Tag: Dalton KIncaid

Packers make trade with division foe in Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft

The Packers trade down with the rival Lions in the first round and get a WR in the second round of this new mock from Dane Brugler.

The 2023 NFL Draft is officially 100 days away and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his second mock draft of the season. 

In Brugler’s latest mock draft, he has the Green Bay Packers trading the 15th overall pick to the Detroit Lions for the 18th and 48th overall picks. The Lions drafted Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the 15th overall pick.

With the 18th overall pick, Brugler has the Packers taking Iowa defensive lineman, Lukas Van Ness. The man nicknamed Hercules lives up to that tag. Van Ness is chiseled and owns a devastating bull rush to go through blockers. 

From Brugler:

With his explosive power and upside, though, the Iowa product has the toolsy profile that Green Bay covets on the defensive line.

Van Ness was never a starter for the Hawkeyes, but that didn’t stop him from recording 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks over the past two seasons. According to Pro Football Focus, Van Ness led the Hawkeyes with 46 pressures this past season.

“I see a high ceiling with Van Ness,’ Jacob Keppen, a contributor for Hawkeyeswire.com said. “He has the potential to be a complete defensive end and someone that you can move around the line…He’s a ball of clay and he has the potential to be a seven to 10 sack guy a year.”

With his length (6-5), power, and age (he’ll turn 22 in July), Van Ness fits the bill of what Brian Gutekunst is looking for in the first round.

With the 45th overall pick, Brugler has the Packers selecting Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid. In my most recent mock draft, I also had the Packers selecting Kincaid with the 45th overall pick.

Kincaid is a dynamic weapon in the passing game. He’s able to create explosive plays with the ball in his hands. According to PFF, Kincaid racked up 397 yards after the catch this past season. The Utah tight end is a gifted athlete with the quickness to threaten the seam and make plays vertically.

With the extra pick the Packers got in the trade with the Lions, Brugler has the Packers taking Wake Forest wide receiver, A.T. Perry with the 48th overall pick.

At 6-5, with long arms, Perry has a go-go-gadget catch radius. With his long strides, he chews up grass to quickly get on top of cornerbacks. 

Over the past two seasons, Perry has recorded 152 receptions for 2,389 yards and 26 touchdowns. The Packers may have hit on three wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft, now Gutekunst needs to add another piece to that mix. 

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Could the Browns find their TE2 in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Here are the top tight ends for the Browns to target in the 2023 NFL Draft

As the Cleveland Browns look forward to the 2023 NFL Draft, they have quite a few holes to fill on their roster. One of those positions is potentially a new second tight end as they still run an effective offense in a lot of 12 personnel looks.

While they saw a breakout season from David Njoku that was hampered by an injury, Harrison Bryant is entering the last year of his contract. Bryant took over as the TE2 in Cleveland’s offense after they released Austin Hooper, and 2022 may have shown that the former Mackey Award winner may be better suited as the third guy in the room.

If the Browns look to take a new tight end in the draft, here are the top names to keep tabs on.

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Packers Mock Draft 4.0: Green Bay addresses needs in first offseason mock

Brennen Rupp’s first mock draft of the offseason, which began Monday for the Packers.

It’s officially draft season for the Green Bay Packers. With their 20-16 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Packers finished the season with a disappointing 8-9 record and will own the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

It’s Mock Draft Monday, so let’s take a look at the results from my latest mock draft.

15th overall pick: Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

Tyree Wilson, Paris Johnson, Quentin Johnston, Peter Skoronski, and Michael Mayer all went off the board 10-14 prior to Green Bay’s pick. This leaves the Packers with the best safety prospect in the draft.

Plug him in the slot and prosper. Branch plays the Star position for Nick Saban and is one of the most versatile defensive backs in the draft. He can play in the slot, on the boundary or safety. 

Branch is a highly instinctive player and a fluid athlete. He has the footwork and loose hips to man the slot position at the next level. According to Pro Football Focus, Branch allowed just two touchdowns in coverage this season and never gave up a play longer than 20 yards. 

On top of his ability in coverage, Branch is an excellent open-field tackler and thrives playing close to the line of scrimmage. He finished the season with 14 tackles for loss and was credited with just three missed tackles.

Branch is versatile, athletic, a reliable tackler, and a playmaker. Add all those up and you get Green Bay’s first-round pick that could be a plug-and-play starter. 

