Scouting Opinions of Packers Third-Round Pick Tucker Kraft

What kind of player are the Packers getting in South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft, an FCS All-American.

Author:
Bill Huber
Publish date:
Apr 29, 2023 12:34 AM EDT

In this story:

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers needed to draft multiple tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft and accomplished that mission by selecting Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave and South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft on Friday.

Here is an assortment of scouting opinions on Kraft, with much more extensive looks by clicking on the links.

NFL scout to Packer Central: I like that pick a lot. He’s a good athlete, physical, fast. His hands need help, but he’s a good player.

Sports Info Solutions scout Nathan Cooper: He’s our No. 3 guy. Very natural hands, good release off the line. He’s not a big-time separator – more of a find-a-hole-in-the-zone kind of guy right now – but I think he has the ability to ascend in that level. With his blocking, he’s extremely competitive. Strong hands, consistent leg drive. He’s going to work his butt off in the run game. He’s not one of those guys who’s just ‘doing enough.’ He’s a guy that drives guys off the line. He’s a lot of fun to watch in the run game and definitely has enough as a receiver.

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: 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).

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: As a pass catcher, Kraft is an outstanding catch-and-go creator with fluid adjustment skills and balanced feet. As a blocker, he might not be polished, but he gets after it with the body control and desire to sustain and finish blocks.

Athlon: Another big-time tight end from the same FCS program that produced Dallas Goedert, Kraft brings a similar skill set as a supersized wide receiver, but with a slightly different style. Kraft has more of a George Kittle–type approach to the game, thriving on physicality with the ball in his hands and eagerness to mix it up as a blocker.

The 33rd Team: Kraft is a very good athlete with great size and build. As a receiver, he shows solid route-running ability with a good stem at the top of his routes to separate, but does not run a wide variety of routes. He has a good ability to use his size and box out smaller defenders. He has just OK hands, he has some drops, but shows good technique not allowing the ball to get in on his body. He does have the ability to make big plays with open-field speed and run after the catch ability. As a blocker, he has traits but needs a lot of work.

Pro Football Focus: Kraft looked like a man among boys in the FCS. They weren't ready for a 254-pound tight end who moves as gracefully as he does. As a result, he broke 25 tackles on 102 catches across the past two seasons.

Sports Info Solutions: His big frame, strong lower body, and continued leg drive will help him be an asset in the run game. He has the hands and savvy to be an effective piece in the passing game, but he will need to improve his ability as a true separator in order to be a top receiving option.