Best and worst case scenarios for the Commanders 2024 draft picks
By Jonathan Eig
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
Best-case scenario
Newly acquired tight end Ben Sinnott becomes Kyle Juszczyk, only easier to spell.
Worst-case scenario
Sinnott becomes a composite of all the tight ends that the Washington Commanders have drafted since Jordan Reed over a decade ago. Four players who combined for 24 catches and two touchdowns in their rookie seasons. Bonus points if you can name all four of those tight ends.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Best-case scenario
Mike Sainristil becomes the starting slot cornerback for the Commanders in Week 1. He logs more than 50 tackles, more than 10 passes defended, and three each of interceptions and sacks. The former Michigan star is selected to the NFL All-Rookie team as a result of his efforts.
Worst-case scenario
Sainristil struggles with the speed and quickness of NFL slot receivers and has to play behind Quan Martin for much of the season. However, like most analysts, I am less concerned about his aspirations than any other rookie on the squad. Even his worst case will be pretty good.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
Best-case scenario
Johnny Newton plays at least 600 defensive snaps, and not because starting defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne get hurt. It’s because he’s so good that Joe Whitt Jr. has to find a bigger role for him.
The one statistic I want to see is double-digit tackles-for-loss. That's a lofty goal, but Newton is talented enough to make it happen if he can establish himself quickly.
Worst-case scenario
The last second-round defensive tackle selected by the Commanders was Phidarian Mathis. Two injury-plagued seasons into his career, he has yet to accumulate 10 tackles.
It seems highly unlikely that Newton would have such poor numbers, but it is possible he will not distinguish himself from fellow backups Mathis and John Ridgeway. He will essentially form a platoon with them, logging around 300 snaps.