Blocking has been a crucial part of Bates' skill set since his days at Boise State. [\*\*Pro Football Focus\*\*](https://twitter.com/PFF_Washington/status/1388590086531522563?s=20) ranked him as the second-best run- and pass-blocker in his class, giving him grades of 81.8 and 76.7 in each category, respectively. It played a role in the Commanders drafting him with the 124th overall pick in 2021, with then-general manager Martin Mayhew saying "he shows some of the traits we look for: great initial quickness, power coming off the ball, uses his hands really well."
And while Bates has always wanted to be an all-around tight end, he takes pride in what he can do as a blocker.
"I actually love run blocking," [\*\*Bates said during a presser at Boise State.\*\*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AakOvzEU4mY) "When I first got here, it wasn't initially my first thought, but I had to eventually step into that role and fill it."
That's mostly what Bates has done in his NFL career, and the stats show he's been just as dominant in the NFL as he was in college. He received the best run-blocking grade for his position from PFF in 2021 and tied for the 11th-best pass-blocking grade in 2023. Last year, Bates allowed just four hurries with zero quarterback hits or sacks.
Bates said on a recent episode of "Next Man Up" that he's loved the physicality of the sport since he was a kid. Blocking is arguably the purest form of that.
"I just love moving people around and just putting my hands on people and moving dudes from 'Point A' to 'Point B,'" Bates said. "That, and I think it's just the mentality behind it. It's not meant for everyone, and I think you just gotta take that mental approach every single day that what you're gonna do is special. And it's dirty, but I love it."