Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
The Washington Commanders' tight end dynamic took a shift this offseason. Veteran Zach Ertz wasn't brought back as expected. And even though the door has not been completely shut on his return, it seems highly unlikely.
Chig Okonkwo was the high-profile signing in free agency. He's got the skill set and athleticism to provide something different, and offensive coordinator David Blough envisions a big role for the Maryland product within his scheme.
Washington has John Bates, one of the best in-line blockers in the business. There are also growing signs that Ben Sinnott could thrive under Blough, especially given how Kliff Kingsbury didn't trust him whatsoever to come through with the goods.
Sinnott has some useful athleticism, but chances have been in short supply over his first two years in the league. That could change now, and the 2024 second-round pick out of Kansas State left a positive impression on the first day of Washington's mandatory minicamp.
Those in attendance noted that Sinnott caught the eye with two impressive grabs, one on the sidelines and another deep across the middle. The player was rarely seen in these areas of the field last season, so things may finally be looking up.
Drew Stevens - Commanders PK
Another pivotal battle that fans are watching this summer centers on the kicking position. Veteran Jake Moody got another one-year deal from the Washington Commanders, but he will have to fight with everything he has to retain his starting role in 2026.
Drew Stevens has arrived. And based on his ongoing consistency, the undrafted free agent has a real shot at unseating Moody to make the 53-man roster later this summer.
The Commanders thought very highly of Stevens. They extended an offer to visit their rookie minicamp, but when interest from other NFL teams surfaced, general manager Adam Peters quickly turned it into a formal deal. Given the way he's transitioned so far, this already looks like a shrewd move.
Moody went 4-for-6 on his attempts on the first day of Washington's mandatory minicamp. Stevens fared better, hitting all six of his attempts to further raise excitement about his long-term outlook.
There is a long way to go, and Moody will not be giving up his position easily by any stretch. Even so, there is significant momentum behind Stevens, whose production at Iowa in college gave him the platform to lay down an early marker in Washington.
More twists and turns are coming, but Stevens may have the upper hand right now.
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