Tag: Ben Sinnott

Where do the Commanders rank among NFL teams in under-25 talent?

The Commanders’ ranking is bolstered by its rookie class.

The Washington Commanders had a busy offseason overhauling a roster that went 4-13 last season. The good news is Washington had plenty of cap space and nine picks in the 2024 NFL draft to flip a roster that former head coach Ron Rivera believed was really good.

The most significant new addition is quarterback Jayden Daniels. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner was selected No. 2 overall and has impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic since arriving in May.

Six of Washington’s nine selections came in the draft’s first three rounds. Five rookies have a clear path to significant playing time in 2024.

Can the rookie class enjoy immediate success like the Houston Texans one year ago? The biggest similarity between Houston and Washington is under center. C.J. Stroud was the No. 2 overall pick in 2023 and became one of the NFL’s top young passers as a rookie.

ESPN recently ranked every NFL team in terms of under-25 talent. Washington ranked 18th, and the Commanders ranked 15th last season.

Blue-chip players: QB Jayden Daniels

Notable graduated players: RB Brian Robinson Jr., G Samuel Cosmi, LB Jamin Davis

Washington is boosted significantly by this year’s draft, and that starts with the No. 2 overall pick and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Daniels (23) at quarterback. The Commanders also had three second-round picks this year. Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and tight end Ben Sinnott are both 22, while nickelback Mike Sainristil is 23.

As for players who were in Washington last year, wide receiver Jahan Dotson is 24, although his reputation is better than his performance in the ESPN receiver tracking metrics, where he finished near the bottom of the league. Another young player who struggled in advanced metrics is cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Last year’s first-round pick was one of the worst cornerbacks in the league, with only 38 tackles and one interception. However, he’s just 23, and many top corners take two or three years to develop.

That’s certainly an encouraging perspective on Forbes.

If the Commanders’ rookie class and some of their second-year players like Forbes and Quan Martin can emerge as starters, Washington will be much higher on this list one year from now.

Were you wondering where the NFC East teams ranked in terms of under-25 talent? We’ve got you covered:

  • New York Giants: 13th
  • Dallas Cowboys: 21st
  • Philadelphia Eagles: 29th

Commanders Ben Sinnott ‘super excited’ to play for Kingsbury, Quinn

Ben Sinnott is excited about the opportunity to play in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

Commanders rookie Ben Sinnott says he was just showing up and had no idea what number they were going to give him.

I wanted the player to make the number, so it didn’t matter what they were going to give me, “said Sinnott to Bryan Colbert Jr.

The former Kansas State tight end, drafted 53 overall by Washington, was a guest with Colbert Jr. on another episode of “Raising Hail with the Rookies.”

Here are Ben Sinnott’s Kansas State highlights:

The Commanders issued No. 82 to Sinnott. Many will recall TE Logan Thomas wore No. 82 for his four seasons in Washington (2020-23). Logan Paulsen, another Washington tight end, also wore 82 (2010-14).

GM Adam Peters called Sinnott to inform him the Commanders were selecting him and immediately compared him to 49ers TE George Kittle. Sinnott, born and raised in Iowa, says he has watched and admired Kittle for years, who played at Iowa.

Sinnott actually started ice skating and playing hockey as young as three. Sinnott said the hockey “definitely brought that toughness, attitude, physicality.”

The rookie said in the early workouts he has noticed the coaches and players already “revolving around Dan Quinn. He’s such a natural leader, bringing the guys together and bringing the energy. He challenges us to compete in everything.”

How about his new OC, Kliff Kingsbury? “I’m pumped; I mean, look at all the guys he has developed, getting tight end touches. I’m super-excited to fine-tune my craft and see what he has planned for me.”

Zach Ertz already making an impact for the Commanders

Ertz has already emerged as one of Washington’s leaders.

