The Washington Commanders knew what they had in cornerback Mike Sainristil when the franchise selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Michigan product has quickly made a difference thus far at training camp, per ESPN’s John Keim. On Sunday, he continued to be one of the best playmakers on the field.
“Slot corner Mike Sainristil has had a strong camp — after having a similar spring. He intercepted a pass over the middle during full-team drills — after having grabbed a tipped ball in practice Friday as well,” Keim wrote. “Sainristil is not a big guy at 182 pounds but he plays bigger than his size, which has been evident when he’s faced receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.”
Sainristil is coming off an impressive rookie campaign for the Commanders, finishing ninth in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and leading all rookies in solo tackles (62).
Huge Boost at Slot Corner
The fit on the Commanders defense couldn’t be better. Having a fast, fearless, physical competitor manning one of the toughest positions is going to be hugely beneficial for Von Miller, Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner to disrupt the opposing the offense’s game plan.
Washington brought in Miller for his veteran leadership and versatility, giving defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. more of a creative look in the 2025.
“I just like having a deep crew of guys that can be versatile and do things,” Quinn said Thursday. “I also like the detail that he gets into as a pass rusher.”
That’s what makes Sainristil’s early performances all the more exciting. In Year 2, he’s showing maturity that’s uncommon from many young NFL corners. And he’s certainly not taking days off in practice — making All-Pro level plays in coverage against the franchise’s biggest stars.
Sainristil Isn’t Fazed By Jayden Daniels, Commanders Offense
On Friday, Sainristil made one of the top defensive highlights of the entire camp, intercepting a tipped pass from Jayden Daniels during full-team drills. The play speaks volumes of his awareness and catching ability, considering Daniels is one of the league’s quickest in all areas.
Lining opposite Deebo Samuel for the majority of camp will also work wonders for his craft down the road. Sainristil doesn’t shy away from contact, even against the physical presence of Samuel (six-foot, 215 pounds).
“The 2024 second-round pick is off to another strong start in camp and has made several plays in the first few days of camp,” Zach Selby of Commanders.com wrote on July 25. “His best day was on Friday, as he grabbed an interception off a tipped pass from Jayden Daniels and ran it back for a touchdown. He also tackled KJ Osborn in the backfield on a play during team drills.
Sainristil emerged as one of the team’s best defenders in 2024 thanks to his instincts, work ethic and knowledge of the system. He plays bigger than his 5-foot-10, 182-pound frame, which helped him hold his own against receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Despite playing as a perimeter cornerback — he was supposed to be a nickel player — he recorded 93 tackles and led the team with two interceptions.”
While it’s still early in training camp, there’s a lot for fans to marvel at when it comes to their 24-year-old defender. All eyes will remain on how this flexible defense that Quinn has managed to arrange over the offseason continues to evolve, and how the young talent like Sainristil find ways to step up.
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