We will evaluate every Green Bay Packers rookie in 2023. Draft picks, undrafted free agents, players acquired through other avenues.
Overview
Rookie tight ends don’t tend to impact the team right away. The Green Bay Packers achieved this with Luke Musgrave. So when the starter got injured with a lacerated kidney, and fellow rookie Tucker Kraft had to replace him, there were several (and fair) questions.
But Kraft not only replaced Musgrave, he played at a high level and showed that, with his different skill set, he can execute a complementary role to the second-rounder.
Kraft was selected by the Packers with the 78th overall pick, and it seems like he is on the right path to break Green Bay’s third-round curse.
Snap counts and stats
- 56.66% offensive snaps, 45.22% special teams snaps
- 31 receptions, 355 yards, 2 touchdowns, 121.7 passer rating when targeted
PFF grades
- 63.6 offensive grade
- 67.4 receiving grade
- 78.0 drop grade
- 76.6 fumble grade
- 67.7 pass block grade
- Best game: 76.4 (vs. New York Giants, week 14)
- Worst game: 36.2 (vs Las Vegas Raiders, week 5)
Big plays
Kraft's first game as a starter was against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. His role was primarily as a blocker, but he had a couple of receptions in the first half, including a touchdown.
Even after Musgrave was back, Tucker Kraft's role was still significant. And he showed that in the playoffs, with a receiving touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
Future projection
Tucker Kraft certainly looks like a draft hit, especially considering how bad Brian Gutekunst’s track record in the third round used to be. He is not exactly an explosive player, but his ability to get yards after the reception is insane. Kraft might be a perfect complement to Musgrave, and the Packers should be elated with what is possible to do with both guys on the roster at the same time.
Tucker Kraft finished the season as the starter, playing more snaps than Musgrave. It’s unclear if that happened because the second-rounder was coming off a significant injury, or if Kraft’s ability as a blocker and as a complete tight end is too enticing for what Matt LaFleur wants to do offensively. Either way, it’s obvious that Kraft can be a highly useful offensive piece for a long time.
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