Packers Draft By Position: The Tight End Group Is Deep And Gifted

The NFL Draft begins April 24 and the Green Bay Packers have the 23rd pick in the first round. Between now and then, I’ll examine Green Bay’s current situation at each position and how likely the Packers are to take a player for that group.

Today, we’ll look at the tight ends.

Part 4: TIGHT ENDS

PACKERS DEPTH CHART

Tucker Kraft was a Pro Bowl alternate after finishing second on the team in receptions (50) and receiving yards (707) in 2024. Kraft also led the Packers with seven receiving TDs.

Kraft’s 707 receiving yards were the most by a Green Bay tight end since Jermichael Finley in 2011 (767). And Kraft joined San Francisco’s George Kittle as the only tight ends in football with 50-plus receptions, 700-plus receiving yards, seven TDs and an average of at least 14.0 yards per catch.

“I don’t think there was another tight end in the NFL bringing the violence as well as — I’m not saying every block I had was perfect — but if you’re going to put together tape of mistakes that I made, it was because my playstyle was overcoming my technique,” Kraft said at the end of the 2024 season. “I talked about playing with violence and finishing and just being an a--hole out there.

“I think you turn the film on, you’re going to see (No.) 85 all over the field, just doing that. I’m just going to come back and bring it again in 2025.”

Luke Musgrave had his second straight injury-riddled season. Musgrave missed 10 games after tearing a ligament in his ankle that required surgery. He finished the year with just six catches for 45 yards

OVERALL NEED: 2.5

The Packers have team control over Kraft and Musgrave through the 2026 season.

With Kraft blossoming into a star, he seems likely to get a second contract at some point. Musgrave, a second round draft pick in 2023, has potential, but has missed 16 of 34 games to date (47.1%).

This draft is loaded with tight ends, led by sure-fire first rounders Tyler Warren of Penn State and Michigan’s Colston Loveland. Another five tight ends could go in the first three rounds.

Green Bay could use depth, especially considering Musgrave hasn't been able to stay on the field. Tight end is not a pressing need, though, meaning if the Packers take one, it will almost certainly come on Day 3.

THEY SAID IT

Packers coach Matt LaFleur on Tucker Kraft: “I think that’s on us to make sure we find him and feature him because he is, I mean, when he gets the ball in his hands, you feel him. So, if there’s an area that we gotta do a better job on, I would say featuring the tight end.”

Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich on Kraft: “He’s just one of those guys, you keep giving him the ball, he has the will to get in the end zone. He just plays with the right mentality. He wants to score and make plays for his teammates.”

LaFleur on Luke Musgrave: “It’s been unfortunate because I think he was starting to, especially when you look at his rookie season, he has an unfortunate injury and it kind of derailed him. And then you look at this year and he missed a ton of games. But I think we can all see the talent the guy has. Both he and Tuck have been in working out this offseason. So, I think it’s going to be a great year for both those guys.”

POSSIBLE PACKERS?

Here are five players the Packers might consider selecting at some point between the fourth and seventh rounds.

• Gunnar Helm, Texas (6-5, 241) — Second-team All-SEC last season after leading the Longhorns in receptions (60), and finishing second in both receiving yards (786) and receiving TDs (seven). Dangerous in the middle of the field and has impressive hands. His 40-yard dash time (4.92) was disappointing. Projection: Round 4-5

• Jake Briningstool, Clemson (6-5 1/2, 240) — Receiving tight end who had 127 career catches, more than any tight end in Clemson history. Also had 17 TDs with the Tigers. Not much of a blocker who also has small hands (8 5/8) and short arms (31 ½). Projection: Round 5

• Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame (6-5, 258) — Led the Fighting Irish in receptions (29) in 2023 before suffering a torn ACL. Came back and led Notre Dame in catches again in 2024 (43). Improved dramatically as the 2024 season went on. Willing blocker who lacks great acceleration. Projection: Round 5-6

• Luke Lachey, Iowa (6-5 1/2, 251) — Modest production with the Hawkeyes, posting 66 catches, 662 yards and four TDs in the last three seasons. Can play as a move tight end or in-line. Father, Jim, was a former offensive linemen who played 11 NFL seasons and made three Pro Bowls with Washington. Projection: Round 6-7

• Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh (6-4 ½, 246) — Honorable-mention all-ACC player in 2024 after posting 38 catches for 322 yards and four TDs. High character individual who was a team captain. So-so athlete who must improve his blocking. Projection: Round 6-7

Previous Stories

Part 1 — Quarterbacks

Part 2 — Wide Receivers

Part 3 — Running backs