Pro Football Hall of Famer is helping Tucker Kraft unlock even more potential with Packers’ offensive structure
Former Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas visited the Packers’ offseason program and talked to the rising star offensive piece.
Tight end Tucker Kraft is one of the best offensive pieces on the Green Bay Packers. Therefore, it’s inevitable that his recovery from an ACL injury is key to the ceiling of the unit in 2026 and beyond.
And while Kraft improves to hopefully be ready for Week 1, he’s receiving a welcomed and unexpected help. Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas visited the Packers’ practice this week.
Joe Thomas helped Tucker Kraft
The former Cleveland Browns left tackle posted on social media a picture inside The Don Hutson Center, the Packers’ indoor practice facility. He’s talking to Kraft and potentially sharing his knowledge. Let’s say Thomas knows a thing or two about stance, footwork, and pass protection in general.
The third overall pick in 2007, Joe Thomas played 11 seasons in the NFL for the Browns. In this period, he was a First-Team All-Pro six times and a Second-Team All-Pro two times, with 10 Pro Bowl selections. He was a part of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and is a Pro Football Hall of Famer. He has the record for most consecutive snaps played in the NFL.
And let’s not lie. Seeing Joe Thomas with a Packers’ t-shirt is pretty awesome. On a related note, Thomas spent the 2024 season as an offensive line coach for the Munich Ravens, from the European League of Football.
All-around player
Tucker Kraft’s impact for the Packers is even more pronounced exactly because he’s a solid blocker. In addition to being a top receiver, especially to generate yards after the catch, Kraft is also a viable pass protector and run blocker.
Last season, Kraft had a 62.0 run-blocking grade via PFF. The pass-blocking grade was 53.5, his career lowest, so there’s his biggest room for improvement getting back from a knee injury.
A third-round pick back in 2023, Tucker Kraft is now entering the final year of his rookie deal. The injury complicates potential negotiations, but Kraft is widely expected to receive a contract extension from the Packers at some point between now and ahead of next year’s free agency.