Small Town, Big Time Game: Tucker Kraft is the Tight End you need.
Tucker Kraft
South Dakota State University, Tight End 6’5, 254 lbs
2022 Stats: 27 receptions, 348 yards, 3TDs
Pros
If there is one thing you should not do it is underestimate Tucker Kraft. Coming to the combine at 254 pounds and running a 4.69 40 yard dash is eye popping. Not to mention his blocking ability. One of the best of his class he can run block with the best of them, with his pass blocking not far behind. Kraft did test at the combine and did very well, but every tight end did. With a 40-yard dash time of 4.69 seconds and a 1.59 second 10-yard split.
He has favorability with his size and speed a lot of tight ends do not have. One thing that sticks out and you can see it in multiple games (particularly Sacramento State and Indiana State games) is his ability to go up and make contested catches. Kraft plays bigger, if thats even possible, then he is. He pumped out 23 reps on the bench press but when you see him run into defenders, you can tell they hurt when they get back up.
Kraft also had multiple games where he showed off his speed with TE sweeps out of the backfield. When he gets going, he has great footwork to make defenders miss and, again, will hit you to make you second guess doing it. He plays with confidence which oozes into his teammates. So much so, that South Dakota State University (SDSU) finally got over the hump and won the FCS Championship this year.
Cons
As stated above, Tucker Kraft has good speed, when he gets going. His first step I feel can lead to some trouble with possibly the more physical safeties and linebackers in the NFL. It will be a culture shock because he won’t be the toughest and biggest guy on the field anymore. Everyone is big in the NFL, and he will need to adjust to that.
His physical and mental traits are there but he will need to learn a little more finesse in that first step and know how to break away from defenders. He could, possibly, have trouble learning a full route tree. SDSU does not run a lot of option routes which will be a necessity in the NFL, but has shown he can line up anywhere and make it work.
Summary
This is first and foremost, a fantasy football website for all intents and purposes. Tucker Kraft in a fantasy standpoint his rookie year may not be an ideal choice in the first two rounds in your rookie drafts because he may not produce right away. I have no doubt whoever drafts him will put him on the field, whether for blocking or special teams he will get playing time. If you have a taxi squad that allows rookies and 2nd year players on it and you are patient.
You may have a gem. Tyler Eifert is a good modern comparison because he was that do it all tight end that wasn’t particularly great at anything, but good at everything. He was consistent and Tucker Kraft will be too. Kellen Winslow Jr, came out with a similar build and major athleticism and was supposed to be the next big thing.
We all know what happened. It did NOT work out that way, but Kraft tested the same if not better in a lot of the relevant tight end categories at the draft. Kraft has a good head on his shoulders is the biggest difference. In the NFL Draft don’t be surprised when he goes in day 2.
2023 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Late 2nd to Early 3rd is where I am targeting him.
Ideal Role: Potential Starting Tight End
Player Comp: Tyler Eifert, Kellen Winslow Jr.
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