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The Washington Football Team drafted Boise State TE John Bates in the 4th round today. He got the chance to talk to local reporters after getting the call. Bates said he had two meetings with the team before the draft, and had a 1 on 1 conversation with Head Coach Ron Rivera that was really good. He had a feeling he would get drafted here, and is grateful for the opportunity.
Bates says he is a versatile TE who can play all over the field, and who loves playing special teams. He takes pride in his work in the run game, and also stretch the field vertically. He didn’t get as many opportunities as he would have liked to display his pass-catching ability at Boise State, but is excited to show what he can bring to the game at the next level.
Pre-draft process:
New @WashingtonNFL TE John Bates is speaking to the local media now. He said he had a few conversations during the pre-draft process and had a really good conversation with Ron Rivera 1-on-1 a few weeks back. He's "super grateful" to be in Washington.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 1, 2021
New Washington TE John Bates chatting with reporters. Said he spoke with WFT twice during the process -- including a 1-on-1 with Ron Rivera. This is a trend this cycle.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 1, 2021
John Bates — like Sam Cosmi and Jamin Davis — had a 1-on-1 with Ron Rivera before the WFT drafted him:
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) May 1, 2021
Rivera yesterday, on the 1-on-1s: "I think that really helped me and it was the first time I really had done it that way and honestly it might be something that I continue.”
Well-rounded TE:
Self-scouting report for @WashingtonNFL 4th-round TE John Bates:
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) May 1, 2021
"I see myself as a really well-round tight end. I pride myself in the run game.
Bates said he sees himself as a well-rounded tight end. He can block, but stretch the field vertically.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 1, 2021
Had a nice chat with TE John Bates - he didn’t get to be in the passing game as much as he’d like, but has good hands. He takes pride in his blocking, part of the game he enjoys. #washingtonfootball
— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) May 1, 2021
Getting drafted:
Bates said he had a feeling he might be drafted drafted today after a few conversations with his agent. He didn't know which team specifically, but he had a general idea about the area.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 1, 2021
Versatility:
Bates said Boise State used from one to four tight ends and he lined up in several spots, from being a y-back to being split out. He thinks that versatility will come in handy.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 1, 2021
Special teams:
Many people likes Bates' potential on special teams. He plans to embrace that role and believes that is another ability he can bring to the table.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 1, 2021
Track&Field:
Bates has a deep track and field background in high school. He was able to use different muscles, which he thinks has helped him become a better athlete.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) May 1, 2021