Breakout Star: Jordan Love Says Packers TE Tucker Kraft Poised For 'A Big Year'
Tucker Kraft put the cherry on top of his prime-time performance. The Packers tight end hauled in an eight-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and Lambeau-leaped into the stands, flexing his muscles.
After catching six passes for a career-high 124 yards and the score in Green Bay’s 27-18 victory over the Commanders on Thursday, Kraft is our Week 2 pick for Breakout Star, a series spotlighting an ascending young player based on the past week of NFL action.
"That’s who Tuck is every day," quarterback Jordan Love said. "He’s very consistent right now. I don’t think it’s a secret for him to go out there and ball like he does. … It’s something that we just have to keep building on with him, but Tuck is a guy who’s going to have a big year."
Tucker Kraft celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown against the Commanders at Lambeau Field last Thursday. (Photo by Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Kraft showcased his playmaking ability in the win, which moved the Packers to 2-0. The third-year pro had a career-high 74 yards after the catch (plus-19 over expected), according to Next Gen Stats. He picked up at least 10 yards on four of his six receptions, including a 57-yarder on Green Bay’s second drive that set up a touchdown. He also had a big-time stiff arm in the second quarter — after making a catch in the flat, he threw Commanders safety Will Harris several yards before turning up field.
Kraft’s 124 yards marked the most receiving yards in a game by a Packers tight end since 2015 (Richard Rodgers, 146).
"He’s a guy that approaches the game the right way," Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. "I can’t say enough great things about Tuck and just the growth we’ve seen from him from the time he got