Marshall offensive lineman Dalton Tucker is a versatile and athletic prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Tucker put forth an outstanding performance at his pro day, leaping as 34-inch vertical and 9-foot-4 broad. NFL teams see Tucker playing both guard and tackle at the next level.
Tucker recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about playing multiple positions, executing zone and gap/power concepts, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You enter the 2024 NFL Draft with a ton of starting experience at guard. Is that where NFL teams see you playing at the next level?
Dalton Tucker: There’s been quite a few teams showing interest in me playing guard. At the same time, I’ve had a bunch of teams that think I can play offensive tackle as well. I’m a versatile player that can play both guard and tackle. We’ll see where it goes once I find out where I’m headed.
JM: You put forth a pretty outstanding performance at Pro Day. You leaped a 34-inch vertical and 9-foot-4 broad. Have you noticed an uptick in attention you're receiving from NFL scouts since then? Were you satisfied with your overall performance at pro day?
Dalton Tucker: I would say yes. The phone calls have definitely started picking up since the pro day results. I felt like my shuttle time (4.7) could have been faster. Besides that, I was pretty happy with what I achieved at pro day. I was very satisfied with the other times.
JM: That’s still a great time. Does that athletic profile mean you're best suited to play in a zone-based system? What about a gap/power scheme?
Dalton Tucker: Having played at Marshall, we ran both zone and gap concepts. We did the whole power scheme. I’m good at both of them. I honestly feel like I have a ton of experience and familiarity with both of those systems. I’d feel great about playing in either one.
JM: You blocked for a prolific running back in Rasheen Ali this past season. What was your favorite play to run in the playbook?
Dalton Tucker: By the end of the season, I’d say my favorite play to run was the pin and pull. I love getting out in space. I can execute those blocks, seal the seam, and watch Rasheen Ali take off. It was always fun to do that for him. He was an easy one to block for.
JM: He sure is. You recently completed a 30 pre-draft visit with the Indianapolis Colts. Who are some of the other teams you've met with throughout this process?
Dalton Tucker: I had a great 30 visit with the Colts. I’ve also had virtual meetings with the Cardinals, Bengals, Giants, and Titans. I had a Zoom with the Colts as well. We may have a few more on the schedule. It’s been a busy process.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Dalton Tucker going to make at the next level?
Dalton Tucker: I’m definitely a player that always wants to get better. I’m striving to improve every single day. I can’t wait to learn from the veterans in our room. That’s how I’m going to better myself for our offensive line. I’m going to do everything I can to help the team get better.
