Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft will be second fiddle to Luke Musgrave this season. However, Green Bay’s offense will want to rely on both tight ends for the upcoming 2024 season.
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) runs through a drill during practice on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
A season ago, Kraft and Musgrave were both rookies and performed well when their number was called upon. How can Tucker Kraft perform in his second NFL season?
Dairylandexpress.com Writer Brian Sampson Thinks Tight End Tucker Kraft Breaks Out In His Second Season
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Sampson of dairylandexpress.com thinks that there will be three breakout candidates for the Green Bay Packers entering the 2024 season. One of those candidates he thinks will burst out onto the scene this season will be second-year tight end Tucker Kraft from South Dakota State. Sampson said about the former Jackrabbits star tight end:
“The Packers are in an enviable position with not just one but two young, dynamic tight ends ready to make an impact. While Luke Musgrave might be the name that catches most of the headlines with his elite size (6-foot-6, 253 pounds) and speed (4.61-second 40-yard dash), it’s Tucker Kraft who has head coach Matt LaFleur buzzing with excitement as the 2024 season approaches.
Kraft might not have the same eye-popping physical tools as Musgrave, but he’s no slouch in the athletic department. What really sets him apart, though, is what he can do once the ball is in his hands. Kraft excels in yards after the catch (YAC), using his elusive and deceptively quick moves to make defenders miss and turn short gains into big plays. His knack for making plays with the rock has been a standout feature during practice, and it’s something LaFleur is eager to capitalize on as he designs plays tailored to Kraft’s unique skill set.”
A season with the Green Bay Packers, he caught 31 passes for 355 yards receiving and two touchdowns, along with averaging 11.5 yards per catch. He was targeted 40 times. Tucker Kraft started in some games last season because Luke Musgrave was on injured reserve with a lacerated kidney.
Tons Of Weapons On Offense
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) and wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) and tight end Tucker Kraft (85) celebrate after wide receiver Bo Melton (80) scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter in a 2024 NFC divisional round game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
This Packers offense has a lot of different weapons to rely on a week-to-week basis. They have four wide receivers and two tight ends that could be the leading receiver every single week. Sampson also added about Kraft:
“Expect Kraft to be a key contributor to Green Bay’s offense, not just as a complement to Musgrave, but as a playmaker in his own right. If he can build on his strong offseason and continue to develop his chemistry with Love, Kraft could be primed for a monster season that puts him squarely on the NFL’s radar.”
It will be interesting to see who will have more receiving yards this season between Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. Instead of the tight end tandem being a 1-2 punch, it might feel like 1A and 1B for this football team.