The Washington Commanders had a tremendous draft back in April. On paper, at least. It’s impossible to judge how great a draft class is until we see them on the field. One rookie, however, is already showing he shouldn’t be hindered and doesn’t need time to blossom.
Rookie tight end Ben Sinnott had one of the plays of the weekend when he caught a pass down the seam and trucked through New York Jets defenders for 44 yards. The Kansas State product also led the team in catches and yards in his first taste of NFL action.
This is a classic case of a team not needing to overthink things. Sinnott was listed as the third tight end on the initial depth chart - he should be the starter come Week 1.
Sinnott is everything you could want as a vertical threat tight end. He had 49 catches in his final season at Kansas State, as well as 676 yards and six touchdowns. There is no reason to have 33 year-old Zach Ertz be your starter. He hasn’t played a full season since 2021, and is not nearly the player he used to be. He should not take reps from the younger, better player.
While the first depth chart of the year isn’t exactly indicative of what the Week 1 depths chart will look like, and is largely a formality to put veterans ahead of rookies, that should change quickly. Sinnott is a star in the making at the position - don’t overthink this, Washington.