Can Sean Tucker Be A Seahawks-Esque RB Find For Bucs?

Drafting running backs highly has been a debate in the league in recent years. This trend, to some extent, took a reversal in the 2023 NFL Draft, as both Texas’ Bijan Robinson (No. 8) and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs (No.12) were taken in the top half of the first round. The reason for the debate is that plenty of backs have been taken later in the draft, or not drafted at all, and have found success in the NFL. The Bucs are hoping Sean Tucker can be one of those undrafted free agent stars in Tampa Bay.

Going back to 2010, Tampa Bay has discovered two undrafted backs and found surplus value. LeGarrette Blount (2010) and Peyton Barber (2016) both carved out roles with the team, with Blount even having a 1,000-yard rookie season. Other notable backs in this timespan include Austin Ekeler (2017), Phillip Lindsay (2018), and James Robinson (2020).

In what was a deep running back class at the position in 2023, could another name be added to these respective lists? The Bucs hope it’s Tucker, Tampa Bay’s newest addition to the running back room.

Sean Tucker Put Up Very Good Stats At Syracuse

Sean Tucker put up big numbers and an impressive highlight reel in the past two seasons at Syracuse. He was seen as a Top 10 college running back prospect and had a mid-round grade entering the draft process. Here’s a look at his rushing numbers from his time with the Orange:

2020: 137 attempts, 626 yards, 4.6 avg., 4 TDs

2021: 246 attempts, 1,496 yards, 6.1 avg., 12 TDs

2022: 206 attempts, 1,060 yards, 5.1 avg., 11 TDs