As the Buffalo Bills advance through the 2023 NFL training camp, one of the most intriguing storylines on offense revolves around first-round pick Dalton Kincaid. After a disappointing playoff exit against the Cincinnati Bengals last season, many critics pointed fingers at offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey for a lack of creativity in his play-calling. While there were multiple factors in Buffalo’s postseason struggles, Dorsey’s issues had been evident throughout the latter half of the season.

This offseason, general manager Brandon Beane took steps to revamp the offense, reinforcing the offensive line and adding more playmaking talent. Now, the excitement surrounding Kincaid is palpable, and for good reason. The rookie tight end brings a skill set that could make an immediate impact in Buffalo’s offense.

Kincaid’s Versatility Adds a New Dimension

In just a short time, Kincaid has already earned praise for his smooth route-running and adaptability. He’s expected to complement veteran tight end Dawson Knox in a way that will give the Bills' offense more flexibility. Knox himself has highlighted Kincaid’s ability to line up in the slot while also being capable of playing in-line when necessary. This versatility should create mismatches for opposing defenses, which could open up the middle of the field and improve Buffalo’s ground attack.

One of the biggest issues with Dorsey’s offensive approach last season was its predictability. Too often, the Bills relied on quarterback Josh Allen to carry the offense without enough schematic variety. With more two-tight end sets featuring both Knox and Kincaid, the hope is that Buffalo will add a new layer of complexity to its game plan. Given that the Bills aggressively traded up to select Kincaid just months after extending Knox, there’s reason to believe that a well-thought-out strategy is in place.

Managing Expectations for Kincaid’s Rookie Year

Historically, rookie tight ends don’t put up huge numbers in their first season, but Kincaid has the potential to buck that trend. His skill set positions him well to surpass Ernie Warlick’s franchise record for receiving yards by a rookie tight end (482 yards). However, one factor to consider is how head coach Sean McDermott typically integrates rookies into the lineup. Last season, players like cornerback Kaiir Elam and running back James Cook saw limited roles early on before earning more significant playing time later in the year.

That said, Kincaid appears to be on a fast track to a major role, having already taken first-team reps in training camp. If the Bills’ offensive scheme evolves as expected, he could emerge as a key contributor by the second half of the season once fully adjusted to the speed of the NFL.

The foundation is in place for Kincaid to make an impact. Now, it’s just a matter of whether the Bills can effectively deploy him to elevate their offense to the next level.