John Bates Fantasy

Washington Football Team tight end John Bates has locked up the backup role to starter Logan Thomas, according to the team's current depth chart. Washington used a fourth-round pick on Bates in the 2021 draft, so it should be no surprise he beat out Sammis Reyes and Ricky Seals-Jones for the No. 2 spot. The rookie doesn't figure to have any fantasy value unless Thomas were to miss some game action, but even then he could have a limited role in the passing game. Nonetheless, the former Boise State product could have some intrigue in dynasty leagues as Thomas enters his age-30 season. For now, he can be completely off the fantasy radar in redraft leagues.

Sep. 4th • 12:36 PM

Washington Football Team tight end John Bates was drafted in the fourth round of this year's draft, as the team looked for some depth behind their unquestioned starter Logan Thomas. The Boise State product did not catch the ball much in college, as he finished his collegiate career with just 47 receptions in 46 games, so he will have to find a way to contribute in other ways to crack Washington's roster. Throughout camp, the 23-year-old has done exactly that, as he has impressed head coach Ron Rivera with his physicality and ability to be an effective blocker. "I like how he works because he knows that the more he develops, the better he gets, the more he'll get an opportunity to play more and more," Rivera said. Bates probably won't be relied on too much as a receiver, so the improvements he can make as a blocker in both passing and running situations will likely determine the role he secures in the offense. If he were to make the final roster, he wouldn't have any fantasy appeal unless Thomas misses time. Still, it doesn't seem he would have a significant role as a receiver even if this were to happen.

Aug. 25th • 10:53 AM

With the 124th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Washington Football Team has drafted Boise State tight end John Bates. Bates had 12 catches for 117 yards in five games last season. He was a strong blocker for Boise State but never showed much consistency as a pass-catcher, never catching more than 22 passes in a collegiate season. Expect to see him playing a lot of special teams in Washington. He won't be a threat to their dynamic tight end, Logan Thomas, in 2021 or beyond.

May. 1st • 1:21 PM