The rookie Kraft gives the Packers some much-needed depth at tight end, but he also has a puncher's chance at being a stat contributor. The South Dakota State product has very good size (6-foot-5, 254 pounds) and surprising quickness with good hands. Green Bay's coaches have to work with him on improving his route-running and securing the ball before moving upfield, but after modestly averaging 12.3 yards per catch over his final two college seasons, the potential for him to improve is in reach. Dynasty managers will shop for Kraft with a late Round 3 pick in rookie-only drafts.
Kraft (knee) was targeted three times and caught one pass for four yards in Friday's 36-19 preseason victory over the Bengals.
Kraft injured his knee in practice last week, but that did not prevent him from seeing action in Green Bay's first exhibition game. Kraft entered the game in the third spot on the depth chart on Green Bay's official website, but with fellow tight end Tyler Davis going down with a knee injury that could cost him significant time, Kraft is set to move up to the second spot behind fellow rookie Luke Musgrave.
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Packers' Tucker Kraft: Injured during practice
Rotowire
Kraft left practice early Saturday after sustaining a knee injury, Kassidy Hill of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Kraft's injury doesn't sound serious, according to head coach Matt LaFleur, but he added that he didn't have any information. The 22-year-old is competing with fellow rookie Luke Musgrave and fourth-year pro Josiah Deguara for starting duties at tight end. Kraft now will work to get healthy and perhaps return to practice in future days.
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Packers' Tucker Kraft: Another tight end for Green Bay
Rotowire
The Packers selected Kraft in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 78th overall.
Kraft is a plus athlete out of South Dakota State with a true in-line frame, but this is an odd selection for a Packers organization that took fellow tight end Luke Musgrave in the second round. The Packers made only occasional use of Robert Tonyan, who was a capable pass catcher, while he was on the roster. Perhaps coach Matt LaFleur envisions using two-tight-end sets much more frequently, but until then, Kraft and Musgrave might be locked into a zero-sum competition for snaps.
