John Bates vs Tanner Koziol
Two tight ends fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Clear edge · 74% confident
John Bates- Experts agree: consensus rank 454 vs 503
- More opportunity: 43% snap share, 1 red-zone touches
- More durable: 6 games vs 4 last season
John Bates and Tanner Koziol are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. John Bates holds the edge in expert consensus (TE66 to TE73). The 2026 projections are nearly even: Tanner Koziol at 33 PPR points (1.9 per game) versus John Bates at 32.
Last season John Bates carried the heavier workload (43% snap share, 6 touches to Tanner Koziol's 0), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Tanner Koziol is the younger option (age 22), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, John Bates is the solid pick on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Tanner Koziol carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Bates | Koziol |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 32 | 33 |
| Points / game | 1.3 | - |
| Games played | 6 | 4 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #454 | #503 |
| Scoring rank (season) | TE53 | - |
| Snap share | 43% | 11% |
| Red-zone touches | 1 | 0 |
| Age | 28 | 22 |
| Bye week | 7 | 7 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2026 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: John Bates or Tanner Koziol.
Frequently asked
Should I draft John Bates or Tanner Koziol in 2026?
John Bates is a solid pick over Tanner Koziol for 2026, on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. Tanner Koziol carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, John Bates or Tanner Koziol?
Tanner Koziol carries the higher 2026 projection at 33 PPR points (1.9 per game), compared with 32 for John Bates.
Who is ranked higher, John Bates or Tanner Koziol?
Expert consensus ranks John Bates (TE66) ahead of Tanner Koziol (TE73) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.