Washington Football Team: 3 players who could surprise in 2021

2. John Bates, TE

Former Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas has been one of the league’s best stories over the past year as a tremendous success in a position switch from quarterback to tight end.

The Washington Football Team found themselves a big-time weapon with Thomas, whose first season with the team included 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns.

As good as Thomas was for Washington a season ago, Washington knew they had to hedge their bets. They did so with fourth-round pick John Bates out of Boise State, an intriguing player in a relatively weak class overall at the tight end position.

Because of the class as a whole being pretty weak, Bates probably went underrated and a little under-drafted based on what he has shown on tape.

He is one of the better “Y” tight end prospects in the class as an in-line blocker with the prototypical size and length you look for at the position.

As good as Thomas’ 2020 season was, I am predicting many will be surprised at the number of reps Bates gets as the season progresses with his blocking ability and Washington’s potential to be more balanced offensively with him on the field.