Tucker Kraft played 96% of Green Bay’s offensive snaps against the Eagles on Friday night in Brazil. In contrast, Luke Musgrave saw only 25% of the action. Kraft caught two passes for 37 yards, whereas Musgrave had no receptions on two targets. Kraft also earned Green Bay’s fourth-best PFF run-blocking grade and ranked third in blocking on zone run plays.
It’s clear the Packers have confidence in both tight ends. Musgrave started 2023 strong, with 124 receiving yards in the first three weeks. Kraft stood out in the second half of the season, with game averages of 16.0, 12.3, 14.3, 15.0, and 10.3 receiving yards.
We should expect both tight ends to rotate in the offense due to their different skill sets. Musgrave is a deep threat in the passing game, while Kraft brings physicality to the run game and contributes well through the air as well.
Kraft’s durability gives him an edge heading into 2024. He played all 17 games last year, consistently challenging defenses at the line and in the passing game. His emphasis on physicality is a mentality I absolutely love.
“I’m comfortable with violence at the line of scrimmage. I want to punish defenders as a blocker. I see the emotions in their face change once I put them on their heels. I can feel their breath leaving. They exhale as I fall on top of them,” he stated last December.
We shouldn’t overemphasize Kraft’s snap count from Friday. He was key in countering Philadelphia’s physical front seven. Despite this, Kraft makes a strong case for a starting role, though Musgrave, when healthy, has already shown reliability as a target for Jordan Love.
Regardless of who starts, the Packers’ tight end position will be well served. Kraft adds a crucial physical element, a foundation of many successful teams. This could be the factor that helps the Packers take the next step.
