The Washington Commanders' 2024 NFL Draft class has endured some polarizing performances through two seasons in the league. Year 3 will tell us everything we need to know, and for one player in particular, there are no more excuses.
Aside from 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the star first-year player for Washington two seasons ago was cornerback Mike Sainristil. He came on strong toward the end of the season and recorded two interceptions during the Commanders' divisional-round win over the Detroit Lions.
Last year, it was a different story for the Michigan man. He picked off four passes but was frequently targeted in coverage and got burned more often than he locked down. He, like many of his teammates, will need a fresh reset in 2026.
Mike Sainristil's third season with the Commanders must bring sustained growth
Sainristil was in a difficult situation a season ago. As a rookie, he thrived when he was moved from the slot to the boundary, yet he was forced to return to the slot after the Commanders drafted Trey Amos in the second round last spring. His struggles during the first half of the season were apparent every week, matching up poorly against opposing receivers with his lack of size.
Sainristil went back outside following season-ending injuries to both Amos and Marshon Lattimore, and should finally see some continuity at that role this season. Amik Robertson will play in the slot, with the two youngsters out on the edge.
New coordinator Daronte Jones could also be Sainristil's best friend, given his success with Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers. He has never had full control of a defense, but the injection of youth in his unit should have Washington playing with more passion than it did under Joe Whitt Jr.
Sainristil has shown he can be a valuable producer in the right role, and he should theoretically be just entering his prime. Better help from Washington's safeties could go a long way for him this season, if Nick Cross proves to be the answer and Quan Martin can return to form. The Commanders' quicker front seven should also make life easier on the defensive backfield.
Alas, there are no more excuses for Sainristil. We know what he's capable of, and now is the time to prove 2024 wasn't just a mirage. Washington has placed significant trust into him and Amos as its cornerback tandem of the future, and he must make good on it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google