2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Cole Tucker, WR, Northern Illinois

Cole Tucker is a tough, gritty receiver for Northern Illinois who showcases his strong hands and physicality as a run blocker. Hula Bowl scout Derrick Deen breaks down Tucker as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Cole Tucker / #15
School (Code)	Northern Illinois (ILNO)
DOB, Class Yr	06/07/1999, 6th yr. Senior
Height, Weight	6020, 195
40 Yd Dash	N/A
Arms, Hands	N/A
Position/Depth	WR / Starting
Honors/Captainship	2021 All-MAC Honorable Mention (Pro Football Focus)2021 All-MAC Academic Team
Season Viewed (yr)	2021 / 2022
Games Watched	2022-Ball State, Vanderbilt & Tulsa
Scout Name / Date	Derrick Deen / 11-09-2022

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	10 GP/10 GS/41 REC/ 599Yds/ 14.61 YPC/ 4 Rec. TDs (Incomplete Season)
2021	9 GP/5 GS / 41 REC / 575 Yds / 14.02 YPC / 3 Rec. TDs
2020	6 GP/4 GS / 13 REC / 136 Yds / 10.5 YPC / 2 Rec. TDs
2019	12 GP/ 10 GS / 38 REC / 531 Yds / 14.0 YPC / 1 Rec. TD
2018	14 GP / 3 GS / 18 REC / 156 Yds / 8.7 YPC
2017	REDSHIRT

Player Summary:

A sixth-year, redshirt senior, enrolled at NIU in 2017. Appears to be shorter than listed height. Has a squared, durable, thicker torso and toned, average-length arms. Legs have some length in the thighs, with thick and strong calves. Aligns and starts primarily at the left or right outside WR spots (640 snaps), but has seen 454 snaps in the slot. Has totalled 317 special teams snaps. Strong-handed, possession receiver that will be a better fit as a big slot at the next level. Physical, tough, uses body and angles well to get in front of the ball and shield corners from catches. Good, reliable target that can give the QB options underneath. Stretches the field. Average breakaway speed after the catch, sufficient ability to use vision and improvise. Plays to the quarterback. Does a good job pushing the sideline and finding open green. Has a clear second gear in the game, can get slowed down. Plus run blocker, though should be more aware of angles. Not a very sharp route runner, can decelerate out of breaks. Slow to release against press coverage. Very much a sideline-to-sideline, east-west route runner.

Scheme Fit:

Big slot in a quick game, play action offense.

Power Statement:

Though there is room to grow as a sharp, quick route runner, he is a reliable, strong-handed receiver that gives the QB a sure option across the field and underneath.