Everyone seems to know everything about the NFL draft. Google “NFL Draft seven round mock” and there will be loads of results from websites like DraftSites.com, Drafttek, The Draft Network and the list goes on.
These sites predict every single pick, speculate about trades and even have big boards with 500 players or more. There are player rankings with in-depth analysis for every position.
They are all wrong.
All of these sites have overlooked one of the best late round gems on the board: SUU offensive tackle Marquez Tucker.
Tucker’s name doesn’t come up on any of these boards. The 6-foot-4-inch tackle has the kind of upside that smart teams look for the late rounds.
In his two years at SUU after transferring from Mesa Community College Tucker has made massive strides in his strength and athleticism.
Here’s Tucker’s film from when he signed back in 2017:
Look at him now:
Those are Marquez Tucker’s massive shoulders in the bottom corner. He’s been able to shape his body and increase his skills in just two years in Cedar City. His ceiling isn’t even in sight yet, and NFL weight rooms and nutritionists will only put more strength on his frame.
Tucker had an impressive Pro Day and NFL scouts were hounding him after his performance.
Well…. judging by the hoard of scouts surrounding him after @SUUFB Pro Day, I”d say that @MAT__76 had a very good day. ✊✊✊🔥 pic.twitter.com/HJ1Fhr0ThV
— Evan Brennan (@brennansports) March 26, 2019
At the pro level Tucker will be better suited as a guard, but his strength and mobility makes him an exciting prospect. He earned third team All-Big Sky honors despite the team’s 1-10 record.
He hasn’t received the credit he deserves. The team that lands Tucker in the sixth or seventh round or even as a free agent will land a tenacious worker that has produced throughout his career.
Sources closer to NFL teams like Dane Brugler of The Athletic have taken notice. Brugler projected Tucker to be selected in the sixth round by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this month.
All he needs is a chance. If he gets it, he’s going to make the best of it.
Story by: Connor Sanders
sports@suunews.net
Photo courtesy of SUU Athletics Strategic Communication
