In 2014, the Buffalo Bills gave up two first-round picks to move up in the NFL Draft. Using that fourth overall pick they selected Sammy Watkins, out of Clemson. The pre-draft hype around Watkins was on another level, including being called the next great NFL wide receiver, even compared to Jerry Rice by some analysts. Watkins would have a solid rookie campaign, setting the Bills record for most receptions by a rookie with 65 catches.
Unfortunately, Bills fans know all too well how the rest of his career would play out. Essentially becoming a waste of multiple draft picks and in my opinion, setting the franchise back yet again. Buffalo ultimately moved on from him after Coach McDermott and GM Brandon Beane took the reins. Let's fast forward to April 2023.
The Bills were bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round against the Cincinnati Bengals and almost immediately Bills Mafia took to social media begging McDermott and Beane to get star quarterback Josh Allen more weapons, particularly at the wide receiver position. So, what did the team do? They sort of gave the fans what they wanted and drafted Allen a new weapon; however, it was in the form of tight end Dalton Kincaid, not a new shiny wide receiver.
I'm pretty sure at this point in the season, Bills fans are largely happy with the Kincaid selection, but many were not at the time of the pick. Kincaid has gone on to put together one of the best rookie seasons of any player in Buffalo Bills history. He already broke 1983 Tony Hunter's record for most receptions by a tight end when he caught his 37th reception weeks ago. He also set a new rookie tight end record in receiving yards, formerly held by Hunter as well with 402 yards. Kincaid currently has 589 yards, which ranks 14th all-time for rookies at the position.
Kincaid continues to build on these record-breaking numbers and has one more game remaining in the regular season to add to the stats. During the Bills victory against the New England Patriots, Kincaid recorded his 66th reception, setting a new Bills record for most receptions by a rookie, regardless of position. Also within Kincaid's sight is the Bills single-season record for receptions by a tight end in any season. Former Bills tight end Pete Metzelaars set the record back in 1993 with 68. So we'll be watching this weekend when the Bills take the field against the Miami Dolphins and hoping he snags at least three more receptions.