46th overall pick: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Kincaid’s trump card is his ability as a pass-catcher. He’s able to create explosive plays with the ball in his hands. 

The Utah tight end is a gifted athlete with the quickness to threaten the seam and make plays vertically. That quickness and athleticism show up after the catch as well. According to PFF, Kincaid finished the season with 397 yards after the catch this season.

“Kincaid is a well-rounded tight end that continues to improve in all areas,” Alex Markham, the publisher for UteNation.com said. “When he came to Utah, he was a pass-catcher. Now with three years in the system, he’s grown to be an effective run-blocker. He’s an every-down versatile tight end, you don’t need to take him off the field.”

Kincaid is a complete tight end that could step in from day one and give the Packers a dynamic playmaker at a position of need. 

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2023 NFL draft sleeper alert: Utah TE Dalton Kincaid

Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid has the production and pass-catching ability to make an immediate impact at the next level

One of the more impressive receivers early into his college football career, Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid has enough pass-catching ability and experience to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

He brings four years of experience as a starter, a strong athletic profile, and a steady stream of production from his time as the best receiving threat in Utah’s offense.

Kincaid has notched an impressive 33 touchdowns in his time with Utah, his best year coming in his senior season, where he was able to rack up an impressive 890 yards on 70 catches. Opposing teams have been all too aware of Kincaid, who was able to score 11 times as a freshman, and he was known as the top weapon for a talented team. That being the case, the fact he was able to remain consistently productive within this system is a testament to what he could bring to the next level.

Kincaid will probably not be a superstar in the NFL on the Travis Kelce level, but he does have enough experience, athleticism, and size to be a potential starter at the ‘Y’ tight end position early in his career He’s shown that despite any concerns about his play strength, he can make an impact in the red zone.

It would not be shocking if Kincaid landed as high as the second round of the 2023 NFL draft, and he’ll have the potential to boost his stock even further with a good Senior Bowl and combine performance, where he’ll get a chance to prove himself while surrounded by top talent.

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Dalton Kincaid, who prevented USC from making the College Football Playoff, won’t play in Rose Bowl

This is not a bowl game opt-out. Kincaid, who smoked USC twice this season, isn’t healthy enough to play in the Rose Bowl.

Dalton Kincaid is the man who most centrally prevented USC from winning the Pac-12 championship and making the College Football Playoff in 2022, wanted to play in the 2023 Rose Bowl for Utah against Penn State. At the very least, one should operate under that assumption, given how special it is for the Utes to play in the Granddaddy.

The Rose Bowl is a huge deal for Utah players and fans. Playing in that game is not something Utah could ever take for granted. It’s a sign of how far those players have come in their evolution. Any reasonable person would assume that Dalton Kincaid badly wanted to play in that game.

Therefore, when Kincaid announced that he won’t play in the game due to an injury, the revelation should be viewed not as a bowl opt-out, but as an injury-based absence due to a lack of sufficient time for recovery.

Kincaid will not be able to go against Penn State on Jan. 2, 2023:

Kincaid should be a superb NFL tight end. He’s a gamer and a baller.

His excellence is a reminder that USC had a defense which could not rise to the challenge of stopping him. USC has to make substantial upgrades in the transfer portal to stop the next downfield pass-catching tight end which comes along in the Pac-12.

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Potential Chargers prospects to watch in Pac-12 Championship Game

Looking at a few prospects who could be on the Los Angeles Chargers’ radar.

When the USC Trojans and Utah Utes meet up in Friday night’s Pac-12 Championship Game, several prospects will showcase their talents on a supersized stage, with a handful of NFL evaluators watching closely.

Let’s look at a few who could be on the Chargers’ radar.

TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah

The Chargers could address the tight end position next offseason, given Donald Parham’s lingering injury concerns and Tre’ McKitty hasn’t provided much value. Kincaid is a proven pass-catcher with good route-running skills, can produce after the catch, and has the toughness to win and secure crowded catch points. In addition, he is consistent as a blocker. Kincaid amassed 103 receptions for 1375 yards and 16 touchdowns in 25 career games.

