Tyler Kroft
refer to caption
Kroft with the Bengals in 2015
Personal information
Born: (1992-10-15) October 15, 1992 (age 31)
West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:252 lb (114 kg)
Career information
High school:Downingtown East
(Lionville, Pennsylvania)
College:Rutgers
Position:Tight end
NFL draft:2015 / Round: 3 / Pick: 85
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Receptions:105
Receiving yards:1,081
Receiving touchdowns:13
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Tyler Kroft (born October 15, 1992) is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He played college football at Rutgers. He was drafted in the third round, 85th overall, in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He has also played for the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.

Early years

Kroft attended Downingtown East High School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He played tight end and wide receiver for the football team. He was rated by Rivals.com as a three-star recruit.[1] He committed to Rutgers University to play college football.[2]

College career

Kroft was redshirted as a freshman in 2011 at Rutgers. As a redshirt freshman in 2012, he played in 11 games and had three receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown.[3] As a redshirt sophomore in 2013, Kroft started 12 of 13 games, including a career-best 133 yards against Arkansas.[4] On the season, he had a team-leading 43 receptions and 573 yards, along with four touchdowns,[5][6] and was a first-team all-conference selection. Kroft started 12 of 13 games as a redshirt junior in 2014, but took on a restricted role and reached neither five receptions nor 50 yards in any of them. On the season, he had 24 receptions for 269 yards.[7] He was awarded the "Loyal Knight" award for his willingness to scale back.[8]

After his redshirt junior season, he entered the 2015 NFL Draft.[9][10] He finished his collegiate career with 70 receptions for 901 yards and five touchdowns.[11]

College statistics

Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Season Team GP Receiving
Rec Yds Avg TD
2012 Rutgers 11 3 59 19.7 1
2013 Rutgers 13 43 573 13.3 4
2014 Rutgers 10 24 269 11.2 0
Career 34 70 901 12.9 5

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 5+1⁄2 in
(1.97 m) 		246 lb
(112 kg) 		33 in
(0.84 m) 		9+5⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.75 s 1.65 s 2.79 s 4.50 s 7.18 s 34.0 in
(0.86 m)		 10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)		 17 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[12][13]

Cincinnati Bengals

Kroft was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round, 85th overall, in the 2015 NFL Draft.[14] He played back-up to Pro Bowl tight end Tyler Eifert. He caught his first career touchdown in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers on a 20-yard pass from A. J. McCarron.[15] He played in all 16 games his rookie season with six starts, recording 11 receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown.[16]

Kroft was third on the depth chart behind Eifert and C. J. Uzomah for much of the 2016 season, compiling ten receptions for 92 yards off the bench.[17]

Kroft began the 2017 season behind Tyler Eifert, but after Eifert was injured in Week 2, Kroft took the starting role. In Week 4, he had six receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns, leading the team and setting career bests in all three categories. In Week 9, he had a career-long 59-yard reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars en route to a career-best 79 receiving yards.[18][19] In Weeks 11 and 12 he had back-to-back receiving touchdowns for the first time in his career, both of one yard;[20] the one in Week 11 occurred after teammate Dre Kirkpatrick returned an interception 101 yards, but committed an unforced fumble just before reaching the end zone.[21] He finished the 2017 season with 42 receptions for 404 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.[22]

In 2018, Kroft suffered a foot injury in Week 5 and missed the next five games in hopes he could return. He was placed on injured reserve on November 16, 2018, officially ending his season.[23] He played in five games and finished with four receptions for 36 yards.[24]

Buffalo Bills

On March 13, 2019, Kroft signed a three-year $18.75 million contract with the Buffalo Bills.[25][26] On May 20, on the first day of organized team activities, he broke his foot during practice, which required surgery.[27] Kroft finished the season with six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown, which he scored during a Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter, allowing the Bills to win 17–10 and clinch a playoff spot.[28][29]

In Week 3 of the 2020 season against the Los Angeles Rams, Kroft filled in for injured starter Dawson Knox, catching four passes for 24 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score from Josh Allen as Buffalo won 35–32.[30] Kroft was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 14, 2020,[31] and activated on November 19.[32] He was placed back on the COVID-19 list on January 2, 2021,[33] and activated again two days later.[34] Overall, he finished the 2020 season with 12 receptions for 119 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.[35]

New York Jets

Kroft signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets on March 22, 2021.[36] On November 9, 2021, Kroft was placed on injured reserve after suffering a chest injury in Week 9.[37] He was activated on December 18.[38]

Kroft finished the season with 16 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown in nine games, starting six.[39]

San Francisco 49ers

On May 23, 2022, Kroft signed with the 49ers.[40] He was released by San Francisco during final roster cuts on August 30, but re–signed with the team the following day.[41] He appeared in 11 games and started four in the 2022 season.[42] Kroft was the subject of criticism following the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, as he was lined up on the right side of the offensive line when Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick collided with quarterback Brock Purdy's arm, resulting in a Ulnar collateral ligament injury of the elbow that led to Purdy being ruled out for the rest of the game. Many in the media attributed blame towards Kyle Shanahan's play-calling, citing it as confusing and negligent.[43]

