This is the next in a series of articles providing an in-depth analysis of each position group on the Green Bay Packers for 2024. Today we will analyze the tight ends. The grades will be for each unit as a whole, but we will give an analysis of each player, their strengths, and weaknesses and where they stand heading into the offseason. Here are the grades for the Packers tight ends in 2024. The marks are based on a combination of expectations and performance.

You can see our final grade for the quarterbacks here, for the defensive tackles here, the running backs here and the linebackers here.

Final Grades for the 2024 Packers Tight Ends: The Starter

Tucker Kraft won the starting job in training camp and had a strong season. He started all 17 games and finished second on the team with 50 catches for 707 yards. He also led the team with seven touchdown catches.

Kraft provided quarterback Jordan Love with a reliable red zone target. His biggest strength remains his ability to run after the catch. He can take a short pass and turn it into a sizeable gain because he is difficult to tackle one-on-one.

The Packers should make Kraft a bigger part of the offense next season. He improved in his second season but could continue to develop in year three.

Primary Backup Tight End

Luke Musgrave has been plagued by injuries in his first two seasons. He played only seven games this season and caught seven passes for 45 yards.

When he’s on the field, Musgrave has rare downfield speed for a tight end. He can stretch the field and make big plays. Of course, he needs to stay healthy. The Packers have rarely had the chance to have Musgrave and Kraft on the field and healthy at the same time.

Year three will be critical for Musgrave. The former Oregon State star has played just 18 games in his first two NFL seasons.

Final Grades for the 2024 Packers Tight Ends: Depth Tight Ends

Third string tight end Ben Sims played in all 17 games for the Packers and started five. He played 224 snaps on offense while catching four passes for 42 yards. He also contributed on special teams. Sims has been used predominantly as a blocking tight end.

Sims caught four passes on six targets for 21 yards and a touchdown. His primary job was to block and to fill in when necessary.

John Fitzpatrick appeared in nine games this season. He caught one pass for two yards. He played 73 total snaps on offense and 50 on special teams.

Messiah Swinson spent time on the practice squad but did not see any regular season action. The Packers did sign him to a contract for 2025, so he’ll be back to compete for a roster spot.

Final Grades for the Packers 2024 Tight Ends

The Packers tight ends were solid but if they could stay healthy, they could have an even bigger impact in 2025. Kraft and Musgrave are the top two, but they haven’t been healthy and on the field together often enough. Matt LaFleur could utilize two tight end formations and create some mismatches if they’re both available.

 

FINAL GRADE: B

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