When the Washington Commanders signed Zach Ertz in March, no one believed he’d be the starting tight end in 2024. Ertz was 33 and coming off a pair of injury-shortened seasons that left his future in question.

Washington believed Ertz had plenty left in the tank. It helped that his former head coach in Arizona, Kliff Kingsbury, was the Commanders’ new offensive coordinator. After the Philadelphia Eagles traded Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, he enjoyed plenty of success in Kingsbury’s offense.

Washington entered this offseason understanding it needed to rebuild the tight end position. After releasing veteran Logan Thomas, the Commanders signed Ertz to lead a room with younger players like John Bates (4th season), Armani Rogers (3rd season), Cole Turner (3rd season) and rookie second-round pick Ben Sinnott.

This is where Ertz would be counted upon. Yes, Washington believes he can still play, but head coach Dan Quinn has praised Ertz for his leadership throughout this offseason.

In an appearance on “The Sports Junkies” of 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., this week, Turner spoke of Ertz’s influence.

“Zach and (Kingsbury) have been together for years before,” Turner said via Logan Mullen of Audacy.

“That’s the first thing about Zach that he’s seen what Kliff expects from the offense, and he’s not a selfish guy, he wants to help everyone out. It’s been really fun to play with him. Me and Zach have become friends in just a few months of knowing each other; he’s a very personable guy and a guy that goes out of his way and wants to see the team win.”

What Turner would say next is music to Quinn and general manager Adam Peters’s ears as they look to build the team and rebuild the culture.

“It’s been great having him around – not just for the tight ends, but for everyone. He’s one of the leaders on the team, for sure.”

Coaches and players have sung the praises of Ertz and linebacker Bobby Wagner throughout the offseason. While the Commanders are counting on Ertz to start this season, his most significant role could be his impact in the locker room.

Commanders sign rookie offensive tackle Brandon Coleman

All of Washington’s rookie class is now signed and ready for training camp next month.

The Washington Commanders have now locked up their entire 2024 NFL draft class. On Friday, Washington signed the No. 2 overall pick, quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 53 overall pick, tight end Ben Sinnott, and the No. 67 overall pick Brandon Coleman.

With that, all of the Commanders’ rookies are signed and ready for training camp, which begins later next month.

Coleman, the third pick in the third round, was Washington’s last rookie to sign. The Commanders entered the week with five members of their rookie class unsigned. Second-round picks Johnny Newton (36th overall) and cornerback Mike Sainristil (50th overall) signed earlier this week.

Some teams scouted Coleman as a guard, but the Commanders believed he could be a starting offensive tackle. He played both positions in college, and during this week’s minicamp, Coleman and veteran Cornelius Lucas rotated with the first team at left tackle.

Commanders sign 2nd-round tight end Ben Sinnott

The Commanders sign tight end Ben Sinnott to his rookie deal.

The Washington Commanders signed rookie tight end Ben Sinnott to his rookie four-year contract on Friday.

Sinnott, the No. 53 overall pick out of Kansas State, will compete with veteran Zach Ertz to start in 2024. While Ertz is the likely starter, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury plans to run plenty of 12 personnel, giving Sinnott an opportunity to make an impact as a rookie.

The 6-foot-4, 247-pound Sinnott is a native of Waterloo, Iowa, and can play multiple positions. Sinnott can play the traditional tight end spot, line up in the slot, or at fullback. During his final season with the Wildcats, Sinnott caught 49 passes for 676 yards and six touchdowns. Sinnott was the focal point of Kansas State’s offense.

Friday was a special day for Sinnott: It was his 22nd birthday.

In addition to Ertz and Sinnott, the Commanders have John Bates, Cole Turner, Armani Rogers and undrafted rookie Colson Yankoff. Washington will likely keep four tight ends, with Ertz, Sinnott and Bates the only roster locks.

Commanders are better at tight end but don’t forget Armani Rogers

The Commanders have some new faces, but don’t forget about Armani Rogers.

