Dallas Cowboys Draft: TE Dalton Kincaid Profile (the weapon)

Dalton Kincaid is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. But he might be too highly ranked for a team like the Dallas Cowboys to consider. Dallas typically targets tight ends later in the draft process. You have to go back to the late Gavin Escobar to find a tight end the Dallas Cowboys drafted in the first two rounds.

Last season’s TE1, Dalton Schultz, was a Day 3 pick. The TE2, Jake Ferguson, was a Day 3 pick. And TE3 Peyton Hendershot was an undrafted free agent. Given the massive success they’ve found on Day 3 and after, there’s really no reason for the Cowboys to deviate from their tried and true strategy, so someone like Dalton Kincaid who has a Round 1-2 grade might not be a realistic option for Dallas.

Dalton Kincaid is one of the best tight end prospects in one of the best tight end classes, and should be a tempting option to the Dallas Cowboys

Dalton Kincaid is a pass-catcher. He might be the best pass catching tight end prospect in the draft. The 6-foot-4 Ute runs crisp routes, understands zones, has sure hands and elite athleticism. At only 242 pounds, Kincaid is one of the smaller prospects and understandably struggles with the blocking aspect of his game.

Utah usually lined him up in the slot instead of as a traditional in-line tight end. He projects the same in the pros. It’s unlikely he’ll ever be a great blocker so whoever drafts him has to accept he’s more “big slot” than in-line.

Whether that’s what Dallas is looking for or not, remains to be seen. On one hand, they’ve always valued a well-rounded blocking tight end. And they already have someone in Hendershot who’s best split out as a pass-catcher.

It’s possible Mike McCarthy wants to add a well-rounded player to replace Schultz (who’s a better blocker than often credited for). It’s also possible, McCarthy wants another big bodied pass catcher he can rely on to run slants and win contested ball situations.

Speaking of contested balls – Kincaid is perhaps the best contested ball catcher in the entire class (even counting WRs). He’s aggressive to the ball, knows how to high point and position to win 50-50 battles. His highlight reel is full of throws that look destined to fall incomplete (or worse) but Kincaid repeatedly wins the ball.

Kincaid is new to the game and has only played since 2017, indicating he has and impressive trajectory with a high ceiling. Did I mention, he’s strong after the catch?

Projected Draft Spot: Dane Brugler has Dalton Kincaid at 30 overall and TDN has him ranked as TE4 and 36 on the board. Tight ends tend to slip so there’s a good chance Kincaid falls into Round 2, just unlikely he falls all the way to Dallas in the second. If Dallas trades up (or trades down from their first pick) Kincaid could be an option.

Dalton Kincaid is one of the more exciting TE options in the class and someone every Dallas Cowboys fan should know.