Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
There was plenty of intrigue attached to Ben Sinnott's arrival during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders took the tight end at No. 53 overall, but they were in no rush to place too much pressure on his shoulders as a rookie.
Sinnott was brought along gradually. Zach Ertz's exceptional efforts made him a focal point of the passing game. The Commanders utilized John Bates as the blocking specialist, leaving the Kansas State graduate as the third option, accumulating just 27 percent of offensive snaps during the regular season.
That was somewhat disappointing for fans, but the Commanders have a plan in place for Sinnott. He flashed potential as a pass-catcher and blocker. There was also a lot to like about his special-teams contribution when reps came his way. This was fleeting, but it was there.
It's a big offseason for Sinnott. The Commanders kept the same dynamic in their tight end room after re-signing Ertz and Bates. That'll help from a continuity standpoint, but the coaching staff will be anticipating the second-round selection to make the necessary steps forward over the summer en route to a bigger role.
Ertz is 35 years old next season and isn't going to play forever. If Sinnott develops accordingly this offseason, don't be surprised if his influence increases exponentially.
Tyler Owens - Commanders S
Tyler Owens became one of the best stories last summer. The undrafted free agent seized the chance to make a strong claim. After impressing considerably over early workouts and training camp, the Commanders rewarded him accordingly with a place on the 53-man roster.
That was the first objective for Owens. The Commanders brought him along slowly, utilizing him as a special teamer with athletic upside throughout his first campaign in the pros. This was the correct strategy as part of a long-time plan to raise his role on the depth chart.
Owens has the size and physical profile that look well-suited to Dan Quinn's defensive schematics. His explosiveness jumped off the tape at times when tasked with special-teams responsibilities. If he can benefit from this experience and progress more this offseason, the Commanders could move him up the safety depth chart.
The Commanders let Jeremy Chinn walk in free agency, replacing him with Will Harris. Quan Martin showed enough promise to start again in 2025, but there's an opening for Owens to become the key backup behind this starting duo, depending on what reinforcements arrive during the 2025 NFL Draft.
If Owens keeps the same mindset and ensures that complacency doesn't become an issue, a big opportunity awaits him next time around.