​Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers has earned high if not elite-level recognition as one of the premier tight ends in the NFL, landing at No. 6 in ESPN’s most recent league-wide poll of executives, coaches, and scouts. The poll, which drew ballots from more than 70 voters, marks a notable leap for Kraft from last season, when he wasn’t ranked at all. Yet, for many observers and evaluators, Kraft’s performance on the field arguably deserves even more praise than his current ranking suggests.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler announced the results, which place Kraft behind a trio of elite veterans in that top tier: Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders, Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals, and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. Also above Kraft are Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions and Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts, with Colten Loveland of the Chicago Bears coming in right behind Kraft at No. 7. The spread in Kraft’s rankings—from one voter listing him as the third-best tight end in the league to another voter omitting him entirely—highlights a notable inconsistency that stands in contrast to what Kraft has shown on the field in recent seasons.
One NFC executive offered a pointed assessment of Kraft’s game that underscores why he should be rated higher. “His speed and run-after-the-catch ability really stand out,” the executive told ESPN. “He was just scratching the surface before the injury, and he’s a high-level blocker.” That comment gets to the heart of Kraft’s value: his rare combination of receiving explosiveness and in-line blocking ability sets him apart from most of the players in this tight-end landscape. The notion that Kraft’s two-way impact isn’t fully captured by the ranking is a theme worth noting for anyone evaluating his overall contribution to the Packers.
Kraft’s absence for eight games last season due to an ACL injury makes his 2023 campaign seem smaller than it was. When he did play, he posted 30 receptions, 469 yards, and six touchdowns, numbers that reflect a productive, if limited, sample. Across the previous two seasons, he has accumulated 13 receiving touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the NFC’s more reliable red-zone threats. Those numbers, when considered per-game efficiency and overall impact, support the argument that Kraft deserved a higher placement in ESPN’s poll. He has matured from a developing talent into a mature, game-changing contributor who can alter a defense with both his receiving ability and his blocking.
Looking ahead, Kraft is expected to be ready for Week 1 as he returns from the ACL injury. His health and continuity should only amplify his impact, given his skill set that blends dynamic receiving ability with strong, in-line blocking. The top three tight ends on ESPN’s list—Bowers, McBride, and Kittle—are undoubtedly recognized for their sustained elite production and durability. Yet Kraft presents a compelling case to be considered the best tight end in the NFC North when weighing his unique blend of blocking prowess and receiving versatility against LaPorta, who remains strong but is often noted for its relative difference in blocking impact.
In any case, Kraft’s performance and potential argue for greater recognition. The efficiency and consistency he has shown—particularly in red-zone scenarios—supply the Packers with a versatile weapon that can influence games in multiple ways. As Kraft continues his return to full strength, the expectation is that his on-field impact will translate into even higher recognition from leagues, teams, and fans, reinforcing that his No. 6 ranking, while credible, may still understate his true value in the broader tight-end hierarchy.