When discussing Washington’s rebuilt tight end room, much of the discussion centers around veteran Zach Ertz and second-round pick Ben Sinnott. John Bates enters his fourth NFL season in 2024 but is used mainly for his outstanding blocking.

Next is Cole Turner and Armani Rogers, both of whom are entering their third NFL season.

Did you forget about Rogers? At this time last offseason, the Commanders got the difficult news that Rogers tore his Achilles and was lost for the season. It was tough news because Rogers received rave reviews for his work at tight end after playing quarterback in college.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Rogers made Washington’s roster as an undrafted free agent in 2022. When he received opportunities, he flashed his elite physical talent.

Don’t you think Kliff Kingsbury can find a way to use this type of athleticism?

Rogers, of course, must win a spot on Washington’s roster. Ertz and Sinnott are locks, while Bates’ blocking should give him a leg up. The Commanders will choose between Turner and Rogers for the fourth tight end. Sure, Washington may not keep four tight ends, but Kingsbury plans to use plenty of 12 personnel, so you’d think the Commanders would keep four tight ends.

Zach Selby of commanders.com observed the following regarding Rogers during Wednesday’s minicamp action.

Armani Rogers spent the past year recovering from a season-ending injury, but he’s fully healthy now and ready to prove that he deserves a roster spot with the new regime. He made an impressive catch at the start of 11-on-11 drills fighting through some contact to haul in a grab near the middle of the field.

The coaches who signed Rogers are no longer here. General manager Adam Peters is looking for talent, though. Rogers has the talent, and he seems to have taken quickly to the tight end position. This should be a fun battle to watch this summer.

 

Commanders rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil named a sleeper for 2024

How good can Mike Sainristil be as a rookie in 2024?

When the Washington Commanders selected Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft, it was clear they had big plans for him immediately.

Legendary former Alabama coach Nick Saban spoke glowingly of Sainristil, calling him the best pound-for-pound player in the entire draft. Others offered similar praise.

Washington head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters haven’t hid their excitement about Sainristil.

The rookie is expected to be the Commanders’ slot cornerback in 2024.

CBS Sports draft analyst Chris Trapasso recently named one sleeper for every NFC team who wasn’t picked in the first round. Sainristil was his pick for Washington.

Turns out Sainristil was initially playing the wrong position at Michigan. The former receiver turned slot defending annoyance will be a welcomed addition to a Commanders secondary that only snagged eight interceptions all season in 2023, which tied for the third-lowest in football. Sainristil had six alone as captain on Michigan’s national title-winning campaign, and tested like an elite-level athlete for the increasingly valuable slot corner spot at the combine.

He will be a most frustrating element of Washington’s defense for every offensive game plan and a portable piece for Quinn. With his smaller size, extreme explosiveness, and speed — not to mention a blue-collar work ethic through blockers and through the whistle, Sainristil will be an instant asset as a blitzer. He generated a pressure on nearly 30% of his 38 pass-rushing snaps last season for the Wolverines.

Outside of quarterback Jayden Daniels, none of Washington’s nine rookies have a clearer path to the starting lineup than Sainristil. Barring injury, everything about Sainristil screams long-term starter.

The Commanders hope Sainristil, defensive tackle Johnny Newton and tight end Ben Sinnott can break the franchise’s long-term futility with second-round draft picks.

49ers working to finalize deal with former Commanders TE Logan Thomas

Logan Thomas on the verge of signing with a contender.

Former Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas could soon be playing for one of the NFL’s best teams. According to Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network, the San Francisco 49ers are working to finalize a deal with Thomas.

Thomas, who turns 33 next month, was released by Washington on March 1 after four seasons with the team. Originally signed to a two-year contract in March 2020, the Commanders signed Thomas to a three-year extension in July 2021.

Thomas was outstanding in 2020, catching 72 passes for 670 yards and six touchdowns — all career highs.