CB Clark Phillips, Utah

Brandon Staley said last offseason that as long as he’s head coach, the Chargers will always be looking to upgrade the cornerback room. Should they look to address the positional room early, Phillips is a fine option. The name of Phillips’ game is instincts, excellent movement skills, physicality, and ball skills. Listed at 5-foot-9, Phillips plays bigger than his size. While he may be relegated to slot duties, he’s showcased the ability to play outside at a high level. In 2022, he only allowed 37 receptions on 64 targets for 430 yards, four touchdowns, and a 65.6 quarterback rating. He also amassed six interceptions, five passes defended, and two touchdowns.

DT Tuli Tuipulotu, USC

The Chargers upgraded the defensive tackle position with Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, and Otito Ogbonnina, all of whom are solid run defenders. But they are lacking interior defenders who can get to the quarterback. Tuipulotu is just that. Tuipulotu generated 49 pressures, 11 QB hits, two forced fumbles, and 13 sacks in 354 pass-rush snaps. The 6-foot-5 and 290-pounder has the versatility to line up across the line, having played 751 snaps at defensive end, 428 at the three-tech, and 177 at nose tackle.

WR Jordan Addison, USC

The Chargers need to look to add an explosive element to the offense next off-season. Addison could be just that. The former Biletnikoff winner, Addison, has put up 54 receptions for 810 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2021, he posted 1500 yards and 17 touchdowns at Pittsburgh. While undersized at 6-foot and 170 pounds, Addison has the speed, elite route running skills, elusiveness after the catch, and strong hands of an NFL receiver.

Other players to watch for

LT Braeden Daniels, Utah

EDGE Gabe Reid, Utah

RT Sataoa Laumea, Utah

CB Mekhi Blackmon, USC

OL Andrew Vorhees, USC

Top of the class: 2023 NFL Draft offers exciting options for Packers at TE

Brennen Rupp gives a look into his top tight ends in the 2023 draft class. Could the Packers get one?

As it stands right now the Green Bay Packers only have one tight end (Josiah Deguara) under contract for the 2023 season.

Will the Packers opt to re-sign Robert Tonyan? If Marcedes Lewis wants to come back for one more season will the Packers give him a new contract?

Regardless of what happens with Tonyan and Lewis, it’s clear the Packers need to add a younger, more athletic tight end to the mix this offseason. The 2023 NFL Draft has a handful of talented tight ends that will likely be Top 100 picks this April. Let’s take a look at the Top Five tight ends on my board.

Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

Mayer is a plug-and-play starter with his natural pass-catching abilities. The Notre Dame tight end has outstanding body control and is able to make catches through contact.

While Mayer may not be the most explosive athlete, he’s a natural route runner and with his size (6-5, 251 pounds), he’d be a weapon working the middle of the field for Green Bay’s offense.

The Packers are currently projected to own the No. 8 pick in the first round. If the Packers stay in that range there is a strong chance that Mayer will be on the board when the Packers are on the clock.

While the tight end position may not be viewed as a premium position, there is no doubt that Mayer is a Top 15 prospect in this class. The Packers need playmakers on offense and Mayer has all the tools to carve out a long, decorated career at the next level. 

Dalton Kincaid, Utah

There are no Travis Kelce’s walking through that door. Kelce is a unicorn and when his career is over Kelce may be regarded as the greatest tight end to ever play the game. If the Packers want a discounted version of Kelce, Kincaid may be the off-brand version of the Kansas City Chiefs tight end.

Kincaid is a gifted athlete with the quickness to threaten the seam and make plays vertically. That quickness and athleticism show up after the catch as well. 

Kincaid’s calling card is his ability as a pass-catcher. He’s able to create explosive plays with the ball in his hands. The thing that’s stood out about his game this season is his continued improvement as a blocker. He’s a well-rounded tight end that could step in from day one and give the Packers a dynamic playmaker.

“Kincaid is a well-rounded tight end that continues to improve in all areas,” Alex Markham, the publisher for UteNation.com said. “When he came to Utah, he was a pass-catcher. Now with three years in the system, he’s grown to be an effective run-blocker. He’s an every-down versatile tight end, you don’t need to take him off the field.”

Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State University

Kraft has natural pass-catching skills, with his reliable hands and body control. He’s able to catch the ball in stride and quickly turn upfield to become a YAC threat. The former high school running back has above-average athleticism for the position and it’s on display when he has the ball in space. 

Kraft is an exceptional blocker. At contact he keeps his legs driving and creates movement in the run game. 

