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2021 NFL Draft: How the Washington Football Team performed on Day 3

By Jonathan Eig

Nov 21, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Shaka Toney (18) reacts to a defensive play against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Shaka Toney (18) reacts to a defensive play against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2019; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos tight end John Bates (85) runs after a catch during the second half of the Mountain West Championship at Albertsons Stadium versus Hawaii Warriors. Boise State defeats Hawaii 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2019; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos tight end John Bates (85) runs after a catch during the second half of the Mountain West Championship at Albertsons Stadium versus Hawaii Warriors. Boise State defeats Hawaii 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Football Team draft pick: TE John Bates

Everyone knew Washington was interested in bolstering the tight end position. With the departure of Jeremy Sprinkle, there is no experienced depth behind Logan Thomas.

When Washington chose Boise State’s John Bates in the fourth round, Brevin Jordan, Noah Gray and Zach Davidson were all available. Jordan was clearly rated higher in most minds – analysts and fans alike. Gray and Davidson were often rated higher as well.

But Washington went with Bates. Even his name sounds mundane. When one analyst on the NFL Network compared him to Sprinkle, you could almost hear fans groaning.

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I will admit that Bates was not on my radar at all until Riggo’s Rag’s own Ken Johannesen identified him as one of eight tight ends the Washington Football Team met with at the Senior Bowl.

In the last few hours, I have watched more of him, and you should know that relying on highlight packages is always risky. But several things become clear. Bates can block. And he can catch. Which means he can get on the field. He may not have separation speed but he can contribute.

Do not discount what Sprinkle did for this team. He was not a good pass catcher but he helped a lot both in the running game and in pass protection. Bates appears to have much better hands. He might find play a role similar to one of the most beloved tight ends on Washington’s championship teams, Don Warren.

Donny was a ferocious blocker and a sure-handed receiver. Sure, he never ran for more than two yards after catching the ball, but he played an important role. Bates could be similar, with more run-after-catch potential.

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