Unheralded Commanders' workhorse is quietly becoming a breakout star

You won't see John Bates as a focal point of the Washington Commanders' passing attack anytime soon. He's not going to be among the leaders in receiving yards among tight ends around the league. However, the unheralded workhorse is quietly turning into a potential breakout star.

The Commanders recognized Bates' overlooked contribution to the team's meteoric rise to the NFC Championship game in 2024. He was out of contract with his future hanging in the balance, but those in power gave him a supreme vote of confidence with a three-year, $21 million contract that included a $7 million signing bonus and $11.52 million guaranteed.

While some fans raised their eyebrows at the sum given to Bates, it's not overly complicated to figure out the reasoning. The former Boise State standout might be a fringe pass-catcher, but he is rapidly emerging into one of the league's most prolific blockers at the tight end position.

John Bates is an integral part of the Commanders' offensive strategy

One only has to look at how Bates' teammates speak about him as proof of his value. He's not afraid to mix it in the trenches, chipping oncoming edge rushers effectively. He's also elite at the second level, providing bruising assistance to runners when they get past the line of scrimmage.

Bates might catch a pass; he might not. However, what cannot be overstated is how integral having someone like this to depend upon is for the Commanders' offense to thrive.

What more proof? Look no further than Bates' efforts against a vaunted New York Giants defensive front in Week 1.

He provided able assistance to rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. on his NFL debut. The aggression and explosiveness at the contact point were extraordinary. The 2021 fourth-round pick also set clean edges when called upon on running plays, which was largely responsible for rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt's huge gain on the ground when the Commanders were backed up near their own goal line.

Ron Rivera's success stories from the draft are few and far between. His decision to take Bates is among them, and even if the player remains unnoticed league-wide, everyone associated with the Commanders knows how integral he is to the team's chances of mounting another deep postseason run in 2025.

Bates' role in helping Conerly should be at the forefront once again in Week 2 against Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. He should be brimming with confidence, so expect another strong showing from someone who's quietly becoming a franchise cornerstone.