Tucker Kraft (Packers) NFL Draft Preview
Post-Draft Fantasy Impact
The Green Bay Packers have added some depth to their tight end position by selecting Tucker Kraft in the third round, and he joins second-round pick Luke Musgrave in the Packers’ tight end room. While Musgrave may be the more highly touted prospect, Kraft could see significant playing time in 12 personnel sets.
In my post-draft rankings, I have Kraft ranked fifth among rookie tight ends. While his ceiling may be capped by Jordan Love at quarterback and a weak offensive line, I still believe he has the potential to outpace Musgrave in fantasy points. My projections have Kraft recording 26 catches for 295 yards.
If he can beat out Musgrave as the top receiving option at tight end, Kraft could be in the conversation as a future TE1 for fantasy. While he may not have an immediate impact in 2023, he has the potential to develop into a viable fantasy option in the long term.
Tucker Kraft NFL Draft Preview
Tucker Kraft broke out his sophomore year at South Dakota State. He finished second on his team with 65 catches for 780 yards and six touchdowns. He was named to the Associated Press FCS All-America Second Team and gained the attention of pro scouts.
He suffered an injury early in his junior season, but still managed to average 12.9 yards per catch on 27 receptions and was a Third-Team AP All-American. Kraft could go as high as the late second round. Greg Cosell calls him, “One of the best and most complete TE prospects in this draft class.”
Measurable
- 6’5” 254 lbs
- 40-yard dash – 4.69 seconds
- Vertical jump – 34″
- Broad Jump – 10’2″
Finally watched some Tucker Kraft (TE 85) and I’m going to tell you now, I’m a big fan pic.twitter.com/4YbI36nKbn
— Draft Guy Jared (@DraftGuyJared) March 19, 2023
Positives
Kraft has an imposing physical presence on the field. He has a thick upper body and a strong lower body, which makes him difficult to bring down after the catch. He has the size and strength to block effectively at the line of scrimmage, and can also be a threat in short-yardage situations.
He has good hands and can make catches in traffic. He has a good sense of timing when jumping for the ball and can adjust his body position to make difficult catches. He is also a capable red-zone threat, with the ability to go up and get the ball in tight spaces.
Kraft is a good route runner who is able to create separation from defenders with his quickness and footwork. He is able to run a variety of routes and is comfortable working in the middle of the field. He has a good understanding of defensive coverages and can find soft spots in zones.
He is a good athlete who is able to make plays in the open field. He has good speed and agility for a player his size and can make defenders miss after the catch. He is also a capable blocker on the move, with the ability to get out in front of screens and sweeps.
Tucker Kraft touchdown and the slide in the snow! ❄️ pic.twitter.com/pGiOnVbTyJ
— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) December 17, 2022
Negatives
Kraft may struggle to block elite defenders at the next level. He will need to work on his technique and strength to hold his ground against the best players in the league. He may also need to improve his awareness in pass protection, as he can be slow to recognize blitzes and stunts.
He played against lower-level competition in college and will need to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL. He will need to prove that he can hold his own against elite defenders, and may need some time to acclimate to the higher level of play.
He does not possess elite speed. He can struggle to separate from faster defenders and may not be as effective in vertical routes. He can sometimes struggle with quick changes of direction. This may limit his ability to make defenders miss after the catch.
Grade – B+
Overall, Tucker Kraft is a talented tight end who has the potential to be a valuable asset for an NFL team. With his size, hands, route running ability, and athleticism, he can be a threat both as a receiver and a blocker. However, he will need to work on his blocking technique, consistency, and adjust to the strength of competition at the next level. With his versatility and potential, he could develop into a reliable target for an NFL quarterback.
Doug Burrell finished 2022 as Fantasy Nerd’s Most Accurate Expert in NFL Picks and Tallysight’s #1 ranked expert Against the Spread Expert out of 200+ experts. He is a veteran, a runner and an avid fantasy sports enthusiast since 1999. You can reach him on Twitter @dougwburrell.
