Tag: Dalton KIncaid

Dalton Kincaid: Bills QBs, playmakers had throwing sessions last week

Playmakers on the #Bills offense got together recently for pre-training camp workouts. Dedication:

The Buffalo Bills offense did not waste any time in getting on the same page this offseason… even before training camp begins.

According to tight end Dalton Kincaid via the Buffalo News,  players on the Bills offense, consisting of quarterbacks, receivers, running backs and tight ends, were together last week in Nashville for “throwing sessions.” The plural suggesting there could have been multiple:

The rookies on the Bills are already in western New York for training camp as of Tuesday. Veterans will show on July 23.

It’s not a shock to hear about players doing such activities during the offseason, especially following all the turnover in Buffalo in the spring.

Regardless, it’s still a team-building type of experience that can only be a good thing. The workout being in Nashville could have coincided with tight end Dawson Knox’s wedding which was recently held in the  area… or it was just a central location for everyone that ended up being involved.

There was no full list of players said to be in attendance in the report.

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The Mina Kimes Show talks Bills, TE Dalton Kincaid

The Mina Kimes Show talks Bills, TE Dalton Kincaid:

With so much roster turnover this offseason in Buffalo, the Bills will have a new look to some extent on both sides of the ball.

With the departures of both the team’s WR1 and WR2, replacing their productivity has been a frequent question and hot topic.

Especially in terms of how Buffalo will now turn to multiple players to replace the production of Stefon Diggs, who accounted for 160 targets with 107 catches and 1,183 yards along with eight touchdowns in 2023 despite a diminished role in the second half of the season.

The returning members of the Bills’ passing game, TEs Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid, as well as WR Khalil Shakir figure to play key roles as contributors to the offense given their experience with QB Josh Allen.

On Caesar Sportsbook and Omaha Productions’ The Mina Kimes Show this past week, Kimes and Patriots coverage writer Taylor Kiles talked about Buffalo and the AFC East, as well as Kincaid specifically.

“Kincaid is the one that I am most optimistic about, especially early on, and perhaps most intrigued by in year two because in the second half of the season, you really saw him start to emerge,” Kimes noted. 

“Obviously Dawson Knox was injured at points during the season so they didn’t get to use as much 12 personnel as we thought that they would when they drafted Kincade, but something that really stuck out to me, and I think is so important when we talk about ‘how do you replace Stefon Digg’s production’, is ‘what do you do when you face man coverage’. 

Stefon Diggs is one of the best man-beating receivers in the NFL of the last 10 years right as a route runner, his ability to get open quickly and separate, his hands, and you saw in the second half of the season Kincaid start to emerge as an answer to that as well.

After the coordinator change, when the Bills faced man coverage Kincaid’s target share jumped, he averaged more yards per route run versus man coverage than Stefon Diggs in that second part of the season, and his air yards per attempt took a massive leap from 5.8 to over eight air yards per attempt. They were using him over the middle of the field, getting favorable matchups because of his position, and I feel like if that can continue and he continue evolving as a reliable option that’s going to be so meaningful for this offense,” Kimes added.

The analysis tracks both in terms of Kincaid’s versatile skill set and ability to contribute to the passing game as a receiver, but also as a primary target tight end. Kincaid and Shakir saw their roles increase as the 2023 season went on,

The Bills added Kincaid alongside Dawson Knox, in part, to open up more two tight end sets to unlock a new part of their offense. While that actualization wasn’t realized in former coordinator Ken Dorsey’s offense, we may see it more in new OC Joe Brady’s.

“You mentioned the Chiefs in their condensed formations, I really think you want to borrow heavily from some of the things that they did to get Travis Kelce open versus those looks with bunches and the way they’ve used in particular over the last few years when they go into their quads looks with the Kansas City Chiefs, I just feel like Dalton Kincaid can be used very similarly.”

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Highlights: Buffalo Bills’ tight end room

Kincaid and Knox hype video:

The Buffalo Bills have plenty of new wide receivers in 2024.

