3 Commanders rookies under the most pressure at 2024 training camp

Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders know how things can unravel quickly for first-year cornerbacks. Ron Rivera expected Emmanuel Forbes to come straight in and lock down the opposition's No. 1 wide receiver after drafting him No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. To say these expectations weren't met would be a huge understatement.

Forbes will get another shot under a coaching staff with more accomplished credentials when it comes to developing defensive backs. Questions remain about the outside coverage options at Washington's disposal. Things look more assured on the interior thanks in no small part to a notable arrival.

The Commanders think they hit the jackpot when Mike Sainristil fell into their laps at No. 50 overall in the draft. He was one of 20 prospects to get the gold standard label from those in power. It's not hard to see why when one takes a look at his exceptional college production at Michigan.

Sainristil plays much bigger than his 5-foot-9 frame suggests. He's impactful against the run, excels in coverage from the slot, and can also be utilized heavily on blitz packages with great success if the situation dictates.

Nick Saban called Sainristil the best pound-for-pound player in this year's class. He made an outstanding start to life in Washington, but the pressure is on to make his presence felt frequently over camp. Especially considering the severe concerns surrounding others in the cornerback room.

Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have stated their intent to get Sainristil into the starting lineup quickly. He'll be their STAR cornerback unless there's a drastic change of thought before Week 1. Keeping the high standards that got him this far is a good place to start. Getting complacent is simply not an option versus elite-level wide receivers and tight ends who'll punish every mistake.

Sainristil's got the right mindset to guarantee complications are kept to a minimum. If he copes with the added pressure that inevitably comes with camp, hopes will soar accordingly.