NFL Analysis Network

Raiders Named Best Fit For This Tight End In 2023 NFL Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders struggled in the first season under head coach Josh McDaniels. The team went 6-11, underperforming expectations by a wide margin. Looking to get things on track, Las Vegas overhauled their offense this offseason.

Derek Carr is no longer the starting quarterback, as he has been replaced by Jimmy Garoppolo. Star wide receiver Davante Adams remains in the mix, but he could be the only returning regular for 2023 at wide receiver and tight end.

Mack Hollins departed in free agency, signing with the Atlanta Falcons. The team signed Jakobi Meyers in free agency, which has put Hunter Renfrow on the chopping block. Renfrow has been mentioned as a possible trade target along with tight end Darren Waller, who was dealt to the New York Giants.

Waller’s backup, Foster Moreau, also hit free agency but will step away for the time being as he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during a physical with the New Orleans Saints. The only addition that the Raiders have made thus far at the tight end spot is signing Austin Hooper.

Hooper hasn’t been an impactful player in the passing game in a few years, recording fewer than 500 receiving yards in three straight seasons. If the Raiders want to add a receiving threat at the position, the 2023 NFL Draft could be the avenue they look to explore.

One player to keep an eye on is Utah tight end, Dalton Kincaid. Las Vegas has recently been named the best fit for him in the 2023 NFL Draft and it is easy to see why. Lacking a pass-catching replacement for Waller, Kincaid has the skill set to step right into the lineup and help replace the production that was lost.

The Utah product finished second in the nation in receiving yards by a tight end last season with 890, trailing only Brock Bowers of Georgia, who had 942. Kincaid has an advanced route tree, capable of winning at every level of the offense. His catch-and-run ability is also very strong for a tight end.

During his time with the New England Patriots as offensive coordinator, McDaniels popularized two tight-end sets. He could replicate that with the Raiders, using Hooper as an in-line blocking tight end and deploying Kincaid as the seam-stretching pass catcher.

There is certainly a chance that Kincaid sneaks into the first round given his skill set. But, if he slips into the second round, the Raiders could stop his slide with the No. 38 overall pick in the draft.

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