Written By Adam Aniba
Over 300 prospects received invites to the annual NFL Combine, but these 5 under the radar prospects have received little to no attention during the evaluation process.
Washington has needs at linebacker, tight end, possession receiver and could use a viable special teams returner. These prospects deserve a deeper look during the week in Indianapolis.
Dylan Laube
5'9" 210 lbs | RB | UNH
2023 Stats (10 Games)-160 att for 749 yds for 9 TDs
*68 rec 699 yds for 7 TDs
*15 KR ret att 467 yds 1 TD (long 100 yds)
New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube may not be a household name yet, but in the right system he could be a valuable chess piece.
He also offers tremendous value as a returner.
The Commanders currently have Brian Robinson Jr. and 2023 6th rounder Chris Rodriguez Jr. under contract with 5th year free agent back Antonio Gibson heading to free agency.
It's not likely that Gibson will be back, so adding another RB that can also fill a need as a returner would be a wise Day 3 investment.
Making the jump from the FCS Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) is substantial, but the New Hampshire running back is the type of versatile weapon that adds valuable depth and fills a need for Washington on special teams.
Laube could get drafted anywhere from the late 3rd round to the 5th, depending on how he performs at this weeks Combine.
It's possible a few teams don't have Laube on their radar, but he's a small prospect that could see the biggest post-combine rise if he wows teams.
Ben Sinnott
6'4" 254 lbs | TE | KSU
2023 (12 games)- 49 rec 676 yds and 6 TDs (13.8 avg)
Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott (Full Scouting Report) is starting to gain steam among evaluators and fans.
Many are just focused on consensus top tight end Brock Bowers and Texas TE Ja'Tavion Sanders, but Sinnott offers so much as a prospect.
Sanders raked as a 5-star prospect coming out of high school, compared to Sinnott who wasn't ranked and was a walk-on to Kansas State. The Wildcats tight end only had 5 yards less receiving and 4 more touchdowns than Snaders which is notable.
In addition to new OC Kliff Kingsbury, Washington's new look offense will also feature former San Francisco running backs coach Anthony Lynn. While with the 49ers Lynn utilzed Kyle Juszczyk as as a pass catching fullback, which is also a role Sinnott had at Kansas State.
Veteran tight end Logan Thomas a likely cap causality, so tight end is a significant need for the Commanders.
Sinnott will likely get drafted in the top 50-60 picks, Washington should consider using one of their two 2nd rounders on the high ceiling tight end from Kansas State.
Dallin Holker
6'4" 235 lbs | TE | CSU
2023 (12 games)- 64 rec 676 yds and 6 TDs (12.0 avg)
Holker was a BYU transfer, but came into his own after landing on the Colorado State football team.
After a career year in 2023, he was named a team captain and was a John Mackey Award finalist (honors college football’s most outstanding tight end).
As the second tight end on the list, it should be clear that Washington needs better production from the position.
As mentioned previously, Logan Thomas is likely a cap causality and the depth behind him is nothing to speak of.
Expect Washington to double dip at tight end in free agency & the draft with Holker being a legit option in the 3rd round if availble.
Easton Gibbs
6'2" 230 lbs | LB | UW
'23 Stats (13 Games)- 109 TAK (47 solo), 4 TFL, 2 SACKS, 5 PD,1 int, 2 FR & 1 FR
Easton Gibbs was used in multiple roles in Wyoming's defense, lining up at every linebacker spot and even saw snaps lining up on the edge.
The Cowboys linebacker also displayed tremendous growth in coverage during the 2023 season recording 1 interception and 5 passes defended.
Gibbs is the type of linebacker that new Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and HC Dan Quinn could utilize in multiple roles.
Linebacker might be Washington's weakest position with WLB Jamin Davis the only name to speak of. In saying that, the former 1st rounder has under-performed and Washington will have to decide if they will take advantage of the 5th year option.
Fans should expect the Commanders to stock up on linebackers in free agency and the draft. Gibbs would be an ideal selection if available in the 3rd round.
Johnny Wilson
6'6" 237 lbs | WR | FSU
2023 Stats (10 games)- 41 rec 617 yds and 2 TDs (15.0 avg)
Wilson transferred from Arizona State to Florida state, due primarily to the fact that he was mostly used as a blocker in the run game and underutilized as a possession receiver.
The Seminoles receiver offers ideal size for a possession receiver and has clearly worked on his craft, displaying reliable hands in 50/50 situations in 2023 (Full Scouting Report).
Although Wilson was guilty at times of untimely drops, his tremendous catch radius and the length are undeniable. He is a match-up mismatch on the outside for smaller defensive backs and just requires some refinement.
There have been discussions of possibly moving WIlson to a flex tight end position on the next level, which makes sense giving his size and sub 4.5-4.6 speed.
It's likely Washington will lose receiver Curtis Samuel in free agency and as mentioned, the Commanders tight end room leaves a lot to be desired. The Seminoles receiver offers some flexibility for the team that selects him.
Wilson will likely still be on the board in the 3rd round and pairing him with Terry McLaurin & Jahan Dotson would be must see football in Kingsbury's offense.