The Chargers — and a few other NFL teams — passed on drafting a former University of San Diego star.
Dalton Kincaid, who was taken 24th overall by the Bills, looks like he’s going to be really good.
On one particular play Thursday night in Buffalo’s victory over the Buccaneers, the rookie tight end’s smoothness and body control brought to mind Travis Kelce.
Making the difficult appear simple while running a diagonal route across the middle, Kincaid snatched Josh Allen’s errant pass -– a dart to his back knee — while maintaining his speed. He then proceeded upfield.
There’s flow to Kincaid’s action, although he’s 6-foot-3 ½ and 246 pounds.
Former University of San Diego coach Dale Lindsey, who was the linebackers coach on the only Chargers’ team to reach a Super Bowl, said he and his coaches were surprised by Kincaid’s athleticism after he walked onto the team. Kincaid caught 19 touchdown passes in 23 games with USD before transferring to Utah.
Dalton Kincaid starred at USD before transferring to Utah.
(Thomas Christensen/)
In his past three games, Kincaid has 15 catches in 17 targets for 159 yards and a touchdown. Against a good Bucs defense, he caught five of seven targets for 65 yards and snagged his first TD off a scramble by Allen. The 55 offensive snaps he logged Thursday were his most this season.
The Bills drafted Kincaid three picks after the Chargers chose TCU receiver Quentin Johnston.
I expect Johnston to make splashes soon. Predictably, he’s off to a slower start than Kincaid.
Johnston, 22, is two years younger than Kincaid, 24, and began the season backing up veteran Mike Williams.
A career-best game from Johnston, who’s big and fast, could be coming Sunday against the Bears. Quarterback Justin Herbert figures to target him more often, having reviewed opportunities Herbert missed against the Chiefs last week. Look for coordinator Kellen Moore to draw up more featured plays for the 6-4 rookie receiver.
The argument for drafting Kincaid was that special tight ends are more difficult to find. A really good one can enable a team to control the middle of the field.
It’s not a knock on Johnston, who stands to get more opportunities with Williams not expected back from a knee injury until next season.
Notable
Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd (Otay Ranch High School) has returned and played well since missing two games with a broken hand. Contributing to a pair of victories, Lloyd had 20 total tackles and three passes defended.
With only three touches, Eagles RB Rashaad Penny (San Diego State) may be his freshest and fittest in many football seasons. Will the 27-year-old’s health pay dividends later this season, either with the Eagles or a potential trade partner?
