Dalton Kincaid May Cause Saints to Buck Draft Trend if Available

New Orleans may put aside more pressing needs if this draft's highest-rated TE unexpectedly falls to 29.

In the last five years, only four tight ends were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints have drafted just three tight ends in the first two rounds over their 56-year history with only Irv Smith (1993) being in the first round. 

This year’s tight end crop is considered the deepest in recent memory, according to many scouts. Here's a closer look at the player many expect to be the first tight end selected in this year's draft. 

TE - Dalton Kincaid 

Utah (Sr.)

6'4" 246-Lbs. 

Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) runs after a catch against the USC Trojans. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY

Primarily a basketball star in high school, Kincaid was a 3rd Team FCS All-American at the University of San Diego before transferring to Utah in 2020. He'd catch 36 passes for 510 yards and a team-high 8 touchdowns for the Utes in 2021.

In 2022, Kincaid led all FBS tight ends with 70 receptions for 890 yards while scoring 8 times. Those numbers earned him 1st Team All-PAC 12 and 3rd Team All-American honors. A back injury sustained near the end of the year kept him out of Utah's Rose Bowl appearance.  

The injury also prohibited Kincaid from working out at either the Scouting Combine or Pro Day. He's been medically cleared recently and should be ready for on-field drills after the draft.

Today's NFL tight ends are more valued for their receiving skills. Kincaid certainly checks off that box, but he was mostly used in the slot in Utah's spread scheme. He'll have to add strength and improve as an in-line player.

Kincaid can be a liability as a run blocker and must prove that he can at least earn a stalemate while setting the edge. Physical linebackers or safeties can alter Kincaid's patterns when coming off the line. He also may have issues in the red zone getting open in congested areas. 

Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) catches a pass against Southern Utah safety Mitchell Price (7). Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

A bulked up wideout, Kincaid carries outstanding receiving ability into the NFL. Despite being relatively inexperienced at the position, he's shown that he can run a full route tree. He also has the athletic ability to threaten defenses down the field as a deep receiver. 

Kincaid is extremely sharp coming out of his breaks. He'll gain extra separation with his fakes and ability to disguise his routes. His hands are considered among the best in this draft class among all the skill positions. Kincaid provides an elite blend of sure hands, terrific catch radius, and outstanding body control to bring in any pass thrown his direction. 

After the catch, Kincaid is extremely elusive in the open field. He can pick up extra yardage by juking defenders, powering through tackles, or simply by running by defenses. His technique as a run blocker is fundamentally sound, leading to a strong upside in that area.

Converted wideout Juwan Johnson had 42 catches for 508 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns for the Saints last year in his best season to date. While Johnson is a terrific receiver, he's limited as an in-line blocker. Adam Trautman, a third-round choice in 2020, has been disappointing as a blocker and adds nothing as a receiver. 

Most expect New Orleans to add a two-way threat at tight end in this draft. Several mock drafts have the team adding Notre Dame's Michael Mayer or Darnell Washington of Georgia with an early round pick.

Utah Utes tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) catches a pass for a first down against the Oregon Ducks. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Kincaid or Mayer are expected to be the first tight ends off the board. Each could be first-round picks, with the monstrous Washington also getting some consideration. Kincaid is the most well-rounded receiver of the three, but also the lowest-graded blocker.

Dalton Kincaid is projected to be drafted midway through the first round. New Orleans certainly won't trade up to get him, but could be very tempted to make the pick if he slips to them at Number 29. Kincaid needs vast improvements as a blocker, but should add immediate value as a receiver to further open up the New Orleans offense. 

Saints Mock Draft 1.0

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