Draft Coverage

'I'm fired up' | New Bills TE Dalton Kincaid points out versatile skill set, excited to develop rapport with Josh Allen

Apr 28, 2023 at 08:45 PM

Grace Heidinger

Contributing Correspondent

New Bills TE Dalton Kincaid was all smiles Friday afternoon as he set foot in Buffalo for the first time where he was introduced to the media less than 24 hours after he officially became a Buffalo Bill. The Bills jumped up two spots in the draft to make sure they got their guy, one they believe can be a high-level impact player on offense.

"I still don't know if it has set in for me," Kincaid said. "I was just more excited to get out here and it's just — I'm joining a great organization and just trying to find my way to help them in any way."

While Thursday night consisted of a lot of sitting and waiting around, Kincaid will forever cherish the feeling of hearing his name called in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft while surrounded by those closest to him. TV cameras inside of the Kincaid household showed him embracing family members and friends as the Bills made the pick official.

"One of my favorite things as a kid was going out there and playing catch until the sun goes down or until I dropped football," Kincaid said. "So, my dad got mad some days when I had him out there for a little bit, but I feel like that credits a lot to body control and success I've had with catching a football."

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Feeling even better about the hire. pic.twitter.com/hANMS78Eio
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 29, 2023

At a young age, playing catch with his dad in his backyard was the extent of football on Kincaid's sports resume. Basketball was his main sport, but that changed during his senior year of high school and into his freshman year at San Diego when he realized the potential of his football career.

"My offensive coordinator (Christian Taylor) told me probably a week into fall camp that he thinks I could have a chance with this," Kincaid said. "I might have not necessarily believed him right then and there but that always kind of stuck in the back of my head and I feel like it definitely motivates me. I'm very grateful to have a mentor and offensive coordinator who believed in me like he did."

Kincaid added: "I just always enjoyed just playing sports when I was younger and growing up. For me, it was just competing and being out there. But I mean getting to the next level and then a level higher than that, competitions were just more fun and more exciting. So, I think that's just a thrill you chase and just competing at that level is just a lot of fun."

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Even though the Utah TE is just beginning his journey in Western New York, he's already getting a taste of the culture and organization at One Bills Drive.

"I'm, fired up," Kincaid said. "I feel like the coaching staff, the front office there is really good. They've got a great reputation, so I feel like it's just a great situation to be in."

When describing his play, Kincaid noted that his versatility will allow him to be used in multiple ways and that can help open up space for other Bills receivers. Bills GM Brandon Beane concurred with that sentiment after trading the 27th overall pick and a 2023 fourth-rounder to move up to select Kincaid.

"I would say the number one thing about him, elite hands, good route runner, separation ability at the top of the route," Beane said.

While it's still too early to see what his role will be in the Bills offense next season, the do-it-all tight end shared that he's going to do whatever is asked of him to help the team win. He's already met with Bills OC Ken Dorsey, diving headfirst into learning the team's offensive structure.

"It's just cool to see a different language," Kincaid said. "Each team basically speaks their own language, and you have to learn that language in a relatively short time. So, I'm just excited to learn his language and see fit whatever the role he wants for me to be for this team."

And the cherry on top? Kincaid can't wait to start developing his rapport with QB Josh Allen and learning from TE Dawson Knox.

"Josh Allen's one of the best quarterbacks in the league," Kincaid said. "Knox is just right up there with the tight ends as well, so it's going to be awesome to just learn from him and learn from Josh. I think just joining the Bills Mafia's going to be one of the coolest things. They're such an established fanbase and they're very well known."

Kincaid, a Las Vegas native, is also an ambassador at Autism Tree Project Foundation. Now that he's made the leap to the NFL, Kincaid is just as excited to embrace the Buffalo community from top to bottom.

"I've heard a lot about buffalo wings, so that's something I'm excited to try. Niagara Falls too," Kincaid said. "I'm more excited getting to know the fan base and the city and just how much support there is around it. That's what makes it fun, you're playing for all those people in those atmospheres when you're in a situation with the stadium rockin' is what makes football really fun. "