5 overlooked storylines to watch at Commanders 2024 training camp
By Jonathan Eig
How will Commanders' tight ends be deployed?
In his prime. Zach Ertz was an elite flex tight end. He could line up outside and run a variety of patterns. His size and speed posed matchup nightmares. This resulted in a Super Bowl ring and two Pro Bowl appearances during a tremendous spell at the peak of his powers.
Ertz no longer shows that kind of athleticism. But he has been used as a traditional flex tight end throughout his career, including during his recent stint with Kliff Kingsbury and the Arizona Cardinals. Now, the pair reunite with the Washington Commanders to see if the previously established connection can flourish in a different environment.
However, when Washington selected tight end Ben Sinnott in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, new general manager Adam Peters noted the rookie's similarities to George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk. The front-office leader knows the two aforementioned veterans well from his time with the San Francisco 49ers. They also play more of a hybrid role.
How often does Kingsbury intend to line up a tight end in the backfield, or a traditional slot position? How experimental will he be during his critical second chance at re-establishing his reputation in league circles?
When the team signed UCLA’s Colson Yankoff to add to their tight end room, the speculation was that they were looking for more players who could fill that hybrid role. Young veterans Cole Turner and Armani Rogers have primarily been lining up as flexes during their time with the Commanders, but they may also get looks in the backfield.
How will a traditional in-line tight end like John Bates figure into the mix? Kingsbury did not regularly employ two-tight end sets during his time in Arizona. It will be interesting to watch where Sinnott and his potential backups are lining up throughout training camp.
The Commanders need more from their tight ends next season. Especially given the presence of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the need to make things easy during his first-year transition.