3 new players that will thrill Washington Commanders fans in 2024
By Dean Jones
After another demoralizing season for the Washington Commanders in 2023, there is renewed hope. That's not uncommon around the league at this time of year. Yet somehow, this feels different.
It's been a monumental offseason of change for the Commanders. Adam Peters gutted the roster into one he believes can be more competitive. Dan Quinn turned over every stone to find the best coaching staff possible. The players look re-energized and the fanbase genuinely believes great things are ahead for this exciting new era.
While it would be surprising to see the Commanders involved in postseason activity this early into their substantial rebuild, it's not an impossible notion. There are countless examples of teams going from worst to first around the NFL. That might be difficult in the NFC East, but Quinn will be working towards this specific target in pursuit of maximizing his long-awaited second head coaching opportunity.
Everyone must do their part. But here are three new Commanders players who can thrill fans throughout the 2024 season and potentially beyond.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
There are some concerns about how the outside coverage options will hold up next season despite the presence of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. However, fans have high hopes for slot cornerback Mike Sainristil.
The Washington Commanders saw something in the small yet feisty defensive back. Adam Peters took him at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft as a result. This selection was immediately lauded, with former Alabama head coach Nick Saban proclaiming that Sainristil was the best pound-for-pound player in this year's class.
There is nothing Sainristil doesn't do well. He's an accomplished coverage asset, can make an impact against the run, and is explosive enough to be deployed on blitz packages when the situation dictates. He leads by example and has the heart of a lion - traits that will ensure the former Michigan standout becomes a fan favorite in no time.
Sainristil will experience some testing moments - all rookie cornerbacks do. However, his physical, dynamic playing style should be a major hit for the Commanders providing there are no complications on the injury front.