Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
The Washington Commanders took a calculated risk with Jeremy Chinn this offseason. He looked on a downward spiral after things fizzled out with the Carolina Panthers. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn saw something in the dynamic defensive playmaker when others looked the other way.
Chinn signed a one-year deal with the Commanders. He was highly motivated to silence his doubters after being cast aside by Carolina's defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
The Panthers had no use for Chinn in Evero's 3-4 base scheme. Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. had the perfect plan to galvanize his career.
Chinn was utilized as a box safety. The Commanders gave him the freedom to be instinctive. He's a physical force against the run and is improving from a coverage standpoint. Getting to the playoffs for the first time in his career was an opportunity he wasn't going to waste.
The former second-round selection out of Southern Illinois is a growing influence. Chinn's relentless mindset and enhanced confidence were notable. He genuinely feels like he belongs, which was the most important thing of all after how things ended with the Panthers.
Everyone in Washington must be thrilled with the way Chinn's going about his business. He leads all NFL players in postseason tackles heading into the NFC Championship game. This will be needed more than ever against the Philadelphia Eagles and running back Saquon Barkley.
Regardless of how things go, a new contract should be waiting for Chinn at season's end.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Mike Sainristil is a superstar. For the Commanders to get two franchise cornerstones in general manager Adam Peters' first draft represents a solid foundation from which to build. If Johnny Newton and Brandon Coleman also follow suit with additional improvements, it'll go down as one of the best drafts in franchise history.
The Commanders were overjoyed when Sainristil fell into their laps at No. 50 overall. There was a nervous wait with the Cincinnati Bengals also needing cornerback help, but they opted for defensive lineman Kris Jenkins Jr. instead.
There was complete confidence in Sainristil. It didn't take long for the rookie defensive back to repay this faith.
He's been outstanding from start to finish this season. Sainristil takes on every challenge with confidence and conviction. His transition from the slot to the boundary was seamless, which is a testament to his team-first mindset and athletic credentials.
The former Michigan star is an accomplished player despite his tender age. Sainristil is a big-game performer who thrives with the spotlight glaring. His two interceptions against the Detroit Lions helped turn the tide and propel the Commanders to a level they hadn't experienced for decades.
Sainristil is a player Washington feels confident about building around. Looking at the way he's flourished in the knockout rounds, it's not hard to see why.