The Green Bay Packers started training camp Wednesday, and on at least one rep, the kickoff went to an unexpected returner: tight end Tucker Kraft. Whether or not they plan to seriously evaluate him as an option, it’s a development that caught the eye of reporter Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Green Bay Packers shake it up to kick off camp with Kraft, Melton updates
Earlier this afternoon, Scheidman shared his observation to the bewilderment of fans on social media.
Tucker Kraft just took a rep at kick returner.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) July 23, 2025
Until further notice, it seems safest to assume that the guys are just having fun. Kraft lacks a kick returner’s build and sprint speed, but at 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds, he’s been dubbed a “human monster truck” for his ability to absorb contact and break tackles after the catch.
Most likely, that’s not a skilll that would translate from Kraft’s capacity as a passcatcher to a receiver of kicks. There’s a reason teams rarely plug tight ends in that role.
One notable exception is New Orleans’ do-everything weapon Taysom Hill, who also plays quarterback and frequently runs the ball. He’s also returned 20 kickoffs in his career, but only six since his rookie year in 2018.
Last season, the Packers relied on cornerback Keisean Nixon for most kickoff opportunities. Wide receiver Jayden Reed was the main man on punts, returning 14 times for 110 yards. Nixon amassed 576 yards between both return types.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Schneidman’s Kraft news comes alongside Bo Melton’s more surprising, now-official position switch from receiver to cornerback.
Fans aren’t sure what to think.
Bo Melton is playing corner. Tucker Kraft is returning kicks. pic.twitter.com/kQv7eBSCMq
— Token Picks 🪙 (@Token_Picks) July 23, 2025
Most aren’t taking Kraft’s rumble too seriously.
Matt trolling on Day 1 smh
— Tyler Daniel (@HartzheimTyler) July 23, 2025
If you were to ask Lafleur what position Kraft can play he’d simply say “yes”
— Magpie (@ManofTungsten99) July 23, 2025
At South Dakota State, Kraft returned two kickoffs for 34 yards. He has not run back an NFL kick.
The former third-round pick enjoyed a highly successful second season: 50 catches, 707 yards, and seven touchdowns. Seeing Kraft tuck it and truck should be a common sight in 2025, just not, most likely, as a returner.
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