With the 2023 NFL draft having some of the best tight end prospects we’ve seen in years, it was already widely believed that the New England Patriots would consider investing one of their draft picks at the position.
But how high would they be willing to go?
It would probably take a first-round pick for them to come away with Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid, who is reportedly expected to be in town for a top-30 visit on Thursday.
No, the Patriots aren’t desperate to add to their tight end room. They still have Hunter Henry on the roster, and they just signed Mike Gesicki in free agency. But players like Kincaid don’t come around often, and it’s no secret that Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien loves using tight ends.
Kincaid has drawn comparisons to NFL stars Travis Kelce and Zach Ertz. Blocking isn’t his strong suit, but his ability to haul in passes and make plays with the ball in his hands would make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses at the next level.
Daniel Jeremiah said Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid reminds him in some ways of Travis Kelce how he gets in and out of breaks #NFLDraft2023 @MoveTheSticks @FamilyUtahFB
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 24, 2023
The Patriots already have clear needs at cornerback, wide receiver, offensive tackle and safety. So reaching for a tight end with their No. 14 overall pick would be more due to the love for the player than anything else.
Who knows? Maybe that’s enough for coach Bill Belichick to take the plunge.
