The Buffalo Bills, in a lot of ways, stuck the landing on the 2025 NFL Draft by sticking with a core philosophy of building a defense capable of slowing the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, among other Super Bowl contenders in the AFC.
That’s in part why general manager Brandon Beane and the Bills loaded up by adding former Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston in the first round, followed by three consecutive picks of front-seven defenders.
Confidence in Josh Allen, and the continued development of second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman likely gave the Bills confidence to focus attention and resources on the defense, but it is one of Allen’s weapons who could hold the key to the offense taking a major step this fall.
The Case for Buffalo Bills TE Dalton Kincaid as a Breakout Star
While Khalil Shakir and Coleman were the Bills’ top-two leading receivers last season, tight end Dalton Kincaid might offer the most upside in Allen’s supporting cast this season.
Over at Pro Football Focus, Jonathan Macri put together a list of each team’s breakout candidate for 2025, including Kincaid for the Bills.
“Kincaid missed time due to injury in Year 2,” Macri wrote of Kincaid’s 2024 season. “And wasn’t able to surpass his rookie receiving numbers, however, his efficiency did improve slightly, including his yards per reception (10.4), yards per route run (1.54) and receiving grade (71.1).
“With the Bills not adding significant target competition to the offense this offseason, Kincaid will have another opportunity to be the team’s top target in the passing game. Similarly to the previously mentioned Marvin Harrison Jr., Kincaid’s poor catchable pass rate leaves a lot of room for positive regression and an opportunity for his best season so far.”
Through his first two seasons, Kincaid has caught 117 passes for 1,121 yards and four touchdowns, but given that the Bills haven’t added a marquee player at the position his continuity and chemistry with Allen might be what could spark a breakout.
