The Green Bay Packers' Tucker Kraft fittingly capped off National Tight Ends Day with a bang. He proudly represented the position group, playing a pivotal role in his team's win on Sunday Night Football with a breakout performance.
Given the unofficial “holiday," everyone got a kick out of Kraft's dominance – except Pittsburgh Steelers fans ... and Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones.
Jones and the Cowboys infamously passed up on Kraft in the 2023 draft, as FanSided's Marcus Mosher reminded everyone after Green Bay's victory in Pittsburgh. Dallas chose Luke Schoonmaker 20 picks earlier instead, who’s yet to materialize as more than a rotational tight end primarily used in protection; yeesh!
Watching Kraft set personal bests in receptions (seven) and yards (143) while hauling in two touchdowns probably had many in Dallas feeling sick to their stomach. He's been a legitimate difference-maker for the Packers as Schoonmaker remains largely a non-factor for the Cowboys.
Cowboys took a silent L from Packers-Steelers thanks to Tucker Kraft’s breakout
Cowboys Nation will presumably and rightfully be quick to point out that they made out all right despite the Schoonmaker debacle. Jake Ferguson has blossomed into a Pro Bowl-caliber weapon and key cog on a high-powered Dallas offense while developing a strong connection with quarterback Dak Prescott. However, Kraft is simply operating at a supremely high level, which the numbers bear out.
Through Week 8's Sunday slate, here's how Kraft ranks in the following metrics among tight ends (minimum 50 routes run):
- First in yards after contact (334)
- First in passer rating when targeted (155.9)
- Tied for first in most missed tackles forced (nine)
- Second in yards per route run (2.71)
- Tied for second in yards per target (12.03)
Note: Stats courtesy of Fantasy Points' data suite ($).
Kraft could've given the Cowboys a versatile chess piece who can operate as more than a traditional inline option. He has the skills and athleticism to line up outside, from the slot or out of the backfield and win at all three levels. His status as an ascending star hypothetically fits nicely with a Dallas scoring unit loaded with young talent, but alas.
Folks may rightfully argue that the tight end goes beyond pass-catching, citing the position's role as an extension of the offensive line. Schoonmaker was more widely touted for this aspect of his game than his underwhelming receiving profile coming out of college. Regardless, in addition to being a dynamic playmaker, Kraft's an exceptional blocker who can create running lanes and chip in pass protection.