The Buffalo Bills traded up to select a playmaker at the 2023 NFL draft. The pick was Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid.
Buffalo originally was slated to be on the clock at No. 27 overall. Instead, the Bills opted to send a fourth rounder to the Jacksonville Jaguars to move up two spots.
Kincaid gives Buffalo another weapon for quarterback Josh Allen. Even though the Bills did not add a wide receiver in this first round, they still come away with an exceptional pass catcher.
Kincaid will do a great deal of damage down the seams in the passing game. He can outwork opposing defenders in contested catch situations.
In addition, he is strong after the catch, forcing several missed tackles throughout his collegiate career. Kincaid is fluid and dynamic with his movement. The senior gets off the line quickly and creates solid separation in routes.
Buffalo’s offense may look a little different, as the Bills have not utilized a two-tight end scheme often. However, his will change with Kincaid in the fold.
When paired with Dawson Knox, he will be a matchup problem for opposing defenses for years to come. In September 2022, Knox signed a four-year extension with Bills. The duo should give Allen numerous options between the numbers.
Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey will have a great deal of flexibility with his playcalling, and Allen should be able to develop the intermediate passing game. Furthermore, this will free up space for receiver Stefon Diggs at multiple levels.
The Bills will probably see more base defenses when they line up in 12 personnel (with two tight ends). Kincaid gives Buffalo a definite advantage against defenses if this plays out.
Last season, Kincaid caught 70 passes for 890 yards and eight touchdown receptions. He led FBS tight ends in receiving yards and catches per game. Kincaid also garnered third-team All-American honors for his performance this year.
The Bills were often linked to wide receivers during the mock draft season. After the run of receivers selected from the 20th to 23rd picks, it became apparent that the value at wide receiver was not what Buffalo wanted. They take the next best thing: A tight end who is essentially a receiver.
Kincaid should be a solid playmaker in the Buffalo offense.
The Utah product is still working on refining his blocking skills. Still, he differs from a receiving tight end, such as Mike Gesicki, as Kincaid works to engage defenders with blocks. Expect Kincaid to improve this portion of his game.
In addition, Kincaid missed multiple games due to multiple injuries. he suffered a shoulder injury and a thoracic impairment. The latter kept him off the field for the Senior Bowl.
Overall, this is an exciting pick for the Bills.
Buffalo was in the market for another weapon to help Allen, and they found it with Kincaid. He will be a great complement to the skill players that the team has on the offense already. The two tight end sets will give Buffalo a new wrinkle that has not been a part of the offense in previous years. It will be intriguing to see how Allen utilizes his newest weapon.
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