

When looking at this position group objectively, as it stands today, does this position group sound more like a top 12 or bottom 12 unit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, whether they are an overrated or underrated group, and why.Ĭheck out the latest Trap or Dive Podcast, where AJ, Dre, and myself break down the Commanders tight end position group. Again, he will be competing this year to make the final 53 and earn backup reps behind Bates, Thomas, and Turner. An early September thigh injury and Rodgers’ training camp and preseason performance ultimately cost Hodges his chance to see the field as a rookie. However, in practices and preseason, Armani Rodgers surged during the same time. Hodges had a lot of off-season buzz as an undrafted rookie last year. Bieniemy can feature Turner in several alignments because of his strengths.Ĭurtis Hodges is the biggest question mark of the position group. Nevertheless, Turner, just like Thomas, is a big-body tight end who is willing to put his body on the line in contested situations. He also could win against press coverage and off-zone or man. Turner is capable of winning against man and zone coverage. Turner is Washington’s more experienced route runner from a nuanced and athletic standpoint. However, Turner did show moments on film that emphasized his strengths as a tight end. With just ten games played and no training camp or preseason games to help Turner get acclimated, his development took a hit as a rookie. Shortly after, Turner suffered a concussion against the Green Bay Packers that kept him off the field until November 20th.
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Starting in training camp, he suffered a grade one hamstring injury in early August that sidelined him until October 9th.

However, like Thomas, Turner battled the injury bug in 2022. He can also separate against zone coverage, which is an essential trait for offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for his tight ends.Īccording to multiple beat reporters and coaches, Cole Turner has had two outstanding off-seasons. Thomas’s biggest strength to this team is, first, his overall hands and, secondly, his contested catch ability. The month of December was much better for Thomas, though, as his straight-line speed became more noticeable on film, and he moved much more comfortably in open space. In early October, he suffered a calf strain injury ahead of week five, keeping him inactive until week eight against the Indianapolis Colts. In 2022, it took Thomas some time to get reacclimated to the game from an athletic standpoint. Logan Thomas, who is now 18 months removed from his grade three ACL tear, is the aging veteran among the group. Bates’s route running and what he can do beyond the first level are limited, but Bates has trustworthy hands in the passing game and has proven to be a nice safety blanket for his quarterbacks. Bates is Washington’s best blocking tight end. John Bates is Washington’s blue-collar tight end. Looking at Washington’s tight ends, they each bring different strengths. National outlets like CBS Sports, PFF, PFN, and USAToday, the Commanders do not have a top 25 tight end or a top 25 position group in the NFL. However, if you assess things from a national perspective, things are drastically different. I thoughts he was a solid TE- CMDRKev June 28, 2023 He probably will be fully healed for this upcoming season. Logan was coming into his own before the injury which is why he got that contract.
