The 2023 NFL Draft is loaded to the brim with talented tight ends that can immediately help teams, and Dalton Kincaid might just be the best of the bunch. The Utah product already possesses elite pass-catching skills and, while he could still improve his blocking, should be ready to be a part of any offense’s passing attack from Day 1.
Why is Dalton Kincaid so valuable? It's more than the route running, which is excellent, it's how you make yourself available. In the RZ where space is condensed, Kincaid runs the stick route right behind the LB and then leans into the open hole. It's the little things pic.twitter.com/5NPX7BMwhC
— Daniel Harms (@InHarmsWay19) April 18, 2023
Top 6 Teams That Could Draft Dalton Kincaid
Green Bay Packers
It is a new era in Green Bay. With the Aaron Rodgers trade all but finalized, the Packers will spend the 2023 season determining if Jordan Love can be a true franchise quarterback. However, if the Packers want him to succeed, they’ll need to give him some reliable weapons. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs both had their moments last year, so instead of addressing wide receiver, the team could draft Dalton Kincaid with their first-round pick. After all, the Packers need a tight end with Robert Tonyan departed, and the right tight end can make life a lot easier on a quarterback.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers offense desperately needs to add a tight end to the mix. Outside of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Los Angeles does not have a single reliable weapon in the passing game. With Kellen Moore in town, the Chargers could choose to go after a tight end, as Moore’s scheme helped turn Dalton Schultz into one of the more productive tight ends in the league.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t exactly lacking in offensive weapons, but you can never have too many good targets when you share a division with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are both elite threats on the perimeter, and Tyler Boyd provides a reliable presence in the slot, but the Bengals could use someone that can threaten the seam. If the team drafts Dalton Kincaid, that’s exactly what they’ll get, and it might be enough to make this offense the best in the league.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys lost Dalton Schultz to the Houston Texans, and they have yet to do anything to replace his production. Most believe that the Cowboys will use their first-round pick on either a tight end or a running back, but considering the team still has Tony Pollard, drafting Dalton Kincaid makes a lot more sense.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints need to get younger at their skill positions. Chris Olave is the future at wide receiver, but they need to find an adequate running mate. With all respect to Juwan Johnson, the Saints don’t have a tight end that will scare an opposing defense. Dalton Kincaid is exactly what the Saints need, and Derek Carr’s experience with getting the best out of Darren Waller will only make the transition to the pros even easier.
Carolina Panthers
It is highly unlikely that Dalton Kincaid is still on the board when the Panthers are on the clock, but if he is, the team needs to strike. Carolina will inevitably draft a quarterback with the first-overall pick, but they need to get their franchise guy some weapons if he wants a chance to succeed. Hayden Hurst is not a long-term solution, and Kincaid could form a decade-long connection with Carolina’s rookie quarterback.
Main Photo: Chris Pietsch – USA Today Sports
