Deep in the heart of Packers country, a new star is emerging at the tight end position. His name is Tucker Kraft, and his bulldozing, physical style of play is already drawing favorable comparisons to one of the all-time greats at the position: Mark Bavaro.
Despite humble beginnings in the tiny town of Timber Lake, South Dakota, Kraft has quickly made a name for himself in the NFL. The 6-foot-5, 259-pound tight end plays with a ferocity and toughness rarely seen in today’s game, punishing would-be tacklers and moving forward at all costs.
The Making of a New Bavaro
Bavaro, the legendary Giants tight end of the 1980s, was famous for his rugged playing style and ability to run through defenders. He was the prototype for the modern NFL tight end: big, strong, and fearless over the middle of the field.
Watching Kraft bulldoze his way to 555 yards and 7 touchdowns in his rookie season, it’s impossible not to think of Bavaro. Packers coach Matt LaFleur recognizes the similarities:
The physicality he plays with, the determination…it reminds you of guys like Bavaro. Tucker has that same mentality of punishing defenders and always fighting for extra yards.
Matt LaFleur, Packers Head Coach
Embodying Toughness
In an era where many tight ends focus more on finesse than brute force, Kraft is a throwback. His 8.9 yards after catch and 4.44 yards after contact per reception led all tight ends in 2024. He seeks out contact and seems to relish punishing defenders.
Kraft’s “Hurdle” highlights, where he leapt over defenders only to take brutal hits, showcase his “always forward” mentality. He pops back up like a WWE wrestler and keeps battling.
Leaving His Mark
Kraft wasted no time making an impression on the league. In Week 5 against the Rams, he stiff-armed two defenders on his way to a 66-yard touchdown. In Week 6, he evoked his high school days by converting a critical 4th-and-1 on a direct snap.
Each punishing run after the catch or fearless catch in traffic adds to Kraft’s growing legend. Teammates and opponents alike marvel at the rookie’s ferocity:
He is a little crazy, but I love it. Crazy in all the good ways. You see the way that he plays, man.
Josh Jacobs, Packers Running Back
Bright Future in Green Bay
With Kraft leading a young, talented core, the future looks bright in Green Bay. The rookie’s instant impact and Bavaro-like toughness provide the perfect identity for LaFleur’s physical offense.
Kraft still has a ways to go to match Bavaro’s two Super Bowl rings and legendary Giants status. But if his rookie year is any indication, the Packers may have found their tight end of the present and future – one that would make Bavaro proud.
As Bavaro himself said after watching Kraft’s highlights: “I look at Tucker Kraft, and I see the game of football the way I was brought up to play it. I’ll be watching the kid now.” He won’t be the only one.
