How Sean Tucker went from top-100 prospect to UDFA to breakout star for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The journey to NFL stardom isn't easy, but it's especially difficult for undrafted free agents. In every NFL draft cycle, a beloved player finds themselves selected multiple rounds later than what is most projected. Some of them even go undrafted and fight hard to make a roster. 

Sean Tucker, who was a star at Syracuse and once projected to be a top-100 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, unexpectedly went undrafted. The 5-foot-10, 210-pounder who ranked third all-time for Syracuse with 3,182 rushing yards and first with almost 1,500 rushing yards in 2021, had to make it the hardest way possible. 

It's because he learned of a previously undiagnosed heart condition at the 2023 Scouting Combine, which scared teams away.

“It was hard at first, just hearing everything,” Tucker said at the time. "When I got the news … it came as a surprise. Hearing that, like the day before like my position group has the combine drills – it was definitely hard.”

He could not participate in any combine drills, leading to him not being drafted, even though ESPN's senior draft analyst Mel Kiper had named Tucker his favorite running back in the draft class. Many people, including myself, considered Tucker among the top five running backs in the class.

Despite these challenges, the Bucs signed Tucker as an undrafted free agent immediately following the draft. Skip Peete, the running backs coach, conceded that Tucker would have been drafted if not for the unfortunate events that unfolded in the months before the draft.

Although Tucker was cleared and practicing by the end of the summer, he barely saw the field as a rookie. A big part of that was his inability to block on passing downs. He participated in just 32 snaps over four games despite Tampa's obvious need for help in the backfield.

Those same concerns may still exist, but a full offseason of training and time in meetings allowed Tucker to earn a shot in Week 6. With only nine snaps under his belt before getting 28 against New Orleans, Tucker was an unlikely hero for the Buccaneers with Rachaad White out. 

He hugely answered the bell.

Totaling 14 carries for 136 yards, three catches for 56 yards, and two touchdowns, Tucker became an immediate force in fantasy football and for the Buccaneers. He was PFF's best rusher of the week, averaging 9.7 yards per carry. 

Rookie Bucky Irving was right behind him, finishing with 81 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.