The SDSU tight end is the complete package. He’s an explosive weapon in the passing game and he’s a sound blocker.

Darnell Washington, Georgia

Washington is a monster. At 6-7, 275 pounds, Washington is an imposing figure on the gridiron. The Georgia tight end enters championship weekend with 25 catches for 403 yards and one touchdown while playing in a crowded tight end room.

Washington’s strength is his ability as a blocker. He’s a people mover with his power and can overwhelm defenders at contact. Having him on the field is like having a sixth offensive lineman on the field. 

Washington was a high-school wide receiver and has natural pass-catching abilities. He has strong, reliable hands. When he gets the ball his size and strength make him a load to bring down for defensive backs. 

Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

Musgrave moves incredibly well at 6-6, 250 pounds. He has the speed (4.51) to threaten the seam. That speed for a man his size is a big reason why Musgrave was listed on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks list.

The Oregon State tight end has natural hands and is comfortable making catches in a crowd. With his size and quickness, Musgrave will be a mismatch inside the 20s. 

Musgrave is wired right as a run blocker and brings consistent effort on every play. Musgrave does a good job of staying on his block and sealing the edge. 

With his size and athleticism, Musgrave has all the tools to develop into a difference-maker at the next level. 

USC run defense has gotten better under Alex Grinch

Utah won’t have Tavion Thomas for Friday’s #Pac12 title game; it’s all about stopping Cam Rising and Dalton Kincaid in the passing game. #USC

UCLA and Notre Dame both wanted to run the ball with consistent success against USC. This would have allowed the Bruins and the Fighting Irish to control the ball, drain the clock, and keep Caleb Williams off the field.

Yet, what happened in these two games? Austin Jones of USC was the rusher who thrived. He topped 100 yards in both games. USC held Zach Charbonnet under 100 yards against UCLA, and it held Audric Estime under 100 yards against Notre Dame.

Alex Grinch isn’t solving every problem for this USC defense, but the run defense — so obviously substandard in the first half of the season — has become solid and relatively consistent in the second half of the season.

As USC prepares to face a Utah team without Tavion Thomas, it’s hard to deny the idea that the Trojans need to focus on stopping the Cam Rising-Dalton Kincaid pitch-and-catch combination. They combined for 16 targets, 16 catches, and 234 yards on Oct. 15 against USC. Stop Cam Rising, contain Dalton Kincaid, win the game.

The team at The Voice of College Football discussed USC’s run defense. Be sure to catch the USC postgame show at The Voice of College Football after Friday night’s Pac-12 Championship Game.

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Utah football analyst provides amazing statistics, mind-blowing facts after Utes defeat USC

Utah expert @bananamorphs of the @NoTruckStopsPod gathered many facts after the Utes beat #USC. Here’s one: Cam Rising was 16 of 16 on targets to Dalton Kincaid. #Greg

Utah-USC was jam-packed with action, storylines, significance, emotion, controversy, drama, and anything else you could want from a college football game. USC didn’t get a victory, but fans across the country were treated to an entertainment extravaganza.

Now that the game is over, we have a lot to talk about and a lot to process. Helping us with that task is Greg, a co-host of the No Truck Stops Pac-12 podcast, which you can listen to at Apple, Spotify, Google, and wherever else you listen to your favorite college football and sports podcasts.

Greg gathered tons of interesting facts and made plenty of detailed observations on the Utes’ 43-42 win. Let’s see what he came up with:

USC defense exposed by Utah’s dynamic duo of Cam Rising and Dalton Kincaid

The plain truth about this game is that Utah’s best offensive players played great. USC played the shootout we expected to see more often this year. The Utes were clutch.

In the first quarter of Saturday’s memorable game in Salt Lake City, Cam Rising didn’t look very good. He threw an interception which was wiped away by a roughing-the-passer penalty. Later, he badly air-mailed a wide-open receiver on 3rd and 4. It was not the start Rising or Utah needed.

Apparently, what Rising needed was to fall behind by 14 points and develop a level of urgency which had been missing in previous games this season. Utah had to win this game to stay in the Pac-12 race. After falling behind 14-0, Rising and his teammates knew there was zero margin for error.

Scoring 43 points and winning on a 2-point try in the final minute? Rising and teammate Dalton Kincaid certainly answered the bell.

Here’s how the night unfolded for the USC defense: