Tucker Kraft won’t settle for being anything but the best TE. TDN chatted with Kraft about what he offers as a pass-catcher, his skill set as a run blocker, which TEs he studies, overcoming family tragedy & adversity + much more.
tight end Tucker Kraft
I was non-weight bearing with a splint for two weeks. Today was my first day running on land. I’ve been in the tub doing sprints on the underwater treadmill with no ankle support the last few days. JM: We’re excited to witness your return to play. What was the biggest lesson you learned during your stint on the sideline?
I want to remind everybody that “I’M HIM.” I miss the connection with my guys on the field. You can only do so much from the sidelines. I really had to put my coaching hat on and take this opportunity to pay more attention to learning defensive fronts and the types of coverages I’m seeing when running routes down the field.Tucker Kraft: My ability in pass protection. I knew that was an issue for NFL teams and scouts that had eyes on me. I learned how to get my feet underneath me.
I was a three-sport athlete in high school. Playing multiple sports helps kids develop their skill. I think it’s a lot more beneficial than just focusing on one sport for example. It’s good to dabble and really diversify yourself. It eventually helps you maintain love for a singular sport. It’s about figuring things out.
JM: It shows in your attitude. You’re a great route-runner as well. You’re extremely savvy to uncover in all three areas of the field. How do you approach route running? What are some of the ways you create separation? Say I’m running a corner route and he has outside leverage on me. I love threatening the defender outside before breaking back in across his face, restacking my hips on him and breaking back out. If the quarterback doesn’t go away from the read because it looks like I don’t have leverage, I love that route because it forces me to use my athleticism. I like the challenge.
I have to give credit to my brothers as well. They used to chase me around the court after I fouled them too hard . I had to get savvy with my two brothers because they’re tanks . Run blocking was a way for me to establish myself and launch my career. I wanted to absolutely dominate guys. You know that face they make when they’re falling backward and you plant them on their backs? It’s a different kind of feeling.Tucker Kraft: I don’t think it really matters to me. In our offense, and the way we moved things around before I got injured, I would start as the No. 1 on the field to the boundary before getting motioned in and cracking down on a defensive end.
I really don’t think it matters. I’ve held discussions with prominent NFL agents that absolutely refuse to believe that I’ll be regarded as a small-school prospect. My frame and skill set separates me from other FCS prospects. It changes the conversation. JM: Which tight ends do you enjoy watching, studying, and learning from? You’ve talked about your experience at Tight End University.
JM: That’s an excellent point and Kittle is the perfect example. You’ve referenced adversity and tragedy throughout this conversation. You grew up in a single-parent household. Your mother overcame some difficult moments. What did that teach you about hard work and perseverance?
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