Packers’ Tucker Kraft Says ‘I Was the Best’ — But Can His Knee Deliver in Week 1?

The Green Bay Packers entered last season as one of the NFL’s most explosive teams, but a devastating wave of injuries left the roster gutted by the time the playoffs rolled around. Among the most crushing blows was the loss of tight end Tucker Kraft, who went down with a torn ACL after just eight games — a setback that reportedly sent shockwaves through the organization and raised serious questions about the team’s offensive future.

Now, as Kraft works his way back through a grueling rehab process, he’s not just aiming to return — he’s reportedly making a jaw-dropping claim that has the league buzzing. At Wednesday’s mandatory minicamp, the 24-year-old reportedly declared himself the best tight end in football before his injury, according to sources close to the situation.

“I thought at the combination of the do-it-all Y, which is me, that there wasn’t another guy in the league that was doing it as well as I was,” Kraft allegedly told reporters. “Some people might think I’m delusional to say that, but every play I was either – I don’t know. The film is going to speak for itself.” Insiders say his confidence has teammates and coaches alike both impressed and cautiously optimistic.

And the numbers? They back up the hype. In just eight games, Kraft hauled in 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns — a pace that would have put him over 1,000 yards and into double-digit scores for the season. Add in his elite blocking ability, which reportedly unlocks Green Bay’s running game, and sources say Kraft was quickly becoming the centerpiece of Matt LaFleur’s offense.

But here’s where it gets tense: Kraft is still deep in ACL recovery, and the clock is ticking toward Week 1. While he’s reportedly ahead of schedule, one insider told us there’s “genuine concern” about whether he can hit the ground running at full speed. The Packers have already locked up wideouts Jayden Reed and Christian Watson with contract extensions this offseason, and Kraft is widely believed to be next in line for a massive payday — but only if his knee holds up.

“He’s confident, and that’s good — but confidence alone doesn’t fix a torn ACL,” a league source said. “If he’s right, the Packers have a superstar. If he’s not, they’re scrambling.” With the NFC North shaping up to be a brutal battleground, all eyes are on Kraft’s rehab timeline. For now, the man himself insists he’s ready to prove the doubters wrong — and back up his bold claim on the field.