South Dakota State TE Tucker Kraft Declares For The 2023 NFL Draft
The 2023 NFL Draft declarations are starting to trickle in, and none may be more exciting than South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft.
At some positions, the 2023 NFL Draft provides a serious upgrade from the class before. The quarterback and running back classes are two examples, but the tight end group might also present better talent than the year prior. Michael Mayer and Darnell Washington are two leading the way, but South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft is right up there, and soon, the football world will take notice.
Kraft recently declared for the 2023 NFL Draft on Twitter. He still has the FCS playoffs ahead of him with the Jackrabitts, but his entrance into the draft should draw more attention to how talented he is.
The road to Frisco runs through Brookings! It’s has been an immense privilege to play football for this institution. See you next week! #runrabbits pic.twitter.com/dygjUa88Qm
— Tucker Kraft (@TuckerKraft) November 21, 2022
Kraft’s breakout campaign came in 2021, as he caught 65 passes for 773 yards and six touchdowns for South Dakota State. Because of an injury suffered in the opener against Iowa, he’s only put up modest numbers this season, but he’s come back in full force late in the season and will be vital for a Jackrabbits deep run in the postseason.
Highlighted earlier this year by NFL Mocks’ own John Blair in his draft notebook, the traits are there for Tucker Kraft to be a top 50 pick once the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around. Working inline shouldn’t be a problem for him, as he’s handled linebackers and defensive ends in the run game, staying strong holding the edge and not giving up ground. As long as he stays balanced, he can sustain blocks as well. He gives every effort as a blocker in space as well.
As a receiver, he shines. Kraft looks fluid running routes, and does take snaps in the slot. Kraft has the functional athleticism for the full route tree, and the straight line speed to be a threat up the seam. He’s been extremely difficult to bring down in space, and can often pick up extra yardage after contact.
He is just a junior, so it’s unlikely, but if Tucker Kraft receives an all-star invite, he can showcase his skills in front of scouts and coaches down in Mobile or Las Vegas. If not, teams will be enamored with him come the combine. When all is said and done, Kraft could be one of the first tight ends off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft. Remember his name.