Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden has the potential to be a field-stretcher for Jordan Love and the offense, but he isn’t the only pass-catcher in the 26-year-old quarterback’s arsenal who could become a menace for opposing secondaries.
Tucker Kraft is an emerging star at the tight end position, and his impact on the Packers’ passing game may just now be scratching the surface of what he’s capable of adding for Love and Green Bay in 2025.
Packers’ Tucker Kraft Listed as One of 2025’s Most Important Players
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers, Packers, Matthew golden
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) makes a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Kraft has been a bit of an under-the-radar contributor everywhere outside of Green Bay, but has already flashed his ability to be one of Love’s most reliable targets.
Last season, Kraft, 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds, caught a career-high 50 passes for 707 yards and seven touchdowns, in his second season since being chosen in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, out of South Dakota State.
Over at CBS Sports, NFL analyst Zachary Pereles lists Kraft as the top under-the-radar tight end to watch, who could shape the 2025 NFL season.
“After playing just over half of Green Bay’s offensive snaps in 2023,” Pereles writes for CBS Sports. “Kraft jumped to 87% in 2024 and produced a 50/707/7 receiving line. For as much as Jordan Love loves to push the ball downfield, he found a rugged, reliable outlet in Kraft, who led all tight ends in NFL Next Gen Stat’s expected YAC difference — how much YAC he produced compared to how much was expected given his speed, defenders’ positioning, etc.”
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers, Jordan Love
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) makes a reception for a first down during the second quarter of their game against the New Orleans Saints Monday, December 23, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Kraft is quickly becoming one of the Packers’ most vital offensive weapons and big-play threats.
Last season, according to Pro Football Focus, Kraft led all tight ends with a 9.3 yards after the catch per reception average, while Love boasted a stellar 134.6 passer rating when throwing his direction.
If Love is able to set Kraft up for after the catch opportunities, it could make Green Bay one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
Green Bay Packers, Tucker Kraft
Dec 5, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) spikes the ball after catching a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
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