Washington Football Team: Post-preseason Week 1 final roster prediction

Tight End (3): Logan Thomas, John Bates (R), Ricky-Seals Jones

Logan Thomas enters the 2021 campaign as a known quantity, evidenced by his three-year, $24 million contract extension. He has already been referred to as a complete player by position coach Pete Hoener. The real story here though is the battle for the second and third tight end spots.

Temarrick Hemingway has reportedly shown well in training camp, and currently holds the second spot on the team’s first unofficial depth chart. Rookie fourth-round pick John Bates holds the third spot over Sammis Reyes and Ricky-Seals Jones.

However, after Thursday’s tilt versus New England, Hemingway didn’t do himself any favors after repeated struggles with blocking. Bates or Seals-Jones could end up being TE 2, with the other chosen for the third spot on the depth chart.

Reyes is the wildcard of this group, and his steady development will likely further complicate matters. The 25-year-old has enough legit talent, but no real football experience since he didn’t play in either high school or college.

After further review of his performance against New England, Reyes did well in both the run game and pass game. His tenacity as a blocker really stood out.

Head coach Ron Rivera recently stated in a press conference, as transcribed by The Athletic’s Rhiannon Walker, that Reyes “might be“ the team’s most physical blocker.