When the Buffalo Bills traded up for tight end Dalton Kincaid in the 2023 NFL Draft, it was clear they believed in his ability to be an immediate contributor and one day become one of the best at his position.
Kincaid flashed promise, as he broke the Bills' rookie record for receptions, as he caught 73 passes for 673 yards and two touchdowns last season. He also caught eight passes for 104 yards and a touchdown in two playoff games.
Kincaid's ability to improve throughout his rookie season was his budding connection with quarterback Josh Allen. Kincaid credited his improvement to becoming closer to Allen and his teammates.
"I don't know if there was a moment where it necessarily clicked," Kincaid said on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. "I think it was more spending time with him, getting to know him and creating that friendship. I think that's the biggest thing. Having a close friendship with all your teammates and the more that continues to grow, I feel like the stronger our on-field chemistry will be."
The improvement in chemistry was evident after Kincaid returned from a one-game absence due to a concussion. After only catching five passes once in his first five games, he reached or surpassed that number in seven straight games upon his return.
The ability to get on the same page with Allen when he escapes the pocket and buys time with his legs was also a part of the growth Kincaid has made. The second-year tight end noted that took time to adjust to and even said it's something he and Allen are still working on.
"It took a while to get used to it because I feel like every quarterback is different," Kincaid said. "With Josh, it was having that in-game experience [and] figuring out what he likes to do. He'll throw the ball [and] it doesn't matter where the hell you are. He'll throw the ball across his body [or] across the field. It's still a work in progress."
A reliable tight end is one of the best weapons a quarterback can have. If Kincaid and Allen and continue to build chemistry on and off the field, the 2023 first-round pick could be poised for a breakout campaign next season.
More must-reads: