In the dynamic world of professional football, the Green Bay Packers have found a promising duo in rookie tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. As we delve into the strengths, weaknesses, and offseason plans for each position, it's clear that the Packers struck gold with these two young players.
Luke Musgrave, a second-round draft pick in April, had an impressive rookie season. Despite missing six games due to a lacerated kidney, Musgrave still managed to tie the franchise record for most catches by a rookie tight end with 34 receptions. His 352 receiving yards were also the third-most by a rookie tight end in team history. Had he played a full season, his numbers could have soared even higher.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur spoke highly of Musgrave, emphasizing his growth and potential. LaFleur described him as intentional, focused, intelligent, and coachable. With such attributes, Musgrave is primed for continued success in the seasons to come.
On the other hand, Tucker Kraft, a third-round draft pick from South Dakota State, had a slower start during training camp. However, as the season progressed, Kraft's talent began to shine. He stepped up after Musgrave's injury in Week 11, finishing the year with 355 receiving yards. This performance was the second-most in franchise history by a rookie tight end. Kraft's 29 catches and two touchdowns in his last eight games showed tremendous growth and potential.
According to Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, Kraft struggled initially with understanding assignments, but his improvement was evident as he gained a better grasp of the game. Stenavich praised Kraft's work ethic and diligence in preparation, demonstrating his commitment to his craft.
While veteran Josiah Deguara primarily played as a fullback, he also made contributions at tight end, finishing the season with eight catches and 65 yards. On the other hand, first-year pro Ben Sims predominantly served as a block-first tight end, though he showcased promise. Tyler Davis, unfortunately, missed the season due to an ACL tear in the preseason opener.
Looking ahead, the future holds great potential for the pairing of Musgrave and Kraft. The physical attributes and skill sets they bring to the field make for an exciting combination. Musgrave, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 253 pounds, possesses a rare blend of size and speed, running the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.61 seconds. Kraft, standing at 6-foot-4 ½ inches and weighing 254 pounds, also exhibits solid speed (4.73) and the potential to become an elite blocker.
In 2023, Musgrave played 42.70% of the snaps, while Kraft played 56.7%. With increased playing time in the upcoming season, the duo could have an even more significant impact on the field. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich expressed excitement about having two legitimate threats at tight end, as it allows for versatile personnel and the ability to both run the ball effectively and provide a vertical passing threat.
Josiah Deguara, a third-round draft pick in 2020, has been a versatile player for the Packers, seamlessly transitioning between fullback and tight end. However, as an unrestricted free agent, it is likely he will be playing elsewhere next season. The same goes for Tyler Davis, who also becomes an unrestricted free agent but could potentially return on a team-friendly deal.
With 11 draft picks at their disposal, the Packers have a variety of needs to address. Tight end, however, is not at the top of their priority list. If they do add another player at the position, it would likely be a Day 3 draft pick. Otherwise, the focus will be on maximizing the playing time of Musgrave and Kraft and finding ways to utilize them effectively on the field together.
In their storied history, the Green Bay Packers have not seen a tight end tandem as formidable as Keith Jackson and Mark Chmura in 1996. However, with the potential displayed by the Musgrave-Kraft duo, they have a chance to surpass the achievements of their predecessors. Musgrave himself is eager to play alongside Kraft, expressing his excitement at how well they complement each other's skills.
As the Packers plan their offseason, the future looks bright for their tight end position. With Musgrave and Kraft leading the charge, there is an air of anticipation about what this dynamic duo can accomplish in the seasons to come.
