The Washington Commanders selected Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott with the No. 53 pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Sinnott was Washington’s third selection of the round, as it traded back from No. 40 and acquired an additional pick in the second. The Commanders sent Nos. 40, 78 (third round) and 152 (fifth) to the Philadelphia Eagles for Nos. 50, 53 and 161 (fifth).
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Sinnott, a two-year starter for Kansas State, brings receiving prowess and height to an offense needing both elements. His athleticism was on display at the NFL combine as he led all tight ends in the three-cone, vertical and broad jump.
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‘The Beast’ breakdown
Sinnott ranked No. 111 in Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Comfortable working the middle of the field and finishes grabs with bodies around him. (He) put more big-play potential on tape than expected (four catches of 40-plus yards in 2023). Won’t shake defenders out of their cleats but is a competitive finisher with contact balance (one of only four FBS tight ends with 14-plus forced missed tackles in 2023).”
“Sinnott offers some blocking value, but his controlled athleticism and reliable pass-catching traits project him best as a versatile H-back who can be flexed across the formation. All 32 NFL teams will appreciate his football IQ and pro-ready toughness, although he won’t be an ideal fit for every scheme.”
Scott Dochterman grades the pick
This has nothing to do with Sinnott, who is a salt-of-the-earth success story, going from walk-on to All-Big 12. A great blocking tight end. But the Commanders had three second-rounders, a huge need at offensive tackle and ignored it all three times. There are second-round-quality tackles there. Washington … what are you doing? Grade: D-minus
How he fits
Washington’s tight end room has lacked offensive firepower since Logan Thomas’ breakout 2020 season. Injuries contribute to the collective struggles. Now comes a 6-foot-3, 250-pounder who played in his final 27 games with the Wildcats. Sinnott had 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 49 receptions last season.
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Rookie impact
There’s a playing time opportunity even with free-agent signing Zach Ertz, John Bates, Cole Turner and Armani Rogers on the roster. Sinnott’s unique versatility means he could carve out a role in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s attack.
Depth-chart impact
Ertz is the likely primary pass catcher with Bates a steady blocker. Turner has only 13 receptions in two low-impact seasons. Rogers suffered a season-ending Achilles tear last offseason after a promising rookie year. He transitioned to the position after playing quarterback in college. Sinnott could leapfrog Turner and Rogers with a strong summer.
They also could have picked …
Offensive tackles Patrick Paul and Roger Rosengarten were available for a team lacking depth along the offensive line. Marshawn Kneeland and Chris Braswell would have provided more pop for the revamped defensive end room.
Fast evaluation
This is an interesting positional choice in terms of how Washington uses Sinnott and that he’s the only pass catcher selected with the Commanders’ first five picks. Factor in a new offensive coordinator, and this tight end/H-back is something of a mystery man with a range of outcomes.
(Photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
