Dolphins Potential Draft Target: TE Tucker Kraft

Scouting report on South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft and how he would fit with the Miami Dolphins

The 2023 NFL draft is quickly approaching.

The Miami Dolphins don’t have a first-round pick (would have been 21st overall) due to tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton, but they do have the 51st overall pick, a third-round pick (85) and two Day 3 picks (198 and 241).

Miami is hoping those picks can help them build on a roster that reached the playoffs this past season for the first time since 2016.

This article series is intended to be an introduction to these players so fans are familiar with a number of options and why they make sense for the Dolphins.

We’ll dive into some simple biographical information, the pros and cons of their game and how they fit into Miami’s scheme or depth chart.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE TE TUCKER KRAFT

Career stats: 99 receptions, 1,211 receiving yards, 9 receiving touchdowns, 12.5 yards per catch

Basic background: Kraft came to SDSU after an interesting high school career. At Timber Lake High School in South Dakota, Kraft played running back, quarterback, middle linebacker and even punter. He also played basketball, averaging 14.2 points, eight rebounds and two steals per game. He redshirted in 2019 and was injured in the 2020 season opener but eventually returned to action. Kraft’s breakout came in 2021 when he put up 65 catches for 773 yards and six touchdowns. His production landed him on NFL radars for this past season, but he suffered an ankle injury, causing him to miss five games. 

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Pros of Kraft's Game

Kraft is a small-school player, but he’s not built like one. He came in at 6-5, 254 pounds, and has a wide frame with broad shoulders. His size allows him to win contact after the catch and box out defenders at the catch point.

The most compelling part of his game is his blend of athletic ability and size. He finished above the 62nd percentile in every test at the NFL Combine, including his 84th percentile 10-yard split.

He’s an explosive player for his size, and it’s evident on his film. He can separate from defenders in tight spaces, run away from them vertically and pick up easy yards with the ball in his hands.

Kraft also is an underrated route runner. He shows a good awareness for zone defenders, sitting his routes down to create open windows for his quarterback. Simply put, he’s a pass-catching weapon with a high ceiling. 

Cons of Kraft's Game

Like most college tight ends, Kraft isn’t an advanced blocker at this stage of his career. He’s got the frame and effort to be an effective blocker, but he lacks the functional strength to move defenders off their spots.

His feet go dead on first contact way too often, and he struggles to hold blocks even against FCS competition. Kraft’s lack of functional strength against a lower level of competition makes it extra concerning.

Additionally, Kraft missed time because of an injury during the 2020 and 2022 season. His ankle injury affected his play this past season, too. Given his strong combine performance, Kraft appears to be healthy now, but he has a history to consider either way.

Any team that drafts Kraft shouldn’t expect him to be an above-average contributor in Year 1. Tight end is notoriously a position that requires a lot of development time, and Kraft is coming from the FCS while also missing time with an injury.

He just hasn’t played that much football. 

HOW TUCKER KRAFT FITS THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Dolphins’ need at tight end is well documented. The team extended Durham Smythe earlier this month, but he’s not exactly the type of player who should be considered a full-time, above-average starter.

While Kraft’s athleticism and pass-catching profile undoubtedly would help the Dolphins’ passing game, he likely wouldn’t add much to their running game. Miami’s coaches were not shy about wanting better blocking from the tight ends last season, and it’s hard to imagine Kraft being the answer in 2023.

The Dolphins are going all in on trying to win a Super Bowl the next two years or so. Kraft is a quality, tight end prospect with a legitimately intriguing ceiling, but he won’t add much to Miami’s team this coming season.

With that said, Kraft does have the frame and pass-catching ability to become the George Kittle-type tight end the Dolphins desperately want. It’s just going to take some time. 

Chances Kraft makes it to 51

There’s a good chance Kraft makes it to pick 51. He’s stacked behind several other quality tight end prospects, including Darnell Washington, Michael Mayer, Dalton Kincaid and Luke Musgrave.

All it takes is one team, but Kraft’s film firmly puts him in the second round, and this deep tight end class could push him even lower than that.

Kraft would be a good pick for the Dolphins at No. 51 if they’re realistic about his role this season. He can contribute as a pass catcher, but he’d have to grow into the role they want for a tight end in Mike McDaniel’s scheme.

His overall contributions in 2023 likely would be limited, given Miami showed little interest in using Mike Gesicki — an already polished, successful receiving tight end — last season. 

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