Tucker Kraft: From South Dakota Standout to NFL Prospect
Tucker John Kraft, born on November 3, 2000, has rapidly ascended from a versatile high school athlete in Timber Lake, South Dakota, to a promising tight end in the National Football League (NFL). This article provides an overview of Kraft's journey, tracing his roots, collegiate career, and transition to the professional level.
Early Life and High School Career
Kraft's story begins in Timber Lake, South Dakota, where he demonstrated his athletic prowess at Timber Lake High School. A versatile player, Kraft excelled in all three phases of the game, showcasing his talents primarily as a running back, middle linebacker, and punter. As a senior, he rushed for an impressive 1,405 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. His overall high school career included 3,130 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on offense, along with 142 tackles and eight sacks on defense. Despite his impressive statistics, Kraft went relatively unnoticed by major recruiting services.
In 2013, Kraft faced a personal tragedy with the passing of his father, Doug Kraft. Growing up on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation, Kraft's connection to his community remained strong. In April 2024, he was named an honorary tribal member in recognition of his service to the community.
Collegiate Career at South Dakota State
Kraft was recruited to South Dakota State University (SDSU) from Timberlake, South Dakota. Despite playing primarily running back in high school, he transitioned to the tight end position at SDSU. During his time with the Jackrabbits, Kraft played in 33 games. Kraft and South Dakota State finished a combined 33-7 during his final three years.
His most productive season came in 2021, where he caught 65 passes for 773 yards, scored six touchdowns, and averaged 11.9 yards per catch. This outstanding performance earned him an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First-Team selection. As a sophomore in 2021, he played 15 games and had an impressive 65 catches for 770 yards for an average of 11.8 yards per catch, with six touchdowns, and an elite quarterback rating when targeted of 129.4. In pass protection, he gave up three pressures and no sacks.
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Although his 2022 campaign was less productive due to injury, he still managed 19 catches for 232 yards and two touchdowns in just six games. As a junior in 2022 after suffering an injury, he played in just six games and hauled in 19 catches for 232 yards for an average of 12.2 yards per catch, with two touchdowns, and an elite quarterback rating when targeted of 134.7.
Kraft's decision to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft with remaining eligibility made him a rare FCS prospect.
NFL Draft and Green Bay Packers
Kraft's potential and college performance garnered attention from NFL scouts. He participated in the NFL Combine, showcasing his athletic abilities. His measurements and performance in combine drills further solidified his status as a promising prospect. He has good measurables which were showcased in the combine drills, a very productive college playing history, decent but not great hands, and has also proved to be a major contributor as a blocker.
The Green Bay Packers selected Kraft in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, with the 78th overall pick. He signed his rookie contract on May 17, 2023.
NFL Career
Kraft made his presence felt during his rookie season with the Green Bay Packers. He appeared in all 17 games and made eight starts. In Week 11 against the Detroit Lions, he scored his first NFL touchdown. In Week 14 against the New York Giants, Kraft had a career-high game in yardage with 64 yards in four receptions.
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In Week 8 of the 2025 season, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kraft had a standout performance, catching seven passes for a career-high 143 yards and two touchdowns on National Tight End’s Day. However, in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers, Kraft suffered a serious knee injury early in the third quarter.
Player Profile and Strengths
Tucker Kraft is known for his soft hands and ability to use his frame effectively to shield defenders, making him a major threat in the red zone. He is also recognized as an excellent run and pass blocker, demonstrating good effort at the point of attack and at the second level as a blocker.
Scouts have noted that Kraft has developed into a good athlete. He is considered a solid pro-tight-end prospect with eventual starting potential at the next level. Some assessments suggest he looked like a third or fourth-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft. While he possesses impressive athletic ability, some analysts believe he needs to refine his technique to succeed at the professional level.
Community Engagement and Personal Life
Tucker Kraft's commitment extends beyond the football field. He was named an honorary tribal member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in April 2024 for his acts of service to the community. In December 2024, he chose the Cheyenne River Youth Project for the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" initiative.
Kraft's personal life also garnered attention. In May 2024, he married Baylee Jandahl in an outdoor wedding in South Dakota.
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