It was a frantic start to the second round for the Washington Commanders. Adam Peters traded with a division rival and took two talented defensive playmakers to fortify Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.’s unit. And there was still one more pick to make before attention turned to the third round.
Despite a plethora of acquisitions throughout the offseason, there were more holes to fill. Peters has a plan in place and seems to be playing the board well, so hopes remain high that the Commanders have the right man in charge.
With the No. 53 overall selection acquired during their trade with the Eagles, the Commanders got themselves another potentially immediate contributor in tight end Ben Sinnott, who gained significant traction during the evaluation process and looks to be another masterstroke by Peters looking at the skillset he brings to the table.
Sinnott looks like the sort of prospect that could become the complete package with a little extra refinement. The Kansas State prospect is a smooth route-runner with assured hands and the contact balance needed to become a force after the catch. This is matched by demonstrating the willing blocking traits either in line or at the second level that will go down extremely well among the fanbase.
His college production displayed growth last season. But it was Sinnott’s exceptional display of athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine that got people looking at the prospect differently. Something that didn’t go unnoticed by Peters as part of his comprehensive evaluations.
The Commanders signed veteran Zach Ertz in free agency to replace Logan Thomas. Sinnott is a tremendous rotational piece that could emerge into a starter quickly. Learning from such a proven performer is going to do wonders for his early development.
This doesn’t exactly bode well for the likes of Armani Rogers and Cole Turner. But Peters is leaving no stone unturned and knows the value of a genuine tight-end option capable of impacting the game in all phases from his time working with George Kittle on the San Francisco 49ers.
If that means hurting some feelings, so be it.
Sinnott also represents tremendous value here. He’s drawn comparisons to Sam LaPorta during pre-draft assessments. While expecting him to have a similar impact as a rookie would be foolish, there’s nothing to suggest he cannot emerge into an integral part of the team’s offensive game plan if the right improvements are made this offseason.
To say it was a dramatic second round for the Commanders would be an understatement. But make no mistake, the roster looks in better shape right now than it did before Day 2 began.
This pick should also delight quarterback Jayden Daniels, who’ll get the chance to develop chemistry with his new tight end en route to a potentially profitable relationship for the next decade if everything goes well.
