Commanders fans should want this Day 2 TE target after 2024 NFL Combine

Washington Commanders fans should want this Day 2 tight-end prospect after his standout showing at the NFL Scouting Combine.

After the Washington Commanders confirmed Logan Thomas' expected release - a move that saves them more than $6 million on their 2024 salary cap - finding a tight end becomes a huge need this offseason. While Cole Turner and Armani Rogers remain unknown quantities to a certain extent, those in power need to acquire a genuine difference-maker to assist their new rookie quarterback if that's the choice at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft as anticipated.

The Commanders are blessed with $96 million in available salary-cap space as it stands. This could lead them to a proven veteran performer in free agency depending on what fits Kliff Kingsbury's schematic concepts. After his standout effort at the NFL Scouting Combine, Ben Sinnott should be another option for general manager Adam Peters and his staff to ponder.

Commanders should have Ben Sinnott on their draft shortlist

Sinnott did his chances of being a Day 2 selection an untold amount of good in Indianapolis. The Kansas State prospect only has two years of college starting experience, but his upward trajectory is notable. He's also gaining significant momentum at the right time.

The intriguing prospect seized the moment in front of NFL scouts and other front-office personnel. Sinnott showcased his athletic attributes and assured hands during on-field drills. Something that could ensure there will be plenty of interest coming his way as the pre-draft assessment process continues.

His overall production score of 81.0 ranked No. 3 among participating tight ends. Looking closer at the numbers, it's not hard to see why:

• 40-yard dash: 4.68 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.59 seconds
• Vertical jump: 40 inches
• Broad jump: 10 feet, 6 inches
• 3-cone drill: 6.82 seconds
• 20-yard shuttle: 4.23 seconds

More importantly, this athleticism jumps off Sinnott's game tape. His explosiveness and ability to get out of his routes quickly to create separation look like easily transferable skills to the pro ranks. This is matched by an eye-catching willingness to assist from a blocking capacity, especially when he gets to the second level.

One overlooked part of Sinnott's game is his knack for tracking the football downfield. He's got the speed to get into the second and third levels quickly. He's also coordinated enough to maneuver accordingly to reach any pass at its highest point. Once the ball is secured, his aggressiveness and elusiveness make him a supreme threat to gain yards after the catch.

Sinnott doesn't possess the sort of pace that can take the top off a defense, but very few NFL-caliber tight ends are tasked with this responsibility. There's also a small concern about drops in key moments that must be addressed. But this is another fixable area of his production if the Commanders went down this avenue.

There are numerous ways the Commanders could go in their quest to find an upgrade on Thomas. If Brock Bowers and - to a lesser extent - Ja'Tavion Sanders are considered the cream of this particular crop, Sinnott isn't a bad consolation prize by any stretch of the imagination. This also looks like a good scheme fit based on what Kingsbury's run previously.

If Sinnott is still available at the start of Round No. 3, the Commanders would be wise to seriously consider the possibility. If the tight end and Washington's new quarterback hit it off, this is a potentially profitable tandem for the next decade to spearhead their exciting new era.