The 2023 NFL draft is just over two weeks away, and we here at Commanders Wire will look to profile multiple 2023 prospects daily leading up to day one of the draft.
We will focus on prospects who could be available for Washington and who fit a position of need. Our prospect profiles will not be exclusive to projected first-round picks only but also players who will be selected on the second and third days of the NFL draft.
The Commanders are first on the clock at No. 16 overall.
Today, we profile Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid.
The numbers
Size: 6-foot-4, 246 pounds
40-yard dash: N/A
Arms: 32 5/8″
Hands: 10 1/4″
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
10-yard split: N/A
Scouting report
Dalton Kincaid did not run the 40-yard dash, so we don’t know his testing numbers. The most important thing with Kincaid is the tape. And it’s good. While Kincaid’s timed speed may not elite, he plays fast. He catches everything, runs good routes and has a chance to be the first tight end drafted.
Check out what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says about Kincaid:
Move tight end whose premium talent as a pass-catcher will be the primary focus for evaluators. Kincaid is a fluid route runner with the athleticism and play speed to create mismatches against lesser coverage. Impeccable ball skills and sticky hands allow him to tilt 50/50 contested throws in his favor. He lacks the play strength and technique to work in-line, but can handle some positional blocking in space from time to time. Kincaid can manage a more extended route tree, allowing calculating play-callers to open up the entire field and stress coverages. He will need to acclimate to a more physical/athletic brand of coverage, but should blossom into a weapon.
College stats
2018 [San Diego]: 24 receptions, 374 yards and 11 touchdowns.
2019 [San Diego]: 44 receptions, 835 yards and 8 touchdowns. AP All-American.
2020 [Utah]: Appeared in five games, finished with 1 reception for 14 yards in COVID-shortened season.
2021 [Utah]: 36 receptions, 510 yards and 8 touchdowns. All-PAC-12 honorable mention.
2022 [Utah]: 70 receptions, 890 yards and 8 touchdowns. First-team All-PAC-12, AP All-American.
Highlights
Fit with Commanders
Washington has a roster full of tight ends, but they do have a No. 1 tight end? Theoretically, yes, and it would be Logan Thomas. Many believed Thomas could be cut this offseason to save cap space, but the Commanders love him and believe he was slowed from the 2021 knee injury early last season. Washington felt he improved late in the season.
Then there is John Bates, Armani Rogers, Cole Turner and Curtis Hodges. Bates has a role in which he thrives. Rogers, Turner and Hodges all have potential, but the three second-year players have yet to prove they are NFL players. The upside is there, but that’s all it is right now.
Enter Kincaid. Kincaid could come in and be a legit option in the passing game from day one. Remember, new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy had Travis Kelce for years with the Chiefs. That’s not saying Kincaid is Kelce, but Bieniemy likes talented tight ends as the centerpiece of his offense.
