When you think of the Buffalo Bills’ decision to trade up to select tight end Dalton Kincaid, the word “value” doesn’t exactly come to mind.
But one of the draft’s biggest insiders, ESPN’s Todd McShay, made that clever case.
Yes, Kincaid cost the Bills an extra fourth-round pick just to move up two spots on the board. But considering the way the board fell, specifically involving receivers, McShay saw tons of value.
Buffalo snagged Kincaid at No. 25. But just before, receivers went off the board with four-straight selections between 20 and 23.. Putting that into context is what McShay did.
Here’s how McShay made his case as Kincaid being the BIlls’ “most value pick” at the 2023 NFL draft:
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah (Round 1, No. 25)
Maybe you saw this pick late in Round 1 and said, Wait, didn’t the Bills just extend Dawson Knox on a four-year deal last September? You’re not misremembering. But I still love this selection because of what the Bills can do with Kincaid. Look at him more like a 6-foot-4, 246-pound slot receiver who can create mismatches.
Buffalo moved up from No. 27 to get Kincaid at No. 25 just a couple of picks after the top four receivers were selected in consecutive fashion. So rather than reach, why not take the top tight end in the class to give Josh Allen another target? Kincaid accelerates in a flash, can win down the seam and is a smooth route runner. He was second among FBS tight ends last season in yards (890) and touchdowns (eight). The Bills will flex him out to give Stefon Diggs some support and let him feast against zone looks, where he shows the ability to find open windows.
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