Patriots 2023 NFL Draft: Dalton Kincaid could be THAT dude at tight end

Will the New England Patriots go offensive line or wide receiver with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft? Or could they go in a direction no one is projecting?

One obviously possibility is that they will trade back with the pick, especially if Bill Belichick believes he can get a player he likes later in the first round.  One talent who could either be there at No. 14 or anywhere through the late first-round or early second round is Utah’s Dalton Kincaid.

A tight end who fits the mode of everything the Patriots like at that position, this NFL prospect could be the next elite tight end in New England and obviously a player who would add some excitement at a position the Patriots have been struggling at since Rob Gronkowski retired (the first time.)

Dalton Kincaid is the prototype New England Patriots tight end

At 6-foot-4, 246 pounds, Kincaid has emerged as the top tight end in the draft with his elite pass-catching ability along with both his route running and athleticism.  Those characteristics are what the Patriots thought they had in Jonnu Smith, and hope Mike Gesicki brings to the table in 2023.

Speaking of the free agent pickup, why would the Patriots use either of their picks in the first two rounds for another tight end?  The Hunter Henry and Gesicki duo could be very productive in 2023, but both will be entering free agency following the season so having another tight end talent in the mix would be idea for a Bill O’Brien run offense.

While there is some vulnerability in his blocking ability, Kincaid brings a vertical threat to the offense like that of Gronkowski.  Another quality he brings to the table is his ability to break tackles and bring an explosiveness to the offense after the catch.  He’s also a big-time threat in the red zone:

Again, the offensive line and wide receiver are the biggest needs for the Patriots, but if they do select a player like Kincaid in the first-round fans should not be upset because of his receiver type abilities.

As NFL Network describes, Kincaid is a player who can open the field for Mac Jones and the Patriots offense:

"“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.”"

This is a player O’Brien would love to have in the offense even if it is playing behind Henry and Gesicki in 2023.  Give him a season to learn behind two veterans and the Patriots could finally solve their need at tight end long-term.

There are other intriguing options in this draft at tight end, but Kincaid looks like he has Patriots written all over him.