Unfortunately, in 2021, Thomas battled injuries. A hamstring injury cost him several weeks early in the season. When he returned, a dirty hit from Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue ended Thomas’ season in early December with a torn ACL. He played in only six games that season.

Thomas played in 30 games over the past two seasons, finishing with 94 receptions for 819 yards and five touchdowns. Four of those touchdowns came in 2023.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Thomas entered the NFL as a quarterback. After a record-setting career at Virginia Tech, Thomas was a fourth-round pick by the Cardinals in the 2014 NFL draft. Arizona released him after one season and the Miami Dolphins claimed him.

He spent one year with Miami and didn’t play in a game. The Giants claimed him and moved him back and forth between the roster and practice squad before releasing him. He’d sign with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad in November and transitioned to tight end. However, the Buffalo Bills signed him to their active roster where he’d remain for the next seasons.

He signed a one-year deal with the Lions in 2019. Thomas finally received his chance to be a full-time starter at tight end for the Commanders and immediately thrived.

Thomas would be George Kittle’s backup with the 49ers.

The Commanders signed Zach Ertz and drafted Ben Sinnott in the second round of April’s NFL draft.

 

Commanders rookies talk the importance of being involved in the community

The Washington rookies enjoyed their time with the kids on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the Washington Commanders took a break from offseason practice. The time off allowed the 2024 rookie class to get involved in the community.

Washington owner Josh Harris’s wife, Marjorie, led a Day of Service for the team that included three stops in D.C. Harris was joined by team president Jason Wright, some franchise legends and the entire rookie class for the final stop of the day at Rocketship Rise Academy Public Charter School.

As expected, the kids were excited to see quarterback Jayden Daniels. But all of Washington’s rookies were a hit. Players played pitch and catch with the kids, chatted with them, and helped paint birdhouses.

The opportunity to interact with the community wasn’t lost on Washington’s rookies.

“This is incredible,” wide receiver Luke McCaffrey said. “This is kind of the rookie’s first opportunity to really dive into the community. For the guys that aren’t from here, this is our new home. This is kind of the place we’re going to take pride in, and it’s special to be able to connect with that.”

Great answer from McCaffrey.

Cornerback Mike Sainristil agreed with McCaffrey.

“I love it,” he said. “The kids, it’s always a fun time to be around the kids, especially being able to do events and just show them what it feels like……to be with us.”

Sainristil acknowledged what it would have been like for him as a kid to meet NFL players, and he understood how special it was for these kids.

Tight end Ben Sinnott grew up in Iowa, which didn’t have a pro sports team, so understood how special this opportunity was for the rookies and the kids.

“This is the kind of stuff that makes it all worth it,” Sinnott said. “We put in all that hard work and just to be able to give back and get in the community and do something good for people who need it. It’s super-important for me and as a rookie class.”

Being involved in the community is critical for NFL players. Wednesday was an important day for Washington’s rookie class, and it wasn’t lost on them.

 

Watch college highlights of new Commanders TE Ben Sinnott

Ben Sinnott’s college highlights are a fun watch.

Despite signing veteran Zach Ertz in free agency, the Washington Commanders knew heading into the 2024 NFL draft they needed to add talent at tight end.

So, in the second round, with the No. 53 overall pick, Washington selected Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott. Sinnott was considered by many to be the second-best tight end in the draft behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers. Sinnott was a versatile offensive weapon during his time at Kansas State, as he could play tight end, fullback, or split out wide.

In his review of Sinnott, former Washington tight end Chris Cooley praised Sinnott for his ability as a receiver and blocker. He offered the ultimate praise, saying legendary head coach Joe Gibbs would love Sinnott.

While Ertz will begin the season atop the depth chart, the Commanders will likely use plenty of 12 personnel, meaning two tight ends will be on the field simultaneously. Sinnott will be factored into offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s plans immediately.

Let’s look at some of Sinnott’s college highlights from his time at K-State.