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Why John Bates could be the Washington Football Team’s next breakout TE

By Hirdesh Matta

BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 8: Tight end John Bates #85 of the Boise State Broncos catches a touchdown pass during first half action against the Connecticut Huskies on September 8, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 8: Tight end John Bates #85 of the Boise State Broncos catches a touchdown pass during first half action against the Connecticut Huskies on September 8, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /
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Sep 20, 2019; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos tight end John Bates (85) catches a touchdown pass during the second half versus the Air Force Falcons at Albertsons Stadium. Boise State defeats Air Force 30-19. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2019; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos tight end John Bates (85) catches a touchdown pass during the second half versus the Air Force Falcons at Albertsons Stadium. Boise State defeats Air Force 30-19. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /

Taking the Next Step

So, Bates has the prototypical size of a tight end, is a solid blocker, and seems like he might have untapped potential. Now the question is, can he take the next step?

Luckily for him and the Washington Football Team, he will be learning from one of the best in Pete Hoener.

Hoener helped turned Logan Thomas from a relative no-name to catching the third-most passes among tight ends in 2020. A player who had 35 career receptions, 317 career receiving yards, and two career receiving touchdowns, and had bounced around three teams, was able to put it all together.

Thomas finished last season with 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns.

Hoener not only developed Thomas, but he helped develop Greg Olsen, Vernon Davis, and Delanie Walker throughout his career.

I wouldn’t expect Bates to break out this year since it takes time to get used to playing at the next level. But by Year 2 to 3, he should be able to have a solid role carved out in the rotation.

Next. Analyzing WFT's linebacker group for 2021. dark

Kittle didn’t break out till Year 2, Waller took till Year 4. If Bates can get to that level of production in the next few years, you will begin seeing a lot of Bates’ jerseys around FedEx Field.

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