Summary

Dalton Kincaid was drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Round 1, (pick 25) out of Utah. Kincaid is a modern, more receiver‑type tight end with a strong foundation in catching, route placement and space work. His best value lies in his ability to create mismatches through movement and pass‑game roles rather than primarily as a blocking tight end. He carries the tools to be a key part of a high‑powered offense.

However, his ceiling is somewhat tempered by his blocking limitations, shared snap responsibilities, and the fact that he has yet to fully break out to elite TE status. In short: he’s a high‑quality TE with strong upside, but still with some refinement needed to become among the league’s top at his position.

Strengths

• Elite catching ability & body control: Multiple scouting reports note Kincaid’s knack for making tough catches—contorting his body, high‑pointing the ball, adjusting in the air. Field Gulls

• Route‑running and movement skills for a TE: He shows burst, smooth hips, and the ability to work in space, which is more receiver‑like than traditional in‑line tight end. Bleacher Report

• Versatility and mismatch potential: He can align in multiple spots (slot, off‑line), making him a tool in the passing game for creating mismatches against linebackers or slower safeties. Front Office Scouting

• Improving physicality / blocking effort: There’s evidence he has added strength/bulk in the offseason to improve his ability as a blocker or at least stay on the field in more roles. CBS Sports

Weaknesses

• Blocking as an in‑line TE still a concern: While he is not a liability, many scouts flagged that his run‑blocking, especially when facing bigger defensive linemen or setting the edge, is not yet at elite level. Front Office Scouting

• Doesn’t possess elite speed/explosiveness for the position: Some reports mention he lacks top‑tier athleticism or speed compared to the very best TEs when they are receivers.

• Usage / role and consistency in NFL production: In his early NFL years he’s had flashes but did not yet consistently dominate or hit the high expectations some had for a first‑round TE pickup. For example: his 2024 receiving yardage and touchdowns were moderate. ESPN.com

• Injury / durability and role sharing: He missed games/naps due to injury in the 2024 season and has to share snaps with another TE in Buffalo’s rotation, which affects volume. PFF

Fit & Outlook

In Buffalo’s offense, which features a pass‑oriented scheme under Josh Allen and emphasizes using versatile offensive weapons, Kincaid fits well. His alignment flexibility and receiving skills make him a good fit in a system that likes to create space, leverage mismatches, and attack defenses vertically. As he improves his blocking and stays healthy, he can be on the field more often and in more roles.

Short‑term: Expect Kincaid to continue increasing his involvement and target volume as he grows more comfortable and the coaching staff leans into his strengths.

• Medium‑term: If he rounds out his game—adding blocking strength, staying healthy, getting more snaps—he has the potential to be a top‑10 tight end in the league.

• Risk/ceiling: If the blocking remains a weakness and if he cannot separate himself in usage from other tight ends on the team, his ceiling might be closer to solid TE1 rather than elite TE.