With Zach Ertz's time with the Washington Commanders likely up after two prolific seasons, general manager Adam Peters may be on the lookout for a long-term replacement at the tight end position this offseason. The most cost-effective way to achieve this objective is through the 2026 NFL Draft.
Peters thought he'd found Ertz's heir with Ben Sinnott. Two years into his NFL career, the jury is still out. John Bates is a blocking specialist, and nobody else has the tools to move the needle. Simply put, the Commanders need to find someone who can make it easier for quarterback Jayden Daniels to throw across the middle, a criticism he faced when healthy in 2025.
On this topic, here is a scouting report on Baylor tight end Michael Trigg, who could be an under-the-radar option a little further down the pecking order.
Baylor TE Michael Trigg 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes:
Height: 6033 (verified)
Weight: 243
Expected 40-Yard Dash: 4.60–4.68 seconds
College Production: Multi-stop collegiate career highlighted by strong per-target efficiency and explosive plays as a flex tight end.
Positives:
- Mismatch receiving tight end with plus athleticism and fluid movement skills.
- Natural hands catcher with the ability to extend and finish outside his frame.
- Alignment versatility: can play inline, in the slot, or split wide.
- Creates separation against linebackers and safeties with speed and route nuance.
- Threat after the catch. Accelerates quickly and runs with receiver-like balance.
- Red-zone weapon who can win on fades, seams, and back-shoulder throws.
Trigg’s skill set could align cleanly with Washington’s desire to stress coverage rules and create favorable matchups from condensed and spread formations under new offensive coordinator David Blough.
Negatives:
- Inconsistent in-line blocker. Struggles to generate movement against NFL-caliber edge defenders.
- Play strength remains average for the position. Can be displaced at the point of attack.
- Route tempo and detail can drift at times, leading to timing issues.
- Durability and consistency have been concerns across his college career.
- Not a true Y tight end; role will need to be defined carefully.
Trigg’s value is maximized when he is used as a movable chess piece rather than a traditional in-line blocker.
Michael Trigg NFL Player Comparison: Evan Engram
Like Evan Engram — away from just similar athletic profiles — Trigg wins with speed, alignment flexibility, and receiving ability while offering limited value as a traditional in-line 'Y' TE.
Michael Trigg NFL Draft Grade: Day 2
Trigg carries a Day 2 grade due to his athletic upside, positional versatility, and pass-game impact. For Washington, he would project as an immediate contributor in sub-packages with the potential to grow into a featured offensive weapon.
While he may never be a dominant blocker, Trigg’s ability to create mismatches and explosive plays gives him real value in a modern NFL offense. For the Commanders, he would represent an investment in offensive versatility and long-term passing-game upside superior to that of Sinnott and Bates.