Miami Dolphins

On May 9, 2023, Kroft signed with the Miami Dolphins.[44]

NFL career statistics

Year Team GP Receiving
Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2015 CIN 16 11 129 11.7 22 1
2016 CIN 14 10 92 9.2 21 0
2017 CIN 13 42 404 9.6 59 7
2018 CIN 5 4 36 9.0 16 0
2019 BUF 11 6 71 11.8 20 1
2020 BUF 7 10 107 10.7 38 2
2021 NYJ 9 16 173 10.8 26 1
Career 81 101 1,024 10.1 59 13

Personal life

Kroft is married and has two children.[45]

References

  1. ^ "Tyler Kroft, 2011 Tight End, Rutgers". Rivals.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  2. ^ Funk, Joshua (June 20, 2010). "Downingtown East TE Tyler Kroft verbally commits to Rutgers". pennlive. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  3. ^ Sugam, Matt (August 16, 2013). "Tyler Kroft missing valuable time to become complete tight end". SNYRutgers.com. Archived from the original on December 31, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
  4. ^ "Arkansas at Rutgers Box Score, September 21, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  5. ^ "2013 Rutgers Scarlet Knights Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  6. ^ Barto, Tyler (September 1, 2014). "Rutgers' Tyler Kroft developing into elite tight end". The Trentonian. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  7. ^ "Tyler Kroft Career Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  8. ^ "2016 Rutgers Football Media Guide". Rutgers University. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  9. ^ "Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft leaving for the 2015 NFL Draft". NFL.com. December 30, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  10. ^ Sargeant, Keith (December 30, 2014). "Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft declares for NFL Draft". NJ.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  11. ^ "Tyler Kroft College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  12. ^ "Tyler Kroft Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  13. ^ "2015 Draft Scout Tyler Kroft, Rutgers NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  14. ^ Marcum, Jason (May 1, 2015). "NFL Draft 2015: Bengals select Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  15. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – December 28th, 2015". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  16. ^ "Tyler Kroft 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  17. ^ "Tyler Kroft 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  18. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – October 1st, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  19. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars – November 5th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  20. ^ "Tyler Kroft Career Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  21. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – November 19th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  22. ^ "Tyler Kroft 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  23. ^ Toback, Rebecca (November 16, 2018). "Bengals TE Tyler Kroft's season is over; LB Brandon Bell promoted from practice squad". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  24. ^ "Tyler Kroft 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  25. ^ Alper, Josh (March 11, 2019). "Koft agrees to deal with Bills". ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  26. ^ Brown, Chris (March 13, 2019). "Offense dominates Bills initial wave of 2019 free agent additions". BuffaloBills.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  27. ^ Gantt, Darin (May 21, 2019). "Bills tight end Tyler Kroft breaks foot in OTAs, needs surgery". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  28. ^ "Bills clinch playoff spot, defeat Steelers, 17–10". FOX News. Associated Press. December 16, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  29. ^ "Tyler Kroft 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  30. ^ Paylor, Terez (September 27, 2020). "How far can the Bills go with Josh Allen? That's completely up to him". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  31. ^ "Josh Norman tests positive for COVID-19, 3 other players placed on reserve/COVID-19 list". BuffaloBills.com. November 14, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  32. ^ Alper, Josh (November 19, 2020). "Bills take Levi Wallace, Tyler Kroft, Dean Marlowe off COVID-19 list". NBCSports.com. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  33. ^ "Tyler Kroft placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list + four players elevated for Bills vs. Dolphins". BuffaloBills.com. January 2, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  34. ^ "Bills' Tyler Kroft: Quick move off COVID-19 list". CBSSports.com. January 4, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  35. ^ "Tyler Kroft 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
  36. ^ Greenberg, Ethan (March 22, 2021). "Jets Sign TE Tyler Kroft". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  37. ^ Greenberg, Ethan (November 9, 2021). "Jets Sign S Elijah Riley, Place S Marcus Maye & TE Tyler Kroft on Injured Reserve". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  38. ^ Greenberg, Ethan (December 18, 2021). "Jets Activate RB Michael Carter, TE Tyler Kroft, DE Bryce Huff and OL Chuma Edoga Off Injured Reserve". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  39. ^ "Tyler Kroft 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports-Reference, LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  40. ^ Madson, Kyle (May 24, 2022). "49ers roster moves: TE Tyler Kroft officially added, DL Chris Slayton released". Niners Wire. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  41. ^ "49ers Announce 2022 Initial 53-Man Roster Ahead of NFL Deadline". 49ers.com. August 30, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  42. ^ "Tyler Kroft 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  43. ^ Sanchez, Jose (January 29, 2023). "Brock Purdy's Injury Ends 49ers' Super Bowl Hopes in 31-7 Loss to Eagles". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  44. ^ "Miami Dolphins Sign Tyler Kroft". MiamiDolphins.com. May 9, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  45. ^ Prusak, Heather (October 24, 2020). "Why Tyler and Lexi Kroft's baby girl has the 'clutch gene'". WIVB-TV. Retrieved October 25, 2020.

External links

Cincinnati Bengals 2015 NFL draft selections
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