After selecting Luke Musgrave in the 2nd round, the Green Bay Packers doubled-down on Tight Ends. With the 78th overall pick in the 3rd round, the Packers selected Tucker Kraft from South Dakota State.

After the Packers traded down twice in the 2nd round, an upward trade was speculated. However, they stayed put in the third round saving those picks and still got their guy.

Analysis:

Tucker Kraft is a versatile tight end with the skills to be a receiving threat, and a good run-blocker. Does a great job in transitioning from catch to run and is always looking for those extra yards after the catch.

At 6’5″ 254 lbs. Kraft is another big bodied Tight End for this Packers offense. In 2021 Kraft had his breakout season for the Jackrabbits with 65 receptions for 773 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. An ankle injury hampered him in 2022, limiting him to 9 games. But with those games he still had 27 catches, 348 yards and three touchdowns.

Many projected Kraft would’ve been an early 2nd round pick if not for his brief 2022 absence.

Team Fit:

Tucker Kraft will likely slide right into the offense on a Tight End rotation. It’s assumed that Luke Musgrave will likely be the top pass-catching Tight End. Tucker Kraft will probably compete with Josiah Deguara for the number 2 Tight End spot.

With Kraft’s run-blocking abilities he could be moved into a similar role as Marcedes Lewis played on the Packers offense. He may not be like a 6th offensive lineman, but he could hold his own in the rushing game.

Unlike Lewis’ use however, Kraft is a good passing threat so I would think he will be used as an all-around tight end. Blocking, catching, he can do it all, and I expect him to do so.

With two top tight ends in the draft, it seems like the Packers could be looking to build a bruising offense, and I’m here for it.

Tight End was a big position of need heading into the draft. Tucker Kraft will help round out the position and will be a great target for Jordan Love for years to come.

Go Pack Go

Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to PackersTalk as well as CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter at @gmeinholz. for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.

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