Utah tight finish Dalton Kincaid is predicted to be chosen within the first spherical of the 2023 NFL draft. Younger Kwak, Related Press
Dalton Kincaid launched himself into the first-round dialogue of this yr’s NFL draft with an exceptional 2022 season that noticed him lead the Utah Utes in receptions, receiving yards and landing catches.
The query is, the place will he be picked?
There’s a handful of intriguing touchdown spot choices for the 6-foot-4, 246-pound tight finish who’s confirmed to be adept at making catches in tight areas and being a wonderful security valve for his quarterbacks.
The primary spherical for the 2023 NFL draft begins at 6 p.m. MDT Thursday and will probably be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and NFL Community.
What are the very best staff matches for Dalton Kincaid?
Inexperienced Bay Packers (No. 13 general decide): Earlier this week, the Packers moved up two spots from the No. 15 decide as a part of the commerce that despatched Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. The No. 13 decide might appear to be a excessive decide for a decent finish, even with a deep class at that place this yr.
With former Utah State quarterback Jordan Love taking on the Packers offense with Rodgers’ departure, although, Inexperienced Bay may look to get Love somebody sure-handed like Kincaid with its first-round decide.
Tight finish is without doubt one of the Packers’ largest wants, too, heading into the draft. With 38-year-old Marcedes Lewis, who’s been with the staff since 2018, unsigned as an unrestricted free agent, that leaves Inexperienced Bay with a pair of tight ends, Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis, atop its depth chart which have a mixed 48 profession catches.
NFL Community’s Daniel Jeremiah doesn’t imagine the value is simply too steep to snag Kincaid on the No. 13 spot, sending the previous Utes star to Inexperienced Bay in his ultimate mock draft.
“Inexperienced Bay may weigh Kincaid versus Ohio State (huge receiver) Jaxon Smith-Njigba right here,” Jeremiah wrote. “I believe Kincaid is an ideal match on this offense, and the Packers may circle again for a receiver later, which has typically been their most popular strategy on the place. They haven’t picked a WR in Spherical 1 since 2002.”
Los Angeles Chargers (No. 21 general decide): Relying on how the primary spherical shakes out, the Chargers could also be extra inclined to snag a top-flight huge receiver or fortify depth alongside the offensive line with this choice — each are different areas of want for Los Angeles.
The important thing right here, although, is getting franchise quarterback Justin Herbert some extra assist, and that’s the place Kincaid could possibly be a robust risk.
Gerald Everett had 55 receptions for 555 yards and 4 touchdowns final season for the Chargers to steer the tight finish place, however he has only one extra yr on his contract.
That would point out Los Angeles will no less than discover its choices on this yr’s draft to discover a extra long-term answer on the place.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has the Chargers taking Kincaid in his newest mock draft.
“Speaking to at least one staff supply about Kincaid’s again damage, there may be concern that Kincaid may not be prepared for minicamp however no long-term worries, which is clearly excellent news for the tight finish,” Brugler wrote. “Justin Herbert would like to see this projection come to fruition on draft evening as a result of it will give him arguably the very best pure cross catcher in your entire draft.”
Dallas Cowboys (No. 26 general decide): The Cowboys have a necessity on the place after shedding their beginning tight finish, former Bingham Excessive Dalton Schultz, who signed with the Houston Texans in free company this offseason.
Schultz had 57 catches for 577 yards and 5 touchdowns final season and was a constant goal for Dak Prescott in Dallas, particularly within the crimson zone. Over the previous three years, he had 17 landing catches.
Kincaid could possibly be a great answer to fill the pass-catching position that Schultz has occupied lately for the Cowboys, whereas additionally engaged on his blocking abilities, the world of Kincaid’s sport that wants probably the most enchancment.
Professional Soccer Focus’ newest seven-round draft believes Kincaid is the right match for Dallas’ offense.
“If the Cowboys take a decent finish in Spherical 1, he wants so as to add a dimension to the offense. Kincaid’s capacity to stretch the seam and current mismatches towards linebackers and safeties does precisely that,” PFF wrote.
Different intriguing choices
The Detroit Lions (No. 18 general decide) nonetheless have a necessity at tight finish after buying and selling away T.J. Hockenson final yr and Kincaid could possibly be a key piece offensively for a staff that simply missed the playoffs within the 2022 season.
The Washington Commanders (No. 16 general decide) will probably be beginning a brand new quarterback and will use a youthful choice at tight finish who may assist out their sign caller.
The Las Vegas Raiders (No. 7 general decide) are extra probably an choice to take Kincaid with their second-round decide at No. 38, although if he slips to the second spherical, he may fill in instantly for former Raider Darren Waller, who was traded to the New York Giants this offseason.