NFL Executive reveals daunting strategy to stop Packers’ Tucker Kraft

In his third season, Kraft has quickly played his way into the pantheon of tight ends alongside the likes of George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, among the most prolific in the league.

One executive believes he has the code for limiting the damage tight ends like Kraft are capable of inflicting, and as Kraft did against the Steelers, posting 131 yards after the catch.

“If they’re going to have a chance against guys like Kraft or Andrews,” an NFC South Personnel Executive tells Between The Hashmarks, of how teams can limit the Packers’ tight end. “It starts with the safeties being much better in man coverage, and as a defense, they have to tackle better if you’re playing zone. The Steelers couldn’t figure out either last week.”

Somehow, that plan sounds easier in practice than it is to execute in reality, as the Steelers found out.

Fortunately for the Packers, head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley aren’t tasked with figuring out how to slow Kraft, but can apply similar concepts to matchups against the likes of the Lions’ Sam LaPorta, the Bears’ Colston Loveland, and the Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson, among others, this season and beyond.

As for Kraft, he’s on pace to obliterate previous career-highs, already catching 30 passes for 469 yards and six touchdowns, just one shy of tying his previous high-water mark of seven, set last season.

If Kraft continues this pace, defensive coordinators around the league may need to rewrite their game plans for Green Bay week.