The rookie tight end has high expectations on his young shouolders.
There aren't many position groups on the Washington Commanders that didn't receive a significant makeover during Adam Peters' first offseason as general manager. This was nowhere more evident than within the tight-end unit.
After another underwhelming campaign from the group in 2023, changes were expected. The Commanders made Logan Thomas a salary-cap casualty with savings of more than $6 million attached. Peters counteracted this by bringing in two new faces who could completely transform this offense's ethos under coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Zach Ertz has a previous connection to Kingsbury and should help in the short term. Washington also spent the No. 53 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft on Ben Sinnott - someone who could become a dynamic long-term presence with a smooth transition.
Commanders should maximize Ben Sinnott and Zach Ertz under Kliff Kingsbury's guidance
Sinnott's got every possible quality one looks for in a productive tight end at the next level. The former Kansas State star can do it all. He's also developed an early rapport with first-year quarterback Jayden Daniels over early workouts that should help enormously.
John Keim of ESPN thinks the presence of Ertz and Sinnott makes the tight end group more pivotal than ever looking at Kingsbury's previous play-calling history. The respected beat writer also highlighted Peters' lofty comparisons as further reasons for enthusiasm.
"During offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's four seasons coaching Arizona, the Cardinals ranked ninth in number of pass plays featuring two tight ends and were seventh in his final two years. That's why the Commanders signed veteran Zach Ertz and it's why they drafted [Ben] Sinnott. Washington still has veteran John Bates, considered a solid blocker, and Cole Turner, who has only 13 combined catches in two years. Sinnott's presence will be needed to diversify the pass game. Sinnott can line up as a fullback, on the line as a tight end or in the slot. Peters said Sinnott reminded him of two players from his time as an assistant general manager in San Francisco: Kyle Juszczyk and George Kittle."
- John Keim, ESPN
Nobody should be expecting miracles right away. He needs to develop a more accomplished route tree. He needs to refine his blocking technique. There's a lot to like about the player's athleticism, although Sinnott wouldn't be classed as having elite-level explosiveness by any stretch of the imagination.
Josh Harris was seen in the war room asking if Sinnott would get instant playing time before the Commanders made their pick. The answer was an emphatic yes from others in positions of power. Looking at his skill set, it's not hard to see why.
Sinnott thrives over short-to-intermediate routes. He's a threat to gain significant yards after the catch and boasts outstanding body control in red-zone situations. The best part? His physical profile suggests rapid improvements can arrive under more accomplished coaches.
Having a dependable one-two punch at the tight-end spot changes everything. It gives Daniels a security blanket in key situations. It makes everyone's job easier. It might also provide some extra space for the wide receivers to do damage along the way.
Kingsbury will have a plan in place for Sinnott's rookie campaign. We've seen first-year tight ends thrive in recent seasons. The Commanders will be hoping their new arrival follows suit when competitive action begins.
