Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
While the focus has primarily centered on the new cornerback additions and the return to health of Marshon Lattimore, the Washington Commanders have a superstar in waiting who could become a genuine X-factor in 2025.
Mike Sainristil already looks like a significant steal at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The feisty cornerback initially started in the nickel but was forced into a boundary role when others didn't meet their billing. Most thought this would be challenging for the rookie, but he thrived.
Now that the Commanders have Lattimore at full health, coupled with Trey Amos and Jonathan Jones on the outside, it should allow Sainristil to do what he does best. That, of course, is impacting proceedings from the slot.
Those in attendance got the chance to see that in full effect on the second day of training camp. Sainristil went back into the nickel and immediately shone, breaking up two passes and picking up exactly where he left off.
Couple nice PBU’s from Sanristil. The slot spot gonna be nice for him
— Dullah (@Dullah_vision) July 24, 2025
The Commanders have the luxury of moving Sainristil around, but the nickel is where he specializes. He's a willing contributor against the run, an explosive blitzer, and more than holds his own in coverage. And with a full year of NFL experience under his belt, the sky's the limit this time around.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
It wasn't going to be long before Jayden Daniels made this list. But it's nothing more than the quarterback deserves after a clinical display on Day 2 of training camp, according to those watching from the sidelines.
Daniels is a franchise-caliber presence. His extraordinary rookie surge took the league by storm and left Adam Peters urgently trying to build around the signal-caller in pursuit of maximizing his rookie contract. With an improved supporting cast, expectations have gone through the roof in Year 2 of his professional career.
The former LSU standout is not settling. Daniels' fierce desire to be the best and his exceptional work ethic are driving him on. Teammates are coming along for the ride, which is only going to serve the Commanders well as they look to cement their status as a legitimate long-term contender.
The level of comfort Daniels displays is outstanding. He's composed under center, knows the schematic demands fully, and trusts the offensive line in front of him. Two nice touchdown passes during scrimmages only lent additional weight to these claims.
Everyone knows what Daniels can do. The Commanders will only go as far as the Heisman Trophy winner takes them this season and into the future. It's a responsibility he's taking seriously, even without his primary pass-catcher to depend upon right now.