Tucker Kraft has emerged as playmaker during the Packers joint practices with the Cincinnati Bengals and games thus far. Since then, he’s moved back to Wisconsin for good. The 2023 NFL season marks a pivotal year for Kraft, who is quickly becoming a crowd favorite thanks to his dynamic playing style and his unforgettable mantra: “Don’t let a DB tackle me in space.”
Kraft is originally from Timber Lake, South Dakota, a tiny town of only 509 people. His path to the NFL is marked by record-breaking stats and an unyielding work ethic. He broke onto the scene last season with over 50 catches and over 700 receiving yards. He caught seven touchdowns, averaging over 14.0 yards per reception. His spectacular performance last year has upped the ante for this season.
In a flex tape-meets-movie-magic performance against the Washington Commanders, Kraft displayed his genius. He finished the season with 124 yards receiving and one touchdown on six receptions. This good showing got him noticed for his other-worldly receiving prowess. His 124 receiving yards set a franchise record for the Packers tight end with the most since Richard Rodgers’ 146 yards in 2015.
One of his most impressive stats, Kraft has great after-the-catch ability, as 73 of his yards came after he caught the ball. His 449 receiving yards are the most by a Packers tight end since 2009. That was the time that Jermichael Finley got 80 yards after the catch against the Vikings. The matchup was highlighted by this awesome 57-yard first-quarter catch and run. This electrifying stop put the whole world on notice of his field-erasing power.
His performance has caught the eye of both his teammates and national football analysts. Jordan Love, the Packers’ quarterback, commented on Kraft’s consistency and work ethic, stating, “He comes in and puts that work in. In practice every day, he’s making those big-time plays, and he’s very consistent right now. I don’t think it’s a secret for him to go out there and ball like he does.”
The Packers took Kraft in the third round, making him the 78th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has instantly made an immediate impact on the team. That makes him the first Packers player to do so since Davante Adams in 2018. He caught a touchdown pass in each of the first two games of the year! This accomplishment pretty much guarantees him TE1 for the Pack going forward. It further heightens anticipation for a next-year breakout!
Durability Kraft has been one of the steadiest players at any position in the entire NFL, never missing a game since entering the NFL. In college at South Dakota State, Trotter demonstrated he had the potential to be a game-breaker, going over 100 receiving yards in five different games as a sophomore. His most notable performances were outstanding games versus Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois.
Reflecting on his recent success, Kraft expressed excitement and determination: “Hopefully I can keep stacking games like that.” He acknowledged the challenges that come with increased visibility: “It’s the first time I’ve ever gotten over 100 yards, including in college. So I’m feeling it now. You just get tackled that many more times. I mean, yeah, I’m excited, but it’s over.”
As Kraft molds into an even bigger factor for the Green Bay Packers, analysts are confident in him becoming a huge contributor down the line. Micah Parsons noted, “He’s playing terrific, bro. I think he’s bound to have a breakout year.” Fellow player Xavier McKinney echoed this sentiment: “[Thursday’s] game pretty much showed it, but he does this to me every game. He’s an athlete that can go out there, but he can be a receiver. He blocks his ass off. And actually, it’s a whole lot of nothing that he does pretty much at all. He does everything well. He’s an all-around tight end.
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