Tucker Kraft NFL Draft

Tucker Kraft

  • TE South Dakota State
  • Junior
  • #41
  • 6'5"
  • 255lbs
  • Prospect
  • Missouri Valley

Prospect Summary

Tucker Kraft 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

  • 2021 FCS First-Team All-American
  • Running back in high school
  • Played basketball in high school

System: 

  • Scheme tendencies: Spread with power principles
  • 2022 projected role: Starting TE

Pros: Tucker Kraft is the next small-school tight end in line to be an early NFL draft pick. Kraft is a well-built player with a muscular frame and good density throughout his lower half. He has excellent size and is a good overall athlete. He predominantly aligns in-line or attached at the hip of the tackle but will flex out in the slot and even outside. He is a well-rounded player who wins in both phases. He has excellent power at the point of attack in the run game and gets good push off the line. He works his hands inside, plays with good pad level, and works to sustain and finish. In the passing game, he shows good athleticism to get open and is good with the ball in his hands, displaying competitiveness and power to break tackles. He has the speed to uncover at all three levels and shows a good ability to track and locate the football. 

Cons: Tucker Kraft is one of the few tight ends who actually is a plus blocker in the run game, I just wish he showed more playmaking ability as I believe he has it in him. He can clean up his routes, specifically at the top of the route, and work to create more separation. He’s not an explosive athlete and won’t break many long runs after the catch at the next level. He doesn’t show great body control in contested situations to make those difficult catches. He can be a No. 1 tight end at the next level, I just question if you can run a passing game through him as your top option.

Tucker Kraft NFL Draft Scouting Report by Brentley Weissman