As the 2025 season approaches, head coach Matt LaFleur is counting on the tight end position to be the anchor of the offense. Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave are leading the charge. Kraft is the rising star and Musgrave is looking to bounce back from a string of injuries. They’re counting on their tight ends to redefine the passing game – and maybe the entire offense.
LaFleur has hinted at some creative schemes to get both players involved, especially Kraft who had a breakout 2024 with 50 receptions for 707 yards and 7 touchdowns. Musgrave started his career with promise but was sidelined by injuries and is looking to get back to being a dynamic weapon in the Packers’ arsenal.
“We’re excited to see what we can do schematically,” LaFleur said earlier this offseason. “Both Tuck and Luke run really well so it’s on us as a staff to get creative and find ways to get shots downfield.”
Tucker Kraft: The Rising Star
At 24, Tucker Kraft is already the kind of player you want to build your offense around. He’s 6-foot-5, 259 pounds of size, speed and athleticism—rarely seen in one package. That makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
But Kraft wants to be a leader off the field as much as he is on it. “I want to lead with my play style, and with my words,” he said during the Packers’ recent Tailgate Tour. “We’ve got a good group of guys who really do look out for each other. I’m ready to take on more responsibility—and to help others do the same.”
Kraft’s chemistry with Musgrave has been evident in the way they’ve spent hours working out together this offseason—on the field and on the pickleball court. You can see the bond they’re forming in the way they move together, anticipate each other’s moves. That chemistry will be crucial this season.
Luke Musgrave: A Comeback Story?
Musgrave’s career has had flashes of brilliance and frustrating setbacks. After a promising rookie season where he caught 34 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown, his momentum was derailed by a lacerated kidney. Then came the ankle injury last year which limited him to 7 catches in 10 games.
Despite all that, LaFleur is optimistic about Musgrave. “You can see the talent,” LaFleur said. “It’s been unfortunate with the injuries but he’s put in the work this offseason. I think it’s going to be a great year for both him and Tuck.”
If he stays healthy, the combination of his speed and Kraft’s physicality will be nightmares for defensive coordinators.
Packers’ Tight End Depth Chart
The Packers have a nice mix of veterans and young talent at tight end:
- Tucker Kraft (6-5, 259)– The breakout star from last season.
- Luke Musgrave (6-6, 253)– High upside but injury prone.
- Ben Sims (6-5, 250)– Reliable third year guy.
- John FitzPatrick (6-7, 262)– Four year veteran.
- Messiah Swinson (6-7, 259)– Athletic developmental prospect.
- Johnny Lumpkin (6-5, 264)– Undrafted rookie.
This gives LaFleur the ability to use multiple tight end sets which could be a big part of the Packers’ offense.
NFL Draft Spotlight: Tyler Warren Leads the Pack
The Packers are set at tight end for now but the 2025 draft has some nice options for teams looking to add depth. Leading the way is Penn State’s Tyler Warren who is considered one of the top players in the class.
Warren had a monster senior season with 104 catches for 1,233 yards and 8 touchdowns and won the Mackey Award. He’s 6-5, 256 and a plug and play for any NFL offense.
Other notable names are Michigan’s Colston Loveland, LSU’s Mason Taylor and Miami’s Elijah Arroyo all of whom bring something different to the table.
Pick to Click: Oronde Gadsen II
One to watch is Syracuse’s Oronde Gadsen II, son of former Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsen Sr. The younger Gadsen had a big senior season with 73 catches for 934 yards and 7 TDs.
Growing up in Davie, Florida Gadsen had an unconventional coaching setup: his Pop Warner team was led by Pro Football Hall of Famers Dan Marino and Jason Taylor. That and his own talent could make him a steal late Day 2 or early Day 3.
“It’s been cool having my dad as a resource,” Gadsen said. “He didn’t get to go through this process himself so helping me navigate it has been special.”
Historical Context: Packers’ Drafting Habits
For all the talk about the Packers not drafting wide receivers in the 1st round, they haven’t drafted a tight end in the 1st round since Bubba Franks in 2000. Since then their track record at the position has been spotty at best.
Recent picks like Jermichael Finley showed promise before injuries derailed his career, while others like Richard Rodgers and Josiah Deguara provided modest contributions. But the selection of Musgrave and Kraft in 2023 shows they are building through the position.
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