As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Dalton Kincaid.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dalton Kincaid (TE – Utah)
6’4″ – 240 lbs.
Background:
Only played one year of high school football, primarily being a basketball player, before attending the University of San Diego. Spent two seasons there, catching 24-374-11 and 44-835-8 before transferring to Utah. Caught just one pass in the shortened 2020 season before stepping into a major role in 2021, a year in which he posted 36-510-8 (14.2). Followed that up with a massive line of 70-890-8 (12.7) as a senior.
Positives:
Has four years of solid production under his belt despite being relatively new to football. Typically lines up as an H-Back/flex tight end and will play there in the pros as well. Despite being a smaller tight end, was frequently used as a blocker, showing impressive competitiveness. Was regularly asked to come in motion and crack defenders in the hole on running downs, showing toughness and physicality. Works hard to engage and stick with his man through the whistle. Generally does a good job of keeping his hands inside and driving his legs after contact; technique actually allows him to create an impressive push for a player of his size. Understands positioning and can wall off opponents. Keeps his head on a swivel when retained in pass protection. Occasionally lined up split out in the slot, and looked good there. Good athlete who accelerates smoothly and has enough speed to threaten down the seams. Fundamentally sound route runner. Has clean footwork to release at the line of scrimmage and knows how to use his size to shield defenders from the ball. Able to adjust to off-target throws. Nice concentration to come down with catches through contact. Looks good as a runner, making defenders pay and even showing a little bit of elusiveness.
Negatives:
On the smaller side for a pro tight end, with what looks like a linear build. Falls off of some blocks by getting too aggressive, creating balance issues. Throws his body into opponents on too many rushing downs instead of engaging with form. Pays attention to detail when running routes but wasn’t asked to run too many different types; a lot of overs, releases into the flats and the occasional slant or seam route. Tends to settle down into coverage when working against zone.
Summary:
A productive tight end who’s not as big as some of the other prospects in the class but who plays bigger than his size because of his technique, physicality, and motor. Can execute various different types of blocks in the run game and has the athleticism, coordination, and route-running chops to provide teams with a reliable target in the passing game.
Projection: Round 3
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