Tucker Kraft Complete NFL Draft Profile (South Dakota State Tight End Flashes Unique Skill Set)

South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft is headed to the 2023 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career. After playing both running back and linebacker in high school, Kraft translated his skills to tight end in college and it worked out beautifully.

Here's everything you need to know about Tucker Kraft heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Tucker Kraft Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/27: NFL.com, ESPN, CBS, Walter Football, Sporting News.

Projected Draft Round: Round 3 (3), Round 2 (1), Round 4 (1)
Projected Team: Lions (1), Titans (1), Jaguars (1), Raiders (1), Chargers (1)

Tucker Kraft Scouting Report

Tucker has the size, speed and skill set to be both an effective pass catcher and a great blocker at the next level. He measured in the top 25 percent of most measurables at the combine, which has NFL teams eyeing him on Day 2.

While he hasn't had much exposure in the pass-blocking game yet, Kraft is a menace in the run game. He also has a ton of versatility in the receiving aspect of his game with soft hands and experience lining up in the slot, on the line and on the outside.

His tall frame and above-average wingspan provide Kraft with a huge catch radius. His speed also makes him a difficult matchup for opposing linebackers and a threat down the middle of the field.

On the flip side, Kraft could struggle against opposing cornerbacks, and at times bad mechanics cause him to lose battles in the blocking game. While he's an effective pass catcher, he had a limited route tree at South Dakota State that will need to be expanded if he hopes to find consistent success in the NFL.

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Tucker Kraft NFL Draft Prediction

The Detroit Lions have two first and two second-round picks. While many are projecting Kraft to go after Round 2, Detroit could take him right before the start of Round 3 with the No. 55 pick.

After trading T.J. Hockenson last season, the Lions have a big need at tight end and could use the former Vikings pick to select Kraft. He presents a unique combination of size, speed and the ability to contribute both as a receiver and a blocker. He's theoretically everything you want from a modern NFL tight end.

Prediction: Detroit Lions (Round 2, 55th Overall)

Tucker Kraft NFL Combine Results

Tucker Kraft South Dakota State Stats

Tucker Kraft South Dakota State Highlights

David Kaestle is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, David also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username davekaestle. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.