Washington Commanders 2022 Season Preview – Part 3

Logan Thomas provided analysts and fans with a very positive progress report three months ago.  He plans to be fully healthy for the season opener and have another year of success.  If this report is true, then his impact for 2022 could be similar to what the football world was able to witness in 2020.

With more firepower on the roster for this season, the numbers could be a bit lower than what many may expect for Thomas, but the former Virginia Tech Hokie is likely to have an overall solid season this year.

Stat Prediction: 49 catches for 414 yards and 5 touchdowns.  3-4 passing for 72 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The selection of Cole Turner in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft recently came as something of a mild surprise.  Many analysts were expecting a linebacker at that juncture, but it was a bit perplexing to see Turner as the choice.  The tight end room is very crowded for now, but the former Nevada standout is locked into a roster spot for this season and beyond.

Turner should have a very good first season, but he will not have an exorbitant number of receptions.  With a solid receiver corps and Thomas starting ahead of him, Turner should be able to learn the system and steadily improve in 2022.  In fact, we have him listed as the TE2 for this season.

Stat Prediction: 23 catches for 193 yards and 1 touchdown.

In the last two drafts, the Commanders have selected two tight ends in the middle rounds.  Last year, John Bates was added in the fourth round and a fair number of analysts questioned the selection.  After a solid rookie season, the addition of Bates is no longer debated.

The former Boise State star will not post gaudy numbers, but he is an excellent blocking tight end.  However, Bates will supply you with a key reception when needed.  Look for him to solidify his place on the roster as the TE3.

Stat Prediction: 11 catches for 71 yards and 1 touchdown.

Sammis Reyes was a novelty signing last year and certainly a feel-good story about a young man from Chile.  Making a transition from one sport to another is difficult, but Reyes gave it all he had and came up short.  Look for the Washington Commanders to move on or place him on the practice squad.

Antonio Gandy-Golden is trying to make the switch from wide receiver to tight end this year.  Honestly, he has had no impact in the league thus far and his next destination could be the practice squad or another profession altogether.  It’s almost time to admit that AGG is a 2020 fourth round bust.

Undrafted free agents Curtis Hodges and Armani Rogers have the talent to succeed at the next level, but look for them to be on the practice squad in 2022.  Both players could be protected throughout the season.