Commanders 2023 player grades through Week 2: Offense
By Jonathan Eig
John Bates - Commanders TE
- Player Grade: B-
John Bates is a steady blocker and he has shown the ability to get downfield a little bit too. He is generally sure-handed but did have a costly drop that knocked his grade down a little bit.
That said, there's been far more good than bad where Bates is concerned. Long may it continue.
Cole Turner - Commanders TE
- Player Grade: B+
I think Cole Turner is the real deal. He runs good routes and has good hands.
The tight end room, which looked like a deficiency before the season, is now looking like one of the team’s strengths. Something that seems to vindicate the Washington Commanders' decision to stand pat with their current options this offseason.
Nick Gates - Commanders C
- Player Grade: C-
Nick Gates has been perfectly adequate. All he really needs to do is stay healthy – something the Commanders have not had from a center for the past two seasons.
Gates is not overpowering, but he moves pretty well. That’s pretty much all he will be asked to do until such time as Ricky Stromberg is ready to take over in the middle. Which – by the way – I no longer think will happen this season.
I am not grading Stromberg because he has not played enough. But I do think he will need at least a year as an apprentice.
Saahdiq Charles - Commanders OL
- Player Grade: B+
Saahdiq Charles has been the Commanders' best offensive lineman through two games, and that is no small feat. The left guard's fate was undecided when training camp began, so to see the former LSU star finally look comfortable out there is a very good sign moving forward.