Reviewing Packers 2023 Draft Class: TE Tucker Kraft
By Paul Bretl
Continuing on with my Green Bay Packers 2023 draft class review, I’ve arrived at third round pick, tight end Tucker Kraft from South Dakota State.
In this series I take a closer look at each prospect by diving into their measurements, stats, fit with the Packers, along with some quotes from Brian Gutekunst and Co. and a pre-draft scouting report.
If you’ve missed any of the previous articles, you can find them below.
Tucker Kraft
Measurements
6’5” | 254 | RAS: 9.68
In a loaded tight end class, Kraft recorded the fifth-best Relative Athletic Score. This included a 4.69 second 40-yard dash time, along with elite shuttle and broad jump numbers as well. That athleticism shows up on the field with his YAC ability, while Kraft also brings physicality as a blocker with his big frame.
Stats to know
Kraft appeared in only seven games in 2022 because of injuries but would catch 21 of 29 passes at 11.9 yards per catch with two touchdowns. This included averaging a whopping 8.0 yards after the catch, which at the FBS level, would have been tied for the most among all tight ends. In 2021, Kraft caught 78% of his 76 targets while averaging 11.4 yards per catch with six touchdowns. Again, he showcased his YAC abilities, totaling 345 yards after the catch, which would have ranked as the sixth-best within the FBS. For what it’s worth, he graded out well throughout his career as a run-blocker by PFF’s grading system.
Fit with the Packers
If you want to put a specific label on Kraft, he could be the Packers’ more traditional Y-tight end who lines up inline. Kraft is a physical player who has over 500 career run-blocking snaps at South Dakota State. He was categorized as an “above-average” blocker by Gutekunst, who also referred to him as an “all-around” tight end. Kraft will be an important part of the Packers’ run game.
However, as Kraft’s tape shows, he is able to provide more than just being an in-line tight end with his pass-catching abilities. Kraft can play out of the slot where he can create mismatches with his size against cornerbacks and speed against linebackers. Matt LaFleur’s ability to get players in space should set up quick pitch and catch opportunities with big play YAC potential. Right away, Kraft should be a threat over the middle and in the red zone.
As I noted in my review of the Luke Musgrave selection, most rookie tight ends don’t have a significant impact in their first season. It can often take two or even three seasons—there are just a lot of responsibilities that come with playing tight end in the NFL, from blocking to pass catching to being moved around the formation in LaFleur’s offense. With the makeup of the tight end room right now, the Packers will have to lean heavily on Kraft, but there will be a lot of ups and downs as he navigates his first season.
The Packers said it
Brian Gutekunst
"“I will say, Tucker is very good with the ball in his hands after the catch. He’s a really good basketball player coming out of high school. I think he has really good balance and strength to break tackles to keep himself alive. But I think these guys (Kraft and Musgrave) can do everything that you ask a tight end in the NFL to do. Again, they’re young, they have a lot to prove, but I like both of their skill sets and both of their work ethics.”"
Pre-draft scouting report
"“Combination tight end with the projectable skill set to handle pass-catching and run-blocking duties at the next level. Currently, he’s a more effective blocker in space than in-line, but that is correctable with better hand usage and proper angles of entry into his base blocks. Kraft provides formational versatility that will be appealing for teams that make heavy use of 12 personnel (two tight ends). He has the body control and catch toughness to be more than just a traditional Y tight end. Kraft has Day 2 talent and should see the field early with a chance to become a TE1.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com"