They still have the same tight ends.

Once the team returns to the field during training camp, the group will be watched under a microscope since they will be leaned on heavily in 2024, namely Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid.

Check out this video feature released by the team, which contains highlights of all of the excitement around this group:

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Bills’ Dalton Kincaid on 2024: ‘I feel like that transition has gone really well’

#Bills’ Dalton Kincaid on 2024: ‘I feel like that transition has gone really well’

Buffalo Bills 2023 first-round draft pick Dalton Kincaid had a stellar rookie season.

With the departures of the Bills two primary receivers in the offseason and the changes to new OC Joe Brady’s playbook, he could be in store for more this year.

As he’s entered into his second offseason of training with the Bills, he spoke this week about the new playbook and teammates in the receiving corps, as well as his growth from year one.

“Obviously the room looks a lot different this year,” Kincaid said. “Just a lot of selfless guys. I feel like that transition has gone really well.”

One of the qualities he noted about the “new guys” on the team was how they were “meshing good” with the team and culture.

With offensive coordinator Joe Brady transitioning from the interim role to full-time OC, Kincaid could take on more of a role this upcoming season based on his frequent usage during his rookie campaign.

Even still, he recognizes Brady’s approach is to “spread the ball around” and that while he can be a target and threat in the passing game, it will be a team effort recreating the numbers Diggs and Davis accounted for.

“I wouldn’t say I’m the guy. I think we have quite a bit of weapons on offense,” he noted. “You know, we’re going to open everybody up, and with Josh back there, he’s going to get everybody the ball. I think definitely a couple more targets this year, which will be nice.”

He also praised what Brady has brought to the offense in mindset and impact.

“Joe’s been awesome in terms of his mentality and his energy every day,” the TE added. “It’s contagious. As an offense as a whole, I think we all feel that.”

How Brady’s playbook will be different and expand on that of his predecessors under head coach Sean McDermott, Brian Daboll, and Ken Dorsey, has been a question since 2024 will mark the new OC’s first full season in the role.

“I wouldn’t say [it changed] a ton, but there’s a lot of tweaks we’ve made since last year,” Kincaid pointed out. “I think the creativity and kind of freedom he has right now in terms of just testing things out is super helpful.”

2022 fifth-round draft pick and Bills’ receiver Khalil Shakir was, along with Kincaid, a primary target in Brady’s offense last season.

He’s noted Kincaid’s development from year one onward as well.

“He’s amazing. His feel for the game, even in the run game, just him making blocks,” Shakir said. “Sometimes, the transition can be a little tricky from college to the NFL, and he stepped right into the fire. He’s a true professional for sure.”

Shakir and Kincaid were go-to targets for QB Josh Allen last season, and have grown as good teammates as well.

“Great dude, funny guy,” said Shakir. “Likes to have fun, but also knows when to flip the switch and turn it on when it’s go time.”

Josh Allen: Bills’ Keon Coleman is ‘what we needed in our offense’

Josh Allen: #Bills’ Keon Coleman is ‘what we needed in our offense’

The Bills selected wide receiver Keon Coleman at No. 33 overall in the recent 2024 NFL Draft, giving QB Josh Allen a 6-foot-3, 213-pound target at the X receiver position.

Allen had said that he wanted a big-bodied receiver and he got his wish.

The quarterback spoke about the addition on NFL Network’s The Insiders, stating that he thinks Coleman and his style of play are just the right match for the Bills.

“I think his play style (is) what we needed in our offense,” Allen said. “Talking with our offensive coordinator (Joe Brady), our quarterbacks coach (Ronald Curry), (general manager) Brandon Beane and, obviously, coach (Sean) McDermott, a guy that’s a big-bodied guy and can go win one a back-shoulder fade and not afraid to be a physical wide receiver.

“I think you pair him with some of the guys we have in our room right now, I think Mack Hollins has been such a great addition so far to that room with his mentality, his mindset is infectious to others. Curtis Samuel, he’s been showing up every single day ready to work. … You start pairing those guys up with Dawson (Knox) and Coleman in this mix now, we’re gonna have a pretty solid group that works together.”

