Now in his third season and firmly entrenched as a key cog in a high-octane passing offense, Tucker Kraft has evolved from developmental small-school prospect to one of Jordan Love's most reliable weapons.
Through six games this fall, Kraft has been nearly automatic when targeted — hauling in 18 of 21 passes his way for 268 yards and three touchdowns.
That level of efficiency speaks to both his growing chemistry with Love and his versatility within Matt LaFleur's system. Whether he's aligned inline next to the tackle as a traditional 'Y' tight end, flexed into the slot as a big-bodied receiver ('F'), or motioning across the formation to diagnose coverage, Kraft consistently finds ways to uncover and create mismatches.
Tight end Tucker Kraft can flip the matchup in Packers' favor vs. Cardinals
And this week, the matchup could not be more favorable.
Just last Sunday, the Cardinals were carved up by Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who gashed them for chunk plays up the seams and in the flats. Arizona simply couldn't match Warren's blend of size and athleticism — and Kraft has similar traits to those of the first-year Colt.
At 6-foot-5 and north of 250 pounds with real vertical burst, Kraft is a nightmare for linebackers in man coverage and too physical for most slot defenders in space. He's got excellent hands, awareness in zone, and has also become not only an in-between-the-20s threat, but a key impact player in the red area early on.
We've already seen him flash big-play ability this season, most notably on Thursday Night Football against Washington when he ripped up the seam for explosive gain after explosive gain on his way to a career night (six catches, 124 yds, 1 TD).
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That kind of playmaking will be critical against an Arizona defense that has struggled to stay disciplined against tight ends who sell the block before slipping into routes.
Green Bay doesn't hide their intentions — they want to sling it.
Matthew Golden's explosiveness, Romeo Doubs' red zone prowess — let alone the impact of Josh Jacobs — forces defenses to stretch themselves thin across the field.
That's exactly where Kraft does his best work: thriving in the soft spots, presenting a massive frame to the quarterback, and turning upfield with violent intent after the catch.
If the Cardinals overcommit to bracketing Golden to limit vertical shots or tilt coverage to the boundary, Kraft will have free access up the hashes all afternoon. And if Arizona tries to counter with physicality, Kraft's strength at the catch point is a matchup Love will exploit all afternoon long.
He's not a volume hog by design — but he doesn't need to be. All it takes is one seam shot, one slip off play-action, or one bully-ball red zone rep to change the complexion of a game.