Suddenly, the Packers boast an embarrassment of riches, on both sides of the football.
While Green Bay’s blockbuster trade to acquire Micah Parsons grabs the headlines and potentially significantly elevates coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense, the Packers have done an outstanding job in recent seasons surrounding ascending 26-year-old quarterback Jordan Love with rising weapons.
Matthew Golden’s speed has the potential to be a game-changer for Love and the offense, while running back Josh Jacobs’ explosiveness may be Green Bay’s most prolific weapon. However, it might be another young and emerging star who winds up being the biggest beneficiary of all the big-play pieces on the field.
Packers’ Tucker Kraft Key to Offense vs. Lions
Packers
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay 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
Packers tight end Tucker Kraft could be on the cusp of a breakout season in 2025, and may be the most important offensive player on the field in a critical season opener against Green Bay’s bitter division rivals, the Detroit Lions.
“Tight end Tucker Kraft emerged as a dynamic weapon after the catch,” the staff of Pro Football Focus writes. “He totaled 465 yards after the catch, fifth-most among tight ends, and his 9.3 YAC per reception led the position. It also marked the highest single-season average by a tight end since George Kittle’s 9.9 in 2018.”
Packers
Green Bay running back Emanuel Wilson (31) and tight end Tucker Kraft (85) celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown against the Chicago Bears on January 5, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Bears defeated the Packers 24-22.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Against the Lions, while Golden is finding his footing and potential big-play ability in the vertical passing game, Kraft could feast in the space underneath both on quick routes and as an after-the-catch machine.
Kraft caught 50 passes for 707 yards and seven touchdowns in his second NFL season, and could become a bigger piece of the puzzle for the Packers’ offense this season.
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