Coleman played two seasons in college at Michigan State where he caught 65 passes for 848 yards as well as eight touchdowns before transferring to Florida State for his junior season where he caught a career-high 11 touchdowns in 2023.

After Buffalo lost both their WR1 and WR2 this offseason, they had big holes in the roster at receiver to fill, and Coleman was one of the bigger steps they took towards addressing them.

The team also added receivers Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and Chase Claypool by way of free agency to compete and provide depth.

Allen has now turned his focus toward building chemistry with his new teammates.

“I think it starts here in OTAs. I’m fortunate enough to have those guys in the building right now,” he added. “We’re throwing throughout practice. We’re taking extra reps after practice. Obviously, this time (of year), you’ve only got a certain amount of time where you can get those reps. So just doing some stuff extra and finding time. We’ll get that month off, if you will, in late June-early July, try to find a window where we can get together and throw again. Just make sure that we’re staying on top of things, and getting as many reps as possible.”

Bills’ Damar Hamlin: ‘You can’t tell’ Keon Coleman is a rookie

#Bills’ Damar Hamlin: ‘You can’t tell’ Keon Coleman is a rookie:

The Bills added 10 rookies to the team by way of selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, and one in particular has already made an impression on one of his teammates.

Safety Damar Hamlin joined in on an interview with rookie receiver Keon Coleman at OTAs this past week to offer some praise and recognition, as well as some playful joking, to the conversation.

https://x.com/JonScottTV/status/1792982560617730396

“Y’all know this guy? This (is) my twin,” Hamlin said, via WGRZ. “He’s been working. You can’t even tell he’s a rookie. Looks like he’s been with us since I’ve been here.”

Hamlin joked a bit with Coleman, though it was more an expression of the camaraderie and relationship they’ve built already.

“I love him. He’s a special one, so I love him.”

Coleman has quickly been growing into a favorite of fans and the media this offseason since joining the Bills and has shown good hands and work in OTA’s thus far.

As Buffalo’s first 2024 NFL Draft selection, Coleman has big shoes to fill at his position, as the Bills parted ways with their WR1 and WR2 this offseason, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.

Despite the departures of key players, the changes in the roster have resulted in a positive outlook toward the new talent that’s come in.

“It’s an adjustment, but change is good,” Hamlin said of his new teammates. “I’ve been a firm believer in that my whole life. We just rolling with it.”

Count Coleman’s new quarterback among those who see his addition as a positive as well.

“I think his play style (is) what we needed in our offense,” QB Josh Allen told NFL Network. “Talking with our offensive coordinator (Joe Brady), our quarterbacks coach (Ronald Curry), (general manager) Brandon Beane, and, obviously, coach (Sean) McDermott, a guy that’s a big-bodied guy and can go win one a back-shoulder fade and not afraid to be a physical wide receiver.

“I think you pair him with some of the guys we have in our room right now, I think Mack Hollins has been such a great addition so far to that room with his mentality, his mindset is infectious to others. Curtis Samuel, he’s been showing up every single day ready to work. … You start pairing those guys up with Dawson (Knox) and Coleman in this mix now, we’re gonna have a pretty solid group that works together.”

Coleman returned the good sentiment, noting about the quarterback  ‘I’m still a fan myself’. Who knows, maybe the inspiration could see the rookie throw a pass this season himself.

ESPN: Keon Coleman will be different for Bills than Stefon Diggs (video)

ESPN: Keon Coleman will be different for #Bills than Stefon Diggs (video):

On paper, the Buffalo Bills will be replacing Stefon Diggs with Keon Coleman.

Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans this offseason. Then the Bills went and made Coleman their first pick at the 2024 NFL draft.

However, in reality, it might not be that seamless of a transition.

During a segment of NFL Live on ESPN, analyst Mina Kimes gave her opinion. She believes there’s another that will factor in here: Dalton Kincaid.

