The Green Bay Packers are on the lookout for a talented tight end for their 2023 roster. Their search has lead them to Old Dominion’s Zack Kuntz, coming in at No. 27 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Kuntz was a three-sport athlete at Camp Hill High School in Pennsylvania and had an impressive season with 73 receptions for 692 yards and five touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury. At the combine, Kuntz clocked the second-fastest 40-time (4.55) among tight ends, had the best marks in the vertical (40″), broad jump (10-8), and three-cone (6.87), and tied for the most reps on the bench press with 23.
Eric Henry, the co-managing editor of Underdog Dynasty saw Kuntz in action and is sure teams will be lining up to get their hands on the big tight end. His size (6-7, 255 pounds), speed, and physicality make him a mismatch nightmare. Henry described Kuntz as a smooth athlete and a very good pass catcher, and one can expect Kuntz to make a living terrorizing teams over the middle of the field. He is also reliable, with only five drops over the past two seasons.
Kuntz’s main challenge at the next level is to fine-tune his blocking. As an inline tight end in Old Dominion’s offense, he showed promise but lacked true functional strength at the point of attack. NFL coaches should be able to further refine his blocking, as well as his route running, to unlock Kuntz’s full potential.
The Packers are no doubt in need of young, dynamic talent at tight end, and Kuntz fits the bill perfectly. It’s possible they could select him as early as the third round or on day three of the draft. Though he may not make an immediate on-field impact, there’s no denying that Kuntz could be a red-zone weapon and a dangerous mismatch problem inside the 20s.
The Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, VA, is a public research university known for its diverse academic programs and student life. Established in 1930, ODU has grown to be the largest university in Virginia and serves more than 24,000 students in its 85 degree programs.
Zack Kuntz is a transfer from Penn State who had nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown in his last full season before injury. As a high schooler he ran the 110-meter hurdles and won the state title. He is a big tight end with lots of movement skills, and NFL teams are waiting in line to get their hands on him. Kuntz has the potential to develop into a formidable red-zone and mismatch weapon for the Green Bay Packers.
