Oranges are in Season: Sean Tucker the next Syracuse great?

Sean Tucker

Syracuse, Running Back 5’9, 207 lbs

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2022 Stats: Rushing: 206 carries, 1060 yards, 11 TDs
Receiving: 36 receptions, 254 yards, 2 TDs

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Pros

Tucker, a junior, coming out of Syracuse has some dynamic traits to his name. A three-year player never averaging under a 4.6-yard per carry is something we can’t deny. Tucker has a strong base. When he has the ball in his hands he can make defenders miss. If they don’t miss, he can shed arm tackles with ease, and when they finally get him, he falls forward.

As you can see by his stats above, he was also given some opportunities to receive. He lined up as a wide receiver multiple times in the year and showed his route running is pretty impressive. He did have a lot of swing passes and has the skills to make the defenders run into blocks.

In an impressive running back class, Tucker’s tape does the talking for him. It is always an uphill battle when you have running back prospects from bigger schools and just as good, if not better than you, yet Tucker sticks around. He may not have done drills at the combine but he didn’t have to, finishing with an athleticism score of 84 (per Next Gen Stats on nfl.com) he will prove it at his pro day on March 20th. Tucker is also just 21 years old, and 3 years of college experience in the ACC, making him an intriguing day 2 pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Cons

As every prospect does, Tucker does come with some flaws. As noted above he does have the capabilities to get defenders to run into his blockers. In designed outside schemed runs and in the passing game this is true. Tucker can sometimes get antsy and forget about the lineman up front and bounce it outside right away.

Finding patience at the line of scrimmage can be worked on and is something he will need to work on if he wants to be successful in the NFL. Another thing left to be desired is his pass-blocking ability. He lets the defender come to him more than finding the block. His vision in the backfield will need to improve to help with his blocking in general but coming in at 207 pounds he has the build to be an effective blocker and the team that takes him will need to be patient with it.

With 3 years of production and 200 rushing attempts in the last 2 seasons, some teams and people in the industry might act like he has wear and tear on his body because there is an evident “lifespan” for running backs in the NFL. When will your body fails you it is a major concern with this position and why it is here in the cons.

Summary

Sean Tucker is going to be drafted, it all just depends on where and how high he goes in the draft. It comes down to fit, will he get a coach that is patient enough to fix his flaws or will he be destined to be a 3rd down back? Either or, I believe he will be productive, and the Round 3, Pick 71, or Round 4, Pick115 owned by the New Orleans Saints may be a good place.

I would say he can become an Alvin Kamara type back in this league and with Kamara’s situation that is ongoing they may have to address the issue sooner than later. If they don’t take Tucker I believe he can be a James Robinson-type back pre-injury. A sure back that can get the job done when you need him to. May not be the focal point, but in fantasy and on the field, you will be happy with the production.

2023 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Mid 1st to Early 2nd round

Ideal Role: 3rd Down Back with the potential to become a Lead Back

Player Comp: James Robinson, Alvin Kamara