Washington Commanders’ second-round picks could make a 2024 splash.

The 2024 Washington Commanders have many reasons for optimism as the new NFL season draws closer, including two underrated sleepers who could break out in the nation’s capital. At the head of the list are a pair of rookies, defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton and tight end Ben Sinnott. Newton is a 6-foot-2, 304-pound product of the University of Illinois. Sinnott, a 6-4, 250-pounder, played at Kansas State.

Both players were drafted in the second round, giving them draft-stock pedigree. But there are many other reasons why either or both could shine before the season ends.

Jer’Zhan Newton fits a Commanders’ need

Washington needs a huge improvement in getting to the quarterback, and Newton should have plenty of chance to boost that deficiency.

Newton ranked as the second-best defensive tackle on Mel Kiper Jr’s big board. And his 43 total quarterback pressures with the Fighting Illini in 2023 painted an impressive picture. The number ranked third among all FBS defensive tackles. Over his college career, he amassed 103 pressures, adding a major dose of consistency to his body of work.

Making things even better, Newton’s 18 quarterback sacks point to his ability to finish the job.

New head coach Dan Quinn believes in taking chances when trying to upset the opposing quarterback. Bringing extra heat will allow Newton more room to operate. If things fell into place perfectly, he could emerge as one of the top defensive rookies in the league.

But run defense isn’t Newton’s strong suit. The scouting report tagged him with “miss” moments as a run defender. And his lack of elite length could be problematic in this area.

However, a late-season foot injury may have done nothing more than create an opportunity for the Commanders to grab Newton with a bargain pick at No. 36 overall. Early projections had him going higher, so the draft slight could serve as motivation. But he’s already had surgery on both feet, so the injury concerns are legitimate.

Washington offense could soar with quality play at TE from Ben Sinnott

Some folks may look at the signing of Zach Ertz to a one-year, $5 million deal as a reason why Sinnott won’t be featured. However, Ertz is injury-prone and likely on the downside of his career at the age of 34.

Enter Sinnott, who many pundits considered the second-best tight end in the draft after Georgia’s Brock Bowers.

Sinnott brings a high potential to the Commanders’ camp. He has the best of both worlds as an above-average blocker and the ability to beat defenders in the passing game. His above-average time in the 40 of 4.68 gives him a chance to be special. Of course, it takes more than foot speed in the NFL, so intangibles will determine Sinnott’s fate.

Ertz’s was a big dog for Philadelphia is 2018-19. He totaled 204 catches and over 2,000 yards for those two seasons combined. But from 2020-2023, Ertz’s total catches (184) and yards (1,600) marked a massive dropoff.

The easiest way for Sinnott to become a key factor for the Commanders is by creating space in key down-and-distance situations. Young quarterbacks love the comfort of open receivers. Jayden Daniels will look for a security blanket, giving Sinnott a chance for instant impact.

Douglas Fritz has been writing about sports for almost four decades and publishes a Christian sports newsletter and podcast on Substack at Matthew516Sports. He started as a reporter for the student newspaper at East Tennessee State University, worked his way up to Editor-In-Chief, and began his sports writing career at the Johnson City Press daily newspaper while still in college. During 30-plus years at the Press, he covered University of Tennessee football, men’s and women’s basketball, ETSU athletics, and high school athletics. Among the people he has interviewed are Dale Murphy, Bobby Cox, John Smoltz, and Bruce Smith. He is also a Christian-based screenwriter (five feature-length and one short), book writer (three completed manuscripts and one novel), and songwriter.

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