Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is getting help from one of the best offensive linemen to ever play the game. According to a new report, Hall of Famer Joe Thomas has been working with Kraft this offseason, giving the young tight end hands‑on coaching as he rehabs from his torn ACL and prepares for a pivotal 2026 season.
For a player who already showed major growth before his injury, this kind of mentorship is no small thing.
Joe Thomas Steps In as a Mentor For Green Bay Packers TE
Thomas, a 10‑time Pro Bowler and one of the most technically sound linemen in NFL history, has been spending time with Kraft on the practice field. The sessions have focused on blocking technique — footwork, leverage, hand placement, and the finer details that separate good tight ends from great ones.
Kraft has always been a willing blocker, but Thomas’ influence could help him take a real leap. Few players in league history understand trench play better, and Kraft is getting that knowledge directly from the source.
This is the kind of offseason work that doesn’t make headlines but pays off when the pads come on.
Kraft Is Ahead of Schedule — and Hungry
Reports out of Green Bay suggest Kraft is progressing well in his recovery and is expected to be ready for training camp. Working with Thomas is part of that process, helping him rebuild confidence in his technique while sharpening areas that can elevate his game.
Before the injury, Kraft was emerging as one of Jordan Love’s most reliable targets. His physicality, yards‑after‑catch ability, and versatility made him a breakout candidate. Now, with Thomas helping refine the blocking side of his game, Kraft is positioning himself to return even better than before.
Why This Matters for the Packers
Green Bay’s offense thrives when its tight ends can do everything — block, catch, move, and create mismatches. Kraft and Luke Musgrave form one of the most promising young tight end duos in the league, and adding Thomas’ expertise into the mix only strengthens that foundation.
If Kraft takes a step forward in the run game and pass protection, it opens up more flexibility for Matt LaFleur’s scheme and gives Jordan Love another dependable piece in a growing offense.
A Quiet Offseason Move That Could Pay Off Big
Kraft working with Joe Thomas isn’t a flashy headline, but it’s exactly the kind of detail that helps young players turn into long‑term stars. For the Packers, it’s another sign that their young core is doing everything possible to maximize its potential.