The full segment can be found in the clip below:

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Bills’ Sean McDermott: Rookies will ‘help us and play this year’

Bills’ Sean McDermott: Rookies will ‘help us and play this year’

There are many new faces on the Bills roster following GM Brandon Beane’s busy offseason.

Some of whom will be expected to contribute right away, including some of the teams’ high-round draft picks.

During the first seven seasons of head coach Sean McDermott’s Bills career (2017-23), only three of the Bills 44 draft picks made after the first round in that time have played 75% of snaps as a rookie (WR Zay Jones 9% 2017, RT Spencer Brown 76%, and G O’Cyrus Torrence 100%.)

But during this stage of the Beane and McDermott era, there is more of a precedent to continue to compete without any dropoff than in years past.

The team has seen one of their largest turnovers in roster personnel during that span this offseason, and there are many new faces in the midst of the team that has become a playoff contender with an eye on a Super Bowl.

“The interesting thing is we’re going to have to depend on some of these young guys in this draft class to help us and play this year,” McDermott said to The Buffalo News. “Getting them acclimated to the life in the NFL and getting them adjusted to the NFL schemes is going to take some time.”

Buffalo’s top two 2024 NFL Draft selections in the first and second rounds, respectively, WR Keon Coleman and Cole Bishop are projected by many in the media as Week 1 starters barring any setbacks, due to holes the Bills have at their position.

Similarly, third-round pick DT DeWayne Carter and fourth-rounder RB Ray Davis could quickly see playing time as well.

McDermott also noted about the 10-selection class overall, “I feel like a lot of the players had really good intangibles and have a little bit of an edge to them, and you can see that on the film.”

Coleman and Bishop visited the Bills’ facility and spent time with their new coach following the draft, making an impression in the process.

“You talk about personalities – both Keon and Cole have them, but they’re different,” McDermott mused. “I’m really looking forward to getting around them and getting to know them and see what they bring onto the football field.”

CBS Sports ranks Bills Josh Allen among top three in NFL

CBS Sports ranks Bills Josh Allen among top three in NFL:

It’s not uncommon for sports media analysts to begin ranking NFL players and teams ahead of the 2024 season, some even start before the the Super Bowl confetti has settled from the previous year.

CBS Sports released their 2024 NFL QB Power Rankings amidst the offseason, and while some rankings were as expected, others were surprising. Brock Purdy is ranked at number two, for example.

Where Buffalo QB Josh Allen falls often depends on who’s making the list, but in this case, he slotted in third behind Purdy and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes who was ranked first. Here’s what CBS Sports had to say…

“Allen was already a one-man roller-coaster ride, and things could get rockier in Buffalo with basically the whole receiving corps replaced. But he’s a perennial MVP type due to the Superman skill set. If anyone can will a team to contend with a rocket arm and bruising legs, it’s him.“

The Bills and their fans hope that the adjustments Allen made at halftime during Buffalo’s final regular season contest against Miami last year will be a permanent one that continues in 2024. His 2023 campaign included leading all NFL QBs in total touchdowns and yards, but it was marred by interceptions.

But when he plays to his best abilities, it’s been seen what Allen is capable of.

Considering that GM Brandon Beane has seemingly replaced and recreated the productivity and numbers of his previous roster, and gotten younger at key positions in the process, if Allen has a similar year without the turnovers and the Bills roster stays healthier, the team might not experience a drop off despite losing many key players.

It’s even possible that the Bills could have an even better season. But time will tell.

Dalton Kincaid showed his excitement at the Bills drafting Cole Bishop

Dalton Kincaid showed his excitement at the #Bills drafting Cole Bishop:

Dalton Kincaid was amongst the most excited when the Buffalo Bills decided to select Cole Bishop at the 2024 NFL draft.

The Bills tight end and the second-round rookie safety have a history together. The pair were teammates at Utah during their college days.

While likely watching the draft himself, Kincaid took to his social media account on Twitter/X and posted an approval of the pick. It was a classic from the movie “Napoleon Dynamite” which can be found below:

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