Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 53
The Washington Commanders released veteran tight end Logan Thomas pretty early into the offseason. Despite signing Pro Bowler Zach Ertz to a one-year deal, most fans expected them to acquire someone with a higher long-term upside at some stage during the 2024 NFL Draft.
That came at No. 53 overall with Ben Sinnott. The promising prospect was a little rough around the edges, but his athletic potential was there for all to see. He also had the elite-level mentality that the Commanders were looking to implement across the roster.
Washington took its time with Sinnott. The fact Ertz galvanized his career took the pressure off and allowed the player to develop at his own pace. Despite being used sparingly in the passing game, the rookie demonstrated capabilities as a blocker and even lent his support to special teams for good measure.
Fans were probably expecting a little more from Sinnott. But the Commanders weren't going to put too much on his plate and Ertz's career renaissance was a driving force behind Washington's ultra-efficient offense with coordinator Kliff Kingsbury leading the charge.
Grade: B
The Commanders will likely use Sinnott more next season whether Ertz is retained or not. That should provide a broader perception of what he could potentially bring to the franchise long-term.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 50
Mike Sainristil might be relatively small in stature compared to most NFL players. However, the cornerback proved this season that he's got a profitable career ahead of him.
Sainristil was another who received the Commanders' seal of approval during the pre-draft process. They were enamored by his competitiveness, leadership, and ability to contribute in all phases. Their jubilation when the Cincinnati Bengals picked his Michigan teammate Kris Jenkins Jr. instead was a testament to how highly they regarded the defensive back.
The Commanders were planning to start Sainristil at the nickel. Poor performances from those on the boundary forced the coaching staff into a change of pace. The rookie was switched to the outside in a feast-or-famine gamble that could have gone either way.
Fortunately for the Commanders, Sainristil took on the challenge and thrived. He relished the prospect of going up against the league's best wideouts and more than held his own. The first-year-pro quickly established himself as a core foundational piece for the future.
Grade: A+
Once Marshon Lattimore gets fully healthy with an offseason to immerse himself into Washington's defensive schematics, the Commanders could have a potentially prolific cornerback partnership on their hands. Simply put, Adam Peters struck gold with Sainristil.