No. 10, SDSU TE Tucker Kraft

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

Help needed. That’s the sign hanging above the tight-end room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. As it stands right now, Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis are sitting atop the tight-end depth chart for the Green Bay Packers. It’s a duo that’s combined for 48 career receptions. 

Luckily for the Packers, the 2023 NFL Draft is loaded with talented tight ends. A tight end that Brian Gutekunst could target in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft is Tucker Kraft. The South Dakota State tight end checks in at No. 10 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

Tucker Kraft is the complete package. The SDSU TE is a weapon in the passing game, and the former HS RB is a YAC threat. Exceptional blocker. pic.twitter.com/0sSXRfkefC

— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) December 14, 2022

A running back at Timber Lake High School, Kraft burst onto the scene for the Jackrabbits in 2021, when he caught 65 passes for 780 yards and six touchdowns. This past season, Kraft missed six games due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the season-opener. Kraft finished the season with 27 receptions for 348 yards and three touchdowns while helping SDSU win the FCS National Championship. 

Kraft is a complete tight end. He’s a natural pass catcher and in SDSU’s run-first offense, Kraft is an exceptional blocker. He lined up in-line and in the slot while he was in Brookings. At 6-4, 254 pounds, Kraft looks every bit the part of an NFL tight end. There is a reason why he’s considered to be a Top 64 prospect. 

“His “dual threat” abilities as a tight end,” Sam Herder, the senior FCS analyst for HERO Sports said. “It’s hard to categorize Kraft as a pass-catching tight end or a run-blocking tight end because he’s so good at both. He is athletic enough to split out into the slot to create a mismatch, but also has the size and strength to be an extension of the offensive line in the run game.”

With his reliable hands and body control, he has natural pass-catching skills. He’s a big target to work the middle of the field. He has the speed to threaten the seam. He’s able to catch the ball in stride and quickly turn upfield to become a YAC threat. For a man his size, he shows good burst in and out of his breaks. He’s comfortable with making defenders on his hip. 

#SouthDakotaState TE Tucker Kraft looking a…