How Will the Packers Incorporate Both Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft into the Offense?
By GilMartin
The Green Bay Packers selected two tight ends on day two of the 2023 NFL Draft and after one season, it looks like both players have the potential to be big contributors to the team’s offense.
Second round pick Luke Musgrave played in 11 games while missing six due to a lacerated kidney. Musgrave secured the starting tight end spot after a strong showing at training camp and in the preseason. He caught 34 passes for 352 yards and one touchdown. That tied the Packers franchise rookie record for tight ends set by Bubba Franks back in 2000.
GM Brian Gutekunst selected Tucker Kraft one round after Musgrave. While Musgrave won the job out of training camp, Kraft took over as the starter when Musgrave was injured.
Earlier in the season, Kraft was used primarily as a blocker and rarely was used as a receiver. But when he got his chance later in the season, he showed what he was capable of. Kraft finished his rookie campaign with 31 catches for 355 yards and two touchdowns.
Head coach Matt LaFleur loves to utilize his tight ends in the offense. But one thing we did not see often in the 2023 season was the offense with both tight ends on the field at the same time.
Early in the year, Kraft rarely ran pass patterns. In fact, he was only targeted twice in the team’s first eight games of the year. He caught both passes for five yards with both receptions coming in the team’s blowout Week 4 loss to the Lions.
Later in the season, Musgrave was limited due to his kidney injury. He missed Weeks 12 through 17 before returning to action in the season finale. In that game, he was on a play count and only played nine snaps on offense. He caught one pass on his only target of the game for 11 yards.
While both Musgrave and Kraft have outstanding potential, the two tight ends have different skill sets. Musgrave is more of a downfield threat who can stretch defenses and create mismatches against slower linebackers or smaller safeties. Kraft excels at running after the catch. He was often used by quarterback Jordan Love as a check down receiver when the quarterback was under pressure by blitzing defenders. The former South Dakota State star can easily turn a short pass into a longer gain. His elusiveness is impressive for a man of his size.
So, how will LaFleur utilize both Musgrave and Kraft if both are healthy and in the lineup? Will we see more formations with two tight ends on the field at the same time? That could create mismatches for one or both of the team’s tight ends.
Or will the duo be used to spell each other so that both see plenty of snaps but rarely are they on the field at the same time? This could keep both players fresh and allow both to be on the field at the time that maximizes their abilities.
Both Musgrave and Kraft proved themselves to be willing blockers although neither graded out as better than average. Musgrave had a higher blocking grade than Kraft which could get him on the field in more situations. It’s also possible one or both of the team’s tight ends improve their blocking technique in their second NFL seasons.
LaFleur is excited about the possibility of having both Musgrave and Kraft available at the same time and what that could mean for the offense. In January, when Musgrave was returning to the lineup, he told reporters, “When you have two tight ends that can complement, you’ve got two guys that you’ve seen the growth and development from over the course of the season and both those guys you can use in a variety of ways. It’ll be fun be able to scheme up things for those guys. They both have a little bit different play style, I would say. But I definitely think having those two guys on the field, they can complement one another in a really good way.”
Needless to say, there are lots of exciting possibilities for the offense in 2024 as both players gain more experience and hopefully make a second-year jump. These players will give Love and LaFleur some important weapons in the future.
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Comments (40)
vin0770
February 22, 2024 at 12:09 pm
We’ll see how creative MLF gets with 12 personnel. NE showed what a nightmare a steady diet of two TE’s looked like even though it was short lived. I don’t think options are limited incorporating two TE and rather exciting for a creative soul like MLF.
jannesbjornson
February 22, 2024 at 12:29 pm
They could each get ten targets depending on the opponents defensive weaknesses.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 22, 2024 at 01:36 pm
Having 2 tight ends with such receiving prowess gives you the ability to get to like 80% of the playbook with that personnel grouping alone. Its the offensive version of running nickel with 2 linebackers who can cover. You could be outnumbered as far as the number of receivers vs dbs, but still not be at any kind of disadvantage. Its all a chess match.
Bitternotsour
February 22, 2024 at 02:53 pm
Hopefully our two tight end sets don't end like theirs did. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Hernandez
T7Steve
February 22, 2024 at 12:16 pm
We went from Marcedes Lewis to driving a Mercades Benz. I like the upgrade. What a pleasure to be able to watch these guys mature.
