Overview
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). He has the body control and catch toughness to be more than just a traditional Y tight end. Kraft has Day 2 talent and should see the field early with a chance to become a TE1.

Strengths

• Thick frame with plus athleticism.
• Faster than he looks when opening his stride.
• Dexterity to rescue throws behind him.
• Absorbs contact and maintains focus through the catch.
• Transitions quickly from catch to run on short stop routes.
• Puts in the effort to sustain and drive the block.
• Easy adjustments in space to collect move blocks.
• Expects to put extra yardage in the books after the catch.

Weaknesses

• Rolls into the top of the route.
• Average speed to threaten the seam.
• Needs to get through NFL routes with better pace.
• Benefited from play-action to generate loads of open looks.
• Tall pads, narrow base and wide hands as run blocker.

Sources Tell Us
“I like him. I think he’s tough and plays like a big tight end in space and not a finesse receiver.” -- Regional scout for NFC team

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Small school players aways worry me. Big fish in a small pond can be a problem when he starts to wish with the sharks.

If his only contributions are blocking this year I'm ok with that.

Sarah Quick from Packers PR was moderating Tucker Kraft's conference call with us.

He dropped a "yes sir" and then quickly corrected it to "yes ma'am" while apologizing and saying...

"I had a couple drinks waiting for my name to be called."

Drafting two similar pass catching TEs seems to indicate that the offense is gonna be the undistilled version of what MLF wants. Getting similar TEs means they can run different stuff from the same offensive looks (the "illusion of complexity"). With more two TE sets in the future, it means there's less need for a #4 WR to a pivotal guy. And yes I know #4 WRs are generally not the best talent but with the abundance of 4 and 5 WR sets these days in the NFL it's not something to overlook. 

wpr;457381Small school players aways worry me. Big fish in a small pond can be a problem when he starts to wish with the sharks.

If his only contributions are blocking this year I'm ok with that.

Ah, but what happens when you take a saltwater croc from a small pond and put him in the ocean with the sharks?*

South Dakota State's Tucker Kraft taken by Green Bay Packers in third round of NFL Draft

That came after a 2021 that saw Kraft catch 65 balls for 773 yards. After that breakthrough season he had lucrative NIL offers from several major conference schools to transfer, but Kraft chose to stick with the Jacks and win a ring. Now he'll begin his pursuit of similar success at the next level.

If Alabama was interested him, he can probably play. 

*I know, this makes no sense. It just sounded good
 

Mucky Tundra;457465Ah, but what happens when you take a saltwater croc from a small pond and put him in the ocean with the sharks?*

South Dakota State's Tucker Kraft taken by Green Bay Packers in third round of NFL Draft

If Alabama was interested him, he can probably play. 

*I know, this makes no sense. It just sounded good
 

You get a "like" for the asterisk. 
 

These TEs are gonna be awesome.

Mucky Tundra;457389Drafting two similar pass catching TEs seems to indicate that the offense is gonna be the undistilled version of what MLF wants. Getting similar TEs means they can run different stuff from the same offensive looks (the "illusion of complexity"). With more two TE sets in the future, it means there's less need for a #4 WR to a pivotal guy. And yes I know #4 WRs are generally not the best talent but with the abundance of 4 and 5 WR sets these days in the NFL it's not something to overlook. 

I wouldn't say they're simialar...

Musgrave runs a 4.61 40 yard time, in comparison, WR Adams ran a 4.56... Musgrave is a specialist in that he's a WR in a TE body. Oddly what I saw in tape was he looked like a physical route runner, but once he got his hands on the ball, he seemed to go down surprisingly easy. As a blocker, currently he's not overpowering anyone at the line, he does try to block, but he does so just by getting in their way and walking off, like a basketball player.

Kraft is not a tweener, he's a straight up physical TE, with some adjustments in his technic, he'll be moving people at the line! And while he can get out on routes and catch, he's possible going to be confused for a WR.

But yes, absolutely, without #12, I think we're going to see more 12 personnel packages and Degara can also be an H-back.

Though they also seemed to draft WR Reed, whom if they want seems like could be a slot WR so could see 11 personnel still good but too.
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Mucky Tundra;457389Drafting two similar pass catching TEs seems to indicate that the offense is gonna be the undistilled version of what MLF wants. Getting similar TEs means they can run different stuff from the same offensive looks (the "illusion of complexity"). With more two TE sets in the future, it means there's less need for a #4 WR to a pivotal guy. And yes I know #4 WRs are generally not the best talent but with the abundance of 4 and 5 WR sets these days in the NFL it's not something to overlook. 

One of the things I'm most excited for in 2023 is to see MLF run his offense the way he wants it to - with the players drafted in the last few years that he's had input on.