There’s an NFL adage that a tight end is a young quarterback’s best friend. They can serve not only as a protector in blocking but run shorter routes and settle in soft spots in zones to create an easy receiving target.
The Washington Commanders are starting a new era with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and made a pair of tight end moves to give him a position upgrade, signing free agent Zach Ertz and drafting Ben Sinnott in the second round.
Zach Ertz
Credit: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Ertz is a 12-year veteran who adds experience both for the Commanders and time he spent in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. However, he is a far cry from the fantasy producer he was in Philadelphia. Ertz has missed time in seven of the last nine seasons and, in the last two seasons, sat as many games as he played (17). However, in that window, he caught 74 passes for 593 yards and five touchdowns – decent TE2 numbers. If he plays a full season, Ertz could have fantasy value, but his age and recent injury history will likely drive his value down.
Ben Sinnott
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sinnott was a First-Team All-Big 12 selection twice, catching 80 passes for 1,123 yards and 10 touchdowns in 26 games over his final two seasons. A fluid athlete with pro-ready skills and a high football IQ, he has the potential of being an H-back who can be moved across the formation in different roles. [lawrence-related id=491362] However, rookie tight ends rarely have an immediate breakout, so there are reasons to temper enthusiasm that Sinnott will make a fantasy impact early on. He's best suited for dynasty leagues where players are carried over.
John Bates
Credit: Lucas Boland-USA TODAY Sports
In three seasons (50 games), Bates’ role with the Commanders has been primarily as a blocker who has averaged just one reception per game, generating a total of 53 catches for 508 yards and two touchdowns. The best thing Bates has going for him is that the Commanders offense is going to employ more two-tight end sets than most offenses, which will have Bates on the field for plenty of snaps, but it likely won't translate to a spike in receptions.
Fantasy football outlook
Washington has an offense in transition, and there are a few red flags impacting the value of its tight ends. The Commanders will employ the position more under Kingsbury but likely as a committee approach without an individual player getting the lion’s share of snaps or targets. Ertz has name recognition that increases his value for some, but his injury history is troubling. Sinnott has a high ceiling, but rookie tight ends typically need time to be consistently effective and take on a significant role in offenses. Bates is in a contract year but hasn’t showed enough to warrant being on fantasy rosters. Sinnott and Ertz are both checking in at TE23 or later in ADP, which means neither of them typically are drafted in standard 12-team leagues. That said, Sinnott should be ranked higher than Ertz because of his athleticism and well-rounded skill set. He has the potential to slide into a TE2 spot but more likely will be a priority waiver pickup, while Ertz is nearing the end of the line of his career.
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