Which Team Could Pick Tucker Kraft in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Following in former South Dakota State tight end Dallas Goedert’s footsteps, Tucker Kraft could be the next success story from the FCS school at the position.

The 6-5, 255-pound tight end is rapidly rising across draft boards much like Goedert ascended ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft where he was ultimately picked in the second round.

Where could Kraft be drafted, and what team does he best fit with?

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What Did Tucker Kraft Do In His College Career?

Coming out of high school, Kraft only had one FBS offer (Wyoming) and it came late in the recruitment process. He opted to stay in his home state and to play college football for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.

Kraft had a quiet 2020 season, grabbing just seven catches for 90 yards in what was a short spring season due to COVID.

He burst onto the scene in 2021, grabbing 65 receptions for 773 yards and six touchdowns but more importantly grabbing the eyes of NFL scouts.

Kraft was offered six-figure NIL deals from larger schools to transfer for the 2022 season but he declined, stating that he wasn’t going to sell out on his team.

At the beginning of the 2022 season, Kraft separated his Tibia and Fibia and could have sat out for the remainder of the year to preserve his draft stock. He did no such thing, and came back to record 27 receptions for 348 yards and three touchdowns in seven games en route to the FCS title.

Which Team Could Pick Tucker Kraft In The 2023 NFL Draft?

Kraft currently projects as a mid-Day 2 pick, somewhere between the end of Round 2 to the beginning of Round 3. The bowling ball tight end could see his draft stock rise with a strong combine. 

Scouts currently question his route running, but love his lateral ability to go up and grab balls as well as his physique and willingness to run through defenders. While his athleticism is not special, it is no question mark as it certainly passes NFL standards. 

Kraft could emerge as a reliable starting tight end after a season of development due to the big jump in competition from FCS football to the NFL. 

Given that he projects as a Day 2 pick, there is no team that cannot realistically add Kraft to their roster. A few tight end needy teams that could target him include the Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders. Dynasty managers should salivate at Kraft if he lands in any of these spots.

In Kansas City, Kraft could learn behind potentially the best tight end of all time in Travis Kelce while eventually emerging as a top target for Patrick Mahomes.

In Jacksonville or Los Angeles, Kraft would be the favorite to start right away (Gerald Everett, Evan Engram both likely on the way out) and could develop chemistry with a young, talented franchise quarterback.

Carolina and Green Bay (given the exit of Aaron Rodgers) are undergoing youth movements as they reconstruct their rosters and both lack talent at the tight end position. 

Washington has held down the tight end position with Logan Thomas, a veteran who has been off the field more than he has been on it. They desperately could use a young security blanket like Kraft to grow with Sam Howell. 

Wherever Kraft lands, he will have the opportunity to shine. Keep an eye on him as the draft process continues.

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