Unpacking Future Packers: No. 10, SDSU TE Tucker Kraft

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

Help needed. That’s the sign hanging above the tight-end room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. As it stands right now, Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis are sitting atop the tight-end depth chart for the Green Bay Packers. It’s a duo that’s combined for 48 career receptions. 

Luckily for the Packers, the 2023 NFL Draft is loaded with talented tight ends. A tight end that Brian Gutekunst could target in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft is Tucker Kraft. The South Dakota State tight end checks in at No. 10 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

A running back at Timber Lake High School, Kraft burst onto the scene for the Jackrabbits in 2021, when he caught 65 passes for 780 yards and six touchdowns. This past season, Kraft missed six games due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the season-opener. Kraft finished the season with 27 receptions for 348 yards and three touchdowns while helping SDSU win the FCS National Championship. 

Kraft is a complete tight end. He’s a natural pass catcher and in SDSU’s run-first offense, Kraft is an exceptional blocker. He lined up in-line and in the slot while he was in Brookings. At 6-4, 254 pounds, Kraft looks every bit the part of an NFL tight end. There is a reason why he’s considered to be a Top 64 prospect. 

“His “dual threat” abilities as a tight end,” Sam Herder, the senior FCS analyst for HERO Sports said. “It’s hard to categorize Kraft as a pass-catching tight end or a run-blocking tight end because he’s so good at both. He is athletic enough to split out into the slot to create a mismatch, but also has the size and strength to be an extension of the offensive line in the run game.”

With his reliable hands and body control, he has natural pass-catching skills. He’s a big target to work the middle of the field. He has the speed to threaten the seam. He’s able to catch the ball in stride and quickly turn upfield to become a YAC threat. For a man his size, he shows good burst in and out of his breaks. He’s comfortable with making defenders on his hip. 

“The biggest thing is that he has excellent hands,” Herder said. “He can make all the catches, whether it’s sitting in a zone and catching a big third-and-six pass, or running down the seam on a play-action look and catching the ball in stride for an explosive play.” 

The former high school running back has above-average athleticism for the position and it’s on display when he has the ball in space. He has good contact balance and is able to run through arm tackles.  With his size and speed (4.62 40), he can be a load to take down for defensive backs. He creates chunk plays after the catch.  According to Pro Football Focus, Kraft racked up 614 yards after the catch over the past two seasons, including 406 in 2021.

“He’s a very smooth athlete for his size and has great body control,” Herder said. “He’s faster than expected in the open field, and he doesn’t lumber either. There are many plays when SDSU has hit Kraft over the middle and he makes a great catch, keeps his feet, and turns a 10-yard catch into a 30-yard gain.”

Kraft is eager to get after it as a blocker. At contact, he keeps his legs driving and creates movement in the run game. 

“You’re going to have to block to be a tight end at SDSU, and Kraft’s impact there was significant,” Herder said. “He was one of the best blocking tight ends in the FCS.  

Fit with the Packers

The Packers need an infusion of talent at tight end. If the Packers miss out on Michael Mayer, Dalton Kincaid, Luke Musgrave, or Darnell Washington, Kraft would be a nice consolation prize. 

“As an FCS follower, there are just some guys you know are going to be good NFL players even when it takes a bit for prospect rankings to get there,” Herder said. “Dallas Goedert, Troy Andersen, and Christian Watson are some examples. I get that same sense with Kraft, where I’m surprised he isn’t getting more first-round or second-round consideration. I think even as a round-three pick, he’s going to be a steal. Kraft’s physical traits will make him an immediate impact player in the NFL. I also think his work ethic and confidence will translate to his pro success.”

In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Packers traded up in the second round to select NDSU wide receiver, Christian Watson. Injuries slowed Watson’s impact during his rookie season. When he was on the field he proved to be a dynamic playmaker for the Packers.

Fast forward to the 2023 NFL Draft and the Packers could dip their toes back into the FCS talent pool to improve the tight end room by selecting Kraft in the second round. 

The SDSU tight end is the complete package. He’s an explosive weapon in the passing game and he’s a sound blocker. 

Kraft could have a Dallas Goedert-like impact during his rookie season (30-40 receptions for 350-450 yards and four to six touchdowns) and in the long-term he could have a career arc, just like the former SDSU tight end. For a team that needs impact players at tight end, Kraft would be a solid selection in the second round. 

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