4 Commanders with soaring stock after 2024 offseason workouts
By Dean Jones
Early offseason workouts are in the rearview mirror. It was a fascinating few weeks for the Washington Commanders as the new regime began to see the fruits of their labor following one of the most