Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft was productive as a pass-catcher during an impressive performance with the No. 1 offense during Thursday’s joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens.
According to Mike Spofford of Packers.com, Kraft — who is back to 100 percent after recovering from offseason surgery on a pectoral injury — caught at least five passes during 11-on-11 periods facing the Ravens defense.
“If there was an individual standout, it was Tucker Kraft, the second-year tight end,” Spofford said. “I had him for five receptions today against that Ravens defense. There was some screens, some deep crossers over the middle. No. 85 was a big-time presence on the field for Jordan Love today.”
Kraft caught one pass on a designed rollout and rumbled for big yards. On one play in the red zone, Kraft caught a screen and followed blockers for a score. On multiple dropbacks, he hauled in a pass from Love off an in-breaking route down the field, including one off a play-action fake.
Last year’s third-round pick caught eyes on the sideline during Thursday’s practice and is impressing the man under center.
“Tucker looks great,” Love said. “Since he’s been back out there, we’ve felt his presence, for sure. I think he’s hit the ground running. I think he has some fresh legs right now after missing a little bit, but he looks great out there. It’s very apparent on the field and it’s great to have him back.”
Kraft appears to be picking up where he left off to end his promising rookie season. Over the final nine games of 2023, Kraft caught 29 passes for 350 yards and two touchdowns. He added five catches and a score in the postseason. Overall, Kraft finished with the third-most catches (31) and second-most receiving yards (355) among rookie tight ends in Packers history.
Kraft’s only impediment to a true breakout season in 2024 is the quality of weapons around him. Luke Musgrave is going to get snaps and targets at tight end, the Packers believe they have four starting caliber wide receivers and Josh Jacobs is likely to be a workhorse at running back.
There is only so many snaps and targets to go around. But Thursday’s practice proved Kraft can still be a difference maker for Love and the Packers passing game in 2024. Like Love, the second-year tight end looks ready for Week 1.