GregC
February 22, 2024 at 12:50 pm
We were in the TE wilderness for far too long. Ten years maybe? The one partial exception was the year when Tonyan caught 10 TD passes, but it seemed like he benefited a lot by being forgotten by the defense. The new TEs are actual playmakers. I've always believed that although TEs need to be able to both block and catch passes, catching passes is ultimately more important to the position. Or to put it another way: Your primary TE should be a receiver who can block instead of a blocker who can catch a pass every now and then.
Cheezehead72
February 22, 2024 at 01:29 pm
First of all getting Musgrave and Kraft on the field requires both to be healthy. That is not a slam as players get hurt and Musgrave showed us that he is tough. I cannot imagine playing with a lacerated kidney.
Like others have said it is not how they will incorporate the 12 personnel package because the options are limitless. I hope us couch/recliner GMs, HCs, and coordinators cannot figure it out as if we can then the opponents DC will figure it out.
Like a Nike commercial "Just Do it".
It will be interesting to see if Gute drafts a TE. As we saw last season to play 12 personnel you have to have 4 good TEs.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 22, 2024 at 01:32 pm
To their strengths, hopefully.
Coldworld
February 22, 2024 at 01:52 pm
Think of Musgrave as a bigger more threatening Lazard and the ability to get him and a TE (of much lesser potential than Kraft) involved has already been demonstrated.
The question is not whether we can get both out there together but how much we want to in any given game given the diversity of other weapons.
Bitternotsour
February 22, 2024 at 02:55 pm
Lazard really should have always been a tight end. That's what the Jets should do with him.
Houndog
February 22, 2024 at 05:12 pm
Bitter,
First the Jets need to decide whether or not they want to keep Lazard, he was a healthy scratch for a number of games in 2023. So was Cobb. Something wrong there!
You'd think their new GM, Aaron Rodgers, would want them on the field.
jannesbjornson
February 22, 2024 at 07:17 pm
"Buyer's Remorse."
TKWorldWide
February 23, 2024 at 07:21 am
..—-.-.—..—-.-..
(A little buyer’s remorse CODE)
Coldworld
February 23, 2024 at 09:28 am
It will cost them a cap hit of almost 19 million to cut him.
canadapacker
February 22, 2024 at 02:49 pm
This is a big opportunity for Lafleur to show that he is the offensive guru- the talent that he has both at receiver and tight end and if they bring back Jones. One can see wheel routes for Jones for TD's, slants to the open middle of the field for the tight ends when both are on the field - one blocking and releasing late with the other teams linebackers not knowing what is coming. The playbook should be multiplied by 2 and the motion and scare tactics immense. But will he be able to get this accomplished - took him all last year to get the offense going?
GregC
February 22, 2024 at 03:56 pm
I think LaFleur already proved himself to be a really good offensive coach toward the end of last season. I don't begrudge him too much for the early season struggles, considering that Jordan Love was just getting started, there were several injuries on the O-line, no Aaron Jones most of the time, and a bunch of rookie WRs and TEs.
canadapacker
February 22, 2024 at 05:19 pm
I agree - there was a lot of stuff going on - but still hasnt proven himself to be really creative - was it AR ? was it him for the first 3 years - especially the playoff stumbles. Also he might not have had so much trouble early in the season if he had incorporated more presnap motion that worked later in the season ( as all the pundits were saying } Now I am hoping with these pieces including some especially quick receivers that he can be a really creative offensive mind - especially with 2 tight end sets and some neat redzone stuff. For example would like to have seen Caleb Jones on the field on those first and goal plays - like the Bears used to run. If you have a tool dont be afraid to use it.
Leatherhead
February 22, 2024 at 03:36 pm
With two, it greatly increases the odds that we can line up one good TD on every snap. If they're both healthy, the better blocker will get more snaps because that's what the TE does on most plays.
jannesbjornson
February 22, 2024 at 07:45 pm
The Crows use a Three-TE, Attack. They control the short zones and move the chains. This also reflects Jackson's lack of a deep ball game. Love can put up the points with this Receiving corps, then grind out the Fourth Quarter.
