Commanders news: Jayden Daniels, Mike Sainristil, Ben Sinnott and draft grade
By Dean Jones
Commanders TE Ben Sinnott's potential
The Washington Commanders needed to find a young tight end capable of providing an assured long-term presence that was sorely lacking under previous regimes. Logan Thomas became an expected salary-cap casualty and was replaced by Zach Ertz, who has a previous connection to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury but is firmly in the twilight of his productive career.
Adam Peters potentially solved this complex riddle relatively early in the process. After working out a trade down with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Commanders took Ben Sinnott at No. 53 overall. The former Kansas State star has the scope to potentially be a complete package at the position thanks to a solid blend of blocking capabilities, smooth route-running, and assured hands. He's also just scratching the surface of what he's truly capable of.
This is a sentiment echoed by Peters. The general manager highlighted the potential attached to Sinnott with a little extra refinement. He also believes his competitive spirit and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team can be molded into something special in the coming years.
"He's got great hands, can get open. He can beat man coverage, and he's got that mindset when he gets the ball in his hands, he is not going down. The way he blocks and in the way he moves, and just the way he competes. Certainly not putting him in that, those guys are All Pros, Pro Bowlers, everything you'd want, but Ben has that same mindset and he plays with that mindset. He can block really anywhere."
If Sinnott can unseat Ertz at the TE1 spot as a rookie, it's the best-case scenario. He'll be able to help right out of the gate, but to what extent will be dependent upon his early growth and whether the recently acquired veteran has anything left in the tank.