Written By Adam Aniba
Every year leading up to the NFL Draft, we hear about a college prospect walk-on/non-scholarship player feel good story.
Kansas State tight end/fullback Ben Sinnott was not only a walk-on, he was the heart of the Wildcat's offense.
In 2023 Sinnot played like a man possessed, looking like a throwback tight end, seeking out contact and sacrificing his body on every play.
He impressed during his week at the Senior Bowl, which will only boosted his overall stock with NFL evaluators and teams.
Ben Sinnott
6'4" 254 lbs | TE | KSU
Draft Proj Late 2nd Rd
Career (38 games)- 82 rec 1138 yds and 10 TDs (13.9 avg)
2023 (12 games)- 49 rec 676 yds and 6 TDs (13.8 avg)
Background
Ben Sinnott grew up Waterloo, Iowa and astonishingly lettered in six sports (baseball, hockey, track, golf, tennis and football) for Columbus Catholic HS.
While at tight end and receiver he totaled 61 career receptions for 958 yards and 22 touchdowns, in addition he registered 194 yards rushing and five touchdowns
On defense he registered 109 career tackles, 9.0 sacks, 27.5 tackles for loss and 4 interceptions while playing defensive end.
Sinnott was named to the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association All-state team as a tight end, wide receiver and defensive end. He also earned All-District honors and was awarded the Black Hawk County All-Metro Football Award on offense and defense in 2019...
Despite not getting a recruiting rating, Sinnott was offered a partial scholarship to play for FCS powerhouse South Dakota. Instead, he walked on to the Kansas State football program in 2020.
Although Sinnott didn't see the field in 2020, he was active in 12 games during 2021. In the Wildcat's offense he lined up at tight and fullback in a rotational role recording 2 receptions for 15 yards.
In 2022 Sinnott was active in 13 games, recording 28 receptions for 399 yards (14.3 yards per rec), with 4 touchdowns, and a QB rating when targeted of 142.3.
As a blocker in pass pro Sinnott showed promise, only giving up 3 pressures and no sacks.
In 2023 the Wildcat's tight end saw his role expand and started 12 games. On the season he recorded 48 receptions for 669 yards for an average of 13.9 yards per catch, with 6 TDs, and QB rating when targeted of 105.3.
Sinnott was an Honorable Mention All-American in 2023, named to the All-Big 12 1st team (Coaches & The Associated Press) and was a John Mackey Award semifinalist (awarded to the nations top tight end).
The Kansas State walk-on was also recognized as the nations best fullback receiving the 2023 Lowman Trophy.
PROS
Runs angry with a vicious stiff-arm often requiring multiple defenders to bring him down
A hands catcher with impressive ball tracking ability, excels in 50/50 jump ball situations particularly in the red zone
Impressive combination of strength, size and athleticism with a non-stop motor
A seek and destroy mentality and relished his role as a downfield blocker
Not the fastest prospect, but understands leverage and angles, which allow him to create opportunities
CONS
Lack of statistical production is a concern
Needs to develop counters when fighting press-coverage
Although energetic & willing, needs refinement as an in-line blocker
Still a work in progress as a route runner
Tendency to round off his routes
Outlook
Sinnott's background in multiple sports is on display with his patience and athleticism. His ability to effectively fight for the football and line up where ever needed should appeal to teams.
Although fullback is not often used in the NFL these days, the San Francisco 49ers utilize their Kyle Juszczyk (6'2" 235 lbs) in a hybrid role, which is exactly the type of flexibility that the KSU tight end offers.
The Kansas State tight end was the highest graded BIG 12 tight end per Pro Football Focus in '23 with a 82.0 rating. He was also recognized as the nations best fullback and was awarded the Lowman Trophy.
He might not be the best in-line blocker, but he might just be the most eager and ferocious tight end in the class when he's out front blocking in space.
Although I rated the KSU tight end higher than most draft sites, I envision Sinnott as an immediate contributor with the ability to solidify himself as a Top 60 prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.
*GAMES WATCHED*
10/28/23 vs Houston, 11/4 vs Texas, 11/11 vs Baylor, 11/18 vs Kansas & 11/25 vs Iowa St
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