Adam Peters rightfully kept faith with the team's tight end options this offseason. The Washington Commanders got some outstanding production from the quartet that made it through onto the roster. Running it back maintains continuity in pursuit of similar or better fortunes next season.
Judging by the growing hype around one depth chart basement dweller, it's got the scope to shake things up considerably.
Washington's tight end room went from an ongoing frustration to a highly consistent unit in 2024. Zach Ertz galvanized his career to become one of the league's most efficient pass-catchers at the position. John Bates' exceptional blocking exploits got a deserved long-term commitment from the franchise. Second-round pick Ben Sinnott was used sparingly, but hopes are high he can increase his influence in Year 2.
Colson Yankoff made early waves at Commanders OTAs, but the hard work is just getting started
Not much has been said of Colson Yankoff. The undrafted free agent came from nowhere to secure his place on the 53-man roster last season. He wasn't active much on game days, but the benefits of being around the squad throughout a memorable campaign cannot be overstated.
Others are getting more hype, but it was notable that the Commanders put Yankoff in the spotlight with a nice catch-and-run play during organized team activities. It's early days, but the smooth catch and instant elusiveness, together with an eye-catching burst in space, are worth jotting down to keep an eye on as the summer progresses.
Making the team again will be an achievement for Yankoff. Much will depend on how many tight ends the Commanders decide to take through this year, but he remains the No. 4 option until further notice. At the same time, a few more highlight plays like this might see his stock rise quicker than most envisaged before Washington's Week 1 opener against the New York Giants.
Nobody gave Yankoff a shot last summer. He was a surprise nobody saw coming. That could be the case again this time around — albeit with some scheme familiarity attached.
It's easy to get carried away at this early stage. Media access was restricted to one day a week at OTAs. That will increase over mandatory minicamp and training camp, but that doesn't stop fans from latching onto anything positive and noteworthy.
Yankoff's highlight reel is another fine example. However, what comes next is far more important for the UCLA graduate.
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