Kraus is a throwback LB that anchors the middle of the defense with physicality, instincts, and toughness. 6’0” 210 lbs. he’s got a good frame for the MLB position that is strong and well-built. Downhill and attacking style of play, filling run gaps with urgency and looking to meet ball carriers at the LOS. Love his physical toughness, he doesn’t give up ground on initial contact, brings heavy thump, is a violent finisher to the ground. Demonstrates good stack and shed ability when taking on blockers with square shoulders and strong hands. Shows good run instincts reading his keys quickly and fitting downhill without hesitation. Flashes functional coverage ability but is a run first defender. Racked up 112 total tackles (57 solo) and 14 tackles for loss as a sophomore.

Kraus is one of those linebackers where the run instincts jump off the screen, and that’s the stuff you don’t just coach into somebody overnight. He plays the box with patience — lets the play declare itself, doesn’t fly out of his gap for no reason — and then he attacks the hole as it forms. That’s why he’s so slippery to get a clean block on. It’s honestly rare to see a kid this consistent at getting to the ball without someone getting square on him, and that consistency tells you it’s not luck… it’s feel. There weren’t a ton of coverage reps on the tape, but you can see he has awareness in zone — he understands where receivers are and where routes want to break. Tightening up the footwork in coverage will help as he gets more reps there, but as a run-defender? He’s already someone you can trust to lock down the middle.