Is Packers TE Tucker Kraft the next Travis Kelce? Matt LaFleur’s answer will set fans on fire

The Green Bay Packers looked like a team that could potentially compete in the NFC for most of the season, but they he exited with a whimper in a 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round on Sunday. The Packers’ high-powered offense sputtered throughout that game as they lost many of their top weapons and couldn’t put up much of a fight against the Eagles’ elite defense.

One of the few weapons the Packers didn’t lose during the game was young tight end Tucker Kraft. Kraft became one of the best young players at his position in the NFL during his second season in the league in 2024, but caught just five passes for 26 yards on Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur talked about why Kraft hasn’t been as involved in the game plan when asked if he sees Kraft becoming George Kittle or Travis Keals type of player in this attack on Green Bay, via The Coachspeak Index.

“100% and I think it’s up to us to make sure we find him and present him,” LaFleur said. “It is, when he gets the ball in his hands, you feel him.” If there’s one area where we need to do a better job, it’s the tight end.

“A lot of times, especially in known passing situations, we tried to help certain spots (on the offensive line). Typically, tight ends or backs get a lot of that responsibility. That’s part of the reason (it blocks a lot). “

Several of the Packers’ offensive lines went down during the game, which is why Kraft was called in to help in pass protection. In addition to his ability as a receiver and runner after the catch, Kraft is already one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, making him a very valuable asset to this Packers offense.

Tucker Kraft can be a star for the Packers moving forward

One of top priorities for the Packers this offseason will add a star receiver to a very deep, consistent group of pass catchers. A true difference maker on the outside will make Jordan Love’s life a lot easier and add play next season and beyond.

The star would also pair up nicely with Tucker Kraft, who looks like he can be a real option in the Packers’ game plans moving forward. Kraft has everything for a young tight end: He is an excellent receiver, runner after the catch and blocker. The Packers aren’t using him as much as they probably could this season, but he’ll still be a key part of the team moving forward.

His physical style makes him an easy comparison to George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. Kittle is able to create a ton of explosive plays in the passing game for his team, and it’s easy to see how Kraft can have a similar impact in Green Bay.