Back in 2023, the Green Bay Packers decided to reinvent their offense on the fly. The highest profile move they made, of course, was trading four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets so that Jordan Love could take over as the starting quarterback. But the switch at quarterback was far from the only big change the Packers made.
In addition to letting go of their future Hall of Fame quarterback, Green Bay allowed veteran wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb to walk in free agency. Both ended up joining Rodgers in New York. To replace them, the Packers drafted Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Grant DuBose.
That being said, the Packers still had Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs who, though just entering their second year in the NFL, had some experience. The same cannot be said of what Green Bay decided to do at the tight end position.
The Green Bay Packers Drafted Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft in 2023
Green Bay Packers, Tucker Kraft
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) leaves Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) in his wake during the third quarter of their game Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
In addition to allowing their two most experienced wide receivers leave, the Packers also chose not to re-sign either of their top-two tight ends: Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan. Both ended up signing with the Chicago Bears.
To replace them, Green Bay selected Luke Musgrave in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and Tucker Kraft in the third. Going into the season, many expected that it would be Musgrave who would emerge as a oft-used offensive weapon. However, due to a series of injuries, that has not been the case over the course of the last two seasons.
While Musgrave did tie the Packers record for receptions by a rookie tight end (34) in 2023, it was Kraft who emerged as the more exciting player. When his counterpart when down with a lacerated kidney mid-season, Kraft accumulated over 300 yards receiving during the last seven games of the year.
In 2024, with Musgrave sidelined with an ankle injury for most of the year, Kraft had 50 receptions for 707 yards and seven touchdowns.
Christian Watson’s Dad Says Tucker Kraft Is the Best Tight End in the NFL
Green Bay Packers, Tucker Kraft
Dec 17, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) celebrates his touchdown reception during the first quarter of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Without a doubt, Kraft is certainly a fan-favorite among the Packers faithful. In addition to his play on the field, he shares similar interests with many Green Bay fans, including hunting and fishing.
But one super fan, Tazim Wajid Wajed (formerly Tim Watson), the father of Christian Watson, and himself a former Packers draft pick, believes that Kraft can be the clear-cut best tight end in the league (if Green Bay were to use him more):
“JUST SO WE’RE CLEAR, there isn’t a single TE in the NFL who I’d take over this guy! I told you all before he got drafted what he would be in the NFL(after what he did to NDSU annually of course)… Once the Packers actualize him to his full capacity… IT’S OVER!!!!”
It certainly is going to be interesting to see how often Kraft is utilized in the offense going forward. Musgrave will presumably be healthy in 2025, and Green Bay just drafted Matthew Golden, a wide receiver, in the first round of this year’s draft.
But the Packers do not have a weapon who can punish defenses in the open field quite like Kraft. Hopefully the addition of new weapons only increase his looks as opponents focus on others.
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