The Green Bay Packers got Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid in the first round of Daniel Jeremiah’s second mock draft of the 2023 draft cycle.
From Jeremiah: “Kincaid is one of my favorite players in the draft. I think he’s the most dynamic pass-catching tight end in the class.”
Over 12 games in 2022, Kincaid caught 70 passes for 890 yards and eight scores. His 890 receiving yards led all FBS tight ends. He finished his collegiate career with 2,484 receiving yards and 35 receiving touchdowns, highlighting his top-end production as a pass-catcher.
Kincaid is Jeremiah’s No. 9 overall player and his No. 1 overall tight end/pass-catcher on his 2023 big board.
Jeremiah’s comp for Kincaid? Pro Bowler Zach Ertz.
“He is explosive in his release and is a smooth/fluid route runner,” Jeremiah wrote. “He gets up on the toes of defenders before snapping off his route and creating separation. He attacks the ball with his hands and can hold on after taking hard contact. After the catch, he has the burst, wiggle and strength to break tackles. In the run game, he is more of a shield-off blocker than a physical people-mover.”
While Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer has been a common pick at tight end for the Packers in the first round, Kincaid is starting to gain some traction as a first-round option.
He’ll have to clear some pre-draft hurdles. Is Kincaid big enough to be a full-time in-line tight end, or is he more of a move-type who lines up in the slot? Is he athletic enough (see: combine testing) to be a big-time weapon in the passing game? Can he block well enough to be on the field for Matt LaFleur’s offense?
The Packers could certainly use a dynamic player at tight end, especially one that can make big plays in the passing game. Kincaid appears to fit the bill, and Jeremiah’s assessment of him as a player paints the picture of a legitimate option for the Packers at No. 15 overall.
