Shortly after signing the quarterback they drafted No. 2 overall, the Commanders wrapped up the contract work for the rest of their rookie draft class Friday, as well. Per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, Washington signed second-round tight end Ben Sinnott and third-round offensive tackle Brandon Coleman to their rookie contracts Friday, completing their rookie signings for this year.
Despite being projected for the fourth-round (Dane Brugler of The Athletic had him ranked as the sixth-best tight end prospect in 2024), Sinnott was the second tight end taken off the board as a second-round pick. This was just the latest example of Sinnott outperforming expectations. Coming out of high school, Sinnott had only one FCS offer but opted to walk on at Kansas State.
Sinnott’s value comes in his versatility. Made in the mold of the sparingly used H-back role, Sinnott played all over the field for the Wildcats, winning the NCAA’s Lowman Trophy (awarded to the top fullback in the nation) while leading his team in receiving yards. With veteran Zach Ertz reuniting with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after both spent time in Arizona, Sinnott has a chance to learn from one of the better tight ends of the previous generation and provide a separate look as TE2 on the roster.
Coleman was a three-year starter at TCU splitting time between the guard and tackle spots on the left side of the line. His first year as a starter saw him start eight games at guard, he started all 15 games of the 2022 season at left tackle, and he played four games at guard and seven games at tackle in his final collegiate season. His efforts last year earned his second-team All-Big 12 honors.
Coleman may have a lot asked of him in his rookie year. The Commanders allowed Sam Howell to be the most-sacked quarterback in the league last year, yet they only used one draft pick on the offensive line and waited until the third round to do it. They did bring in two free agents to likely start at center and right guard, but the left tackle starting job remains open for competition after the team released Charles Leno. The new coaching staff has refused to place that pressure directly on Coleman’s shoulders this early, but the former Horned Frog will certainly be in the competition for the job with Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott.
Here’s a breakdown of Commanders 2024 rookie draft class, now including their latest signees:
- Round 1, No. 2: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 36: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 50 (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 53 (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE, Kansas State) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 67: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 100 (from 49ers): Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 139: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 161 (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 222: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame) (signed)