Hiring Barry cost this team a championship. I have more hope with Hafley and the aggressive 4-2/3; 5-2; 6-1 variations. You still need the run plugger and the guy is T'vondre Sweat. This is a draft for defense and this guy has to prove he can bring in Football Players, not track stars. I would draft 2-3 safeties, 2-3 LBs ,behind this guy and make an aggressive move for Kendall Fuller as free agent CB, to complement Jaire. This is a Reloading year.
CoachJV
February 22, 2024 at 04:02 pm
Kraft is a true TE... Musgrave is Jimmy Graham. That's what I see.
If I'm spending cash on one of their jerseys, I buying 85.
That said, I'm extremely happy to have them both for the next 3 years or so.
Leatherhead
February 22, 2024 at 04:30 pm
Kraft is a true TE for what Green Bay wants: A guy who will get his guy blocked and catch a couple of passes a game. Ed West? Bubba Franks? Marcedes Lewis? This is what this organization looks for.
I do not recall the last Packer TE to catch more than 4 passes/game for an entire season. That would have been 64, now it's 68. I can't think of anybody who had 60, and only a few that had 50.
Could Kraft be a guy that gives us what we want for the next three years? I'm sure he'll be much stronger and more experienced than he was a year ago.
LLCHESTY
February 22, 2024 at 05:50 pm
Aaron Jones averaged 7.77 yards a catch this year. Kraft averaged 7.5 yards AFTER the catch this year. Guess you like inefficient offenses. I personally would rather throw to the guy gaining a 1st down every catch on average.
Leatherhead
February 22, 2024 at 06:10 pm
It is the way it is. I'm not in charge of that. It's been going on for a long time, it's part of the organizational DNA.
But please, carry on with the personalization of this.
LLCHESTY
February 22, 2024 at 06:30 pm
It isn't the way it is. If they find themselves with a top TE he'll get the ball. It wasn't that long ago Jared Cook had a great playoffs for them after having off-season foot surgery and missing most of TC and then a mid season injury where he missed a bunch of games. If he was healthy he would have had a big year for them. That's the last time they've had a really talented TE.
The coaches don't start the week dividing up the passes, they figure out who can be exploited and build from there. If Kraft and Musgrave take a step they will find ways for them to exploit defenses and certainly won't limit how many balls they get.
Bitternotsour
February 22, 2024 at 06:46 pm
That's my read of the situation. You don't use that much draft capital on tight ends and not try to get a return on investment. Also, who is to say that this isn't the year that Aaron Jones loses a step. He's inching ever closer to 30 years old and god knows he hasn't played a full season in ages.
Also, Leatherhead, Musgrave graded higher as a blocker than Kraft did, so it might make sense to figure that into the equation. Finally, just because Aaron Rodgers flipped the ball out to his running back as his myopic safety valve, doesn't indicate that the offense that Love is running will duplicate that.
13TimeChamps
February 22, 2024 at 07:32 pm
"He's inching ever closer to 30 years old and god knows he hasn't played a full season in ages."
In ages? He played in all 17 games just last year (2022). The 3 years prior (2019-21) he played in 16,15,14 games. Not sure why you keep trying to portray him as someone who misses a ton of games.
golfpacker1
February 22, 2024 at 04:22 pm
What a crazy, freak injury for Musgrave. How do even lacerate a kidney. Thats like a car accident injury.
How great is it to go from no TEs to rebuilt TE group in one year. Sims could surprise us too. We talked on another thread about Kraft picking up Deguara's snaps in order to get on the field more. He is the better blocker of the 2 of them and is easily athletic enough to be a bigger H-back.
I don't see us taking another TE in the draft, but if Johnny Wilson, the Florida State 6'7 240lb WR fell to the 5th round, that would be a really interesting decision to make. That big and runs 4.4s would be a matchup nightmare.
CoachJV
February 22, 2024 at 04:45 pm
I think we need to get a real FB on the squad in place of Deguara or using Kraft's snaps out of position. We typically have 3 backs activated each game. One should be a FB for this offense.
LLCHESTY
February 22, 2024 at 06:03 pm
The only FBs I've heard about this year is some kid from Army that may have to finish his commitment and some 5'-9" bowling ball from Kansas State that missed the year because of repeated concussions.
Coldworld
February 23, 2024 at 09:31 am
How many true fullbacks are heard of these days? Yet they exist, typically hidden deep in college stat charts and league PS/futures contracts.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 10:01 am
It really is a huge waste of resources to have an extra FB/HB on the roster making $1 million so he can be in on 10% of the offense. Use the guys we have already because they are better anyway. Size really shouldn't matter. Iowa ran with a 6'6 fullback this year and even though their offense was pathetic, their FB/HB was a strength. And the dude has a great name to boot, Hayden Large.
