite the fact that he was a track star, winning the 55 meter indoor title two years in a row, and taking the 100 and 200 meter titles as a junior.

At Syracuse, Tucker put up the third most rushing yards by a freshman in Orange history. During his sophomore season, he rushed for 1,496 yards, setting the single season rushing record at Syracuse and earning All American recognition.

In 2022, as a junior, Tucker put up over 1,300 all purpose yards and was named a second team All-ACC running back. In the pros, Tucker projects as multi-threat weapon, capable of delivering a home run every time he touches the ball.

Strengths

• One of the most pro-ready RBs in the class.
• Has had great ball security (3 fumbles in 600+ touches).
• Able to line up as a receiver and be effective in the pass game.
• Former 55m, 100m, and 200m sprint champion.
• Has very good vision as a runner.

Weaknesses

• Has some tread worn off his tires.
• Would need to improve in pass protection.
• Needs to continue to work on dropped passes.

Let’s See His Work

How He Would Fit

Given that Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson are still on their rookie contracts, some fans have wondered whether it really it’s really necessary to consider a running back in the draft in 2023. With Gibson on the last year of his rookie deal, and JD McKissic having experienced injuries over the past two years, I’d argue it absolutely makes sense to start grooming a more versatile back at this point. Cutting McKissic this offseason saves $1.2M, and the team should avoid a significant second contract with Gibson in 2024.

Under those circumstances, it’s prudent to consider selecting a running back like Tucker, who could use some time refining his pass protection skills and continue advancing his receiving ability over the course of 2023 in order to be plugged right into Gibson’s role in 2024. A back like Tucker, with some refinement, also offers overlap with the skillset of a player like Curtis Samuel, as well, and could take on some of those roles in the offense if Samuel were not re-signed after 2023.