Tight Ends

Dalton Kincaid (Bills) NFL Draft Preview

By Doug Burrell

Posted on April 3, 2023

Post-Draft Fantasy Impact

The Buffalo Bills made a bold move when they selected Dalton Kincaid as the first tight end off the board. With Dawson Knox already on the roster, the move came as a bit of a surprise. However, Kincaid’s receiving skill set and versatility make him an intriguing option for the Bills offense.

At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Kincaid possesses the size and athleticism to play both in-line and in the slot. While Knox is a solid blocker, Kincaid’s ability as a receiver could give him an edge in terms of playing time. In fact, Kincaid could see significant time lining up in the slot, creating mismatches with opposing defenses.

I have Kincaid projected to catch 31 passes for 387 yards and 4 touchdowns, which would make him a solid TE2 in redraft leagues. However, if Kincaid proves to be a reliable option in the slot, he could see his projections jump significantly. I’ll be interested to see how the Bills use him in preseason.

For dynasty leagues, I have Kincaid ranked in the top 10 among tight ends already, but he has the upside to develop into a top five player at his position.

Dalton Kincaid NFL Draft Preview

Dalton Kincaid is at the top of a lot of scout’s lists as being the top tight end in this year’s draft class. Last season, he led Utah with 70 catches for 890 yards and eight touchdowns. He received a 91.7 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus. He was a semi-finalist for the John Mackey Award, which is given to the nation’s top tight end and he was a third team All-American.

Kincaid leaves as the active career leader among tight ends in the FBS with 2,484 receiving yards and 35 receiving touchdowns. Kincaid skipped drills at the combine because of a back injury, which could scare some team away, but he is still projected as a first or second-round value and considered the best receiving tight end in the draft.

Dalton Kincaid has top notch hand-eye coordination and is a fluid mover in space who consistently picks up yards after the catch. Just an overall very good athlete. pic.twitter.com/Zy8sKcKEgg

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) February 22, 2023

Measurables

• 6’4” 246 lbs
• 40-yard dash – N/A
• Vertical Jump – N/A
• Broad Jump – N/A

"Dalton Kincaid is unbelievable and I think he's the best TE in the draft" ~ @MoveTheSticks#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/dDCOqMH8H3

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 28, 2023

Positives

Kincaid possesses excellent speed and agility for his size, which allows him to get open against linebackers and safeties. He has good hands and can make contested catches in traffic due to his large catch radius.

Kincaid is an above-average route runner for a tight end, and he has the ability to run a variety of routes from different positions on the field. He is particularly effective on seam routes, where his speed and size create mismatches against slower linebackers. Kincaid is also comfortable running crossing routes, curls, and corner routes, where he can use his size and strength to create separation from defenders.

He has a quick first step and can accelerate to top speed quickly, which makes him a threat after the catch. He also has good lateral agility, which allows him to make defenders miss in the open field.

Dalton Kincaid / TE / #86

6’4 / 240lbs

Here’s Dalton Kincaid lining up in the slot, matched up vs a LBer. Dalton has the tools to succeed in the NFL but needs polishing. #HTTC 🫡 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/93UJdriNb1

— The Podfather (@TheBurgundyZone) March 24, 2023

Negatives

While he is a willing blocker, he needs to improve his technique and consistency in this aspect of his game.

Kincaid also needs to work on his footwork and agility, as he can be slow and methodical in his movements, which limits his ability to make defenders miss in the open field.

He would be one of the NFL smallest starting tight ends and has had some injury concerns in the past, which could be a red flag for NFL teams.

Grade – A

Kincaid will likely fall a few spots in the draft due to the uncertainty of his back injury. He’s going to be a real offensive threat in the NFL and could see substantial snaps lined up as a receiver. Cincinnati and Dallas will likely target a TE in the draft and he would be a great fit in either of those offenses. Kincaid should be on the field enough to be fantasy relevant as a rookie.