This smattering of plays could easily be picked up by Kraft or Sims and would be more productive. It would get your best guys on the field of which Kraft is one. And the "catch zone" of Kraft or Sims is way bigger than Deguaras was so it's a bigger/easier target for Love.
Bitternotsour
February 23, 2024 at 10:05 am
Regardless, you still need guys of a certain size and physicality for special teams. A fullback fits that profile, yet they are totally superfluous in the offense.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
February 23, 2024 at 06:44 am
He landed on the football.
Leatherhead
February 23, 2024 at 10:11 am
In 1996, we had KeithJackson and Mark Chmura.....probably the best TE combo we've had in my lifetime. Now, Jackson was a HOFer, so guess that he'd be considered a Top TE. He and Chmura were targeted 111times that season, and we should remember that we had so much trouble keeping WRs healthy that year that we picked up Andre Rison in midseason.
111 times. Last year, the TEs got 100 targets. And you could check all the years in between. Bubba, Donald Lee, Quarless, Crabtree.
The Green Bay Packers don't throw it to the TE very much. They'd much rather get it to a RB or throw it to a WR. That IS the way it is. You might not like it, you might think Musgrave and Kraft are so freakin' great,already in their second year, that we should throw it more to them, but that's not how we roll in Green Bay. We don't draft guys like Jason Kelce and Mark Andrews. We don't feature high-volume receivers at TE.
golfpacker1
February 23, 2024 at 01:38 pm
Offenses are a little different now than they were in 1996 Leather. You sound like you are angry with our TEs for some reason. Don't take it personal because they are really good. I hope our offense is flexible enough to exploit what the defenses give us. I have no problem if our TEs catch 120 passes this year as long as we win. Every year is different. Live with it.
Leatherhead
February 23, 2024 at 03:18 pm
I'm not angry with our TEs, I like our TEs!! This is the Packer way.
We're not going to change what we've done for over 30 years just because we have a couple of TEs who had a decent rookie season. We're not going to take opportunities away from our WRs and our RBs in order to give more opportunities to our TEs. No TE in Packer history has caught 60 passes in a season, and you're thinking
120? It's not going to happen.
I'm also not really down with this expression of having an offense that can exploit what defenses give them. I'm in favor of having an offense that takes what it wants, when it wants it.
They are blockers that catch a couple of passes a game. That is their role in this offense.
13TimeChamps
February 23, 2024 at 03:50 pm
30 years ago would be 1994. In 1994 we had a different Team Prez, different GM, different front office staff, different coaching staff, and different roster. Why on earth would anyone currently with the Packers, from Team Prez on down to the coaches, want to emulate what the approach to using TE's was 30 years ago?
With that kind of thinking...TE's in 1994 caught 2 passes a game, so by all means, let's limit our TE's in 2024 to 2 passes a game as well, because that's how GB rolls.
The NFL is constantly changing and adapting. The successful teams do as well.
Leatherhead
February 23, 2024 at 07:04 pm
Since you brought up 1994 specifically ( I was being kind of general), did you know that our two main TEs were Ed West and Mark Chmura. They got about 90 targets between them.
It's not about "limiting" the TEs. If the TEs had more opportunities, would that be "limiting" somebody else? There is only one ball, and the key isn't to create more plays, it's to create plays that gain more yards/touch.
In the meantime, which is most of the time, these guys block.
13TimeChamps
February 23, 2024 at 08:54 pm
You brought up the last 30 years, not me. I was being kind of general as well. You have repeatedly stated that what we've done with regards with TE's the past 30 years will somehow continue because that's the "Green Bay Way" with tight ends.
Thankfully, this coaching staff isn't stuck in the 1990's like yourself. Whoever is open will get the ball. What a concept!!
MitchAnthony
February 23, 2024 at 02:39 pm
Really like both Kraft and Musgrave and what they bring to the offense.
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That being said I think the room for improvement with Musgrave will come as he gets better at tracking the ball in space and being able to catch in stride. Then he'll be a watch out kind of receiving threat. There may be a slight issue of accuracy from his QB there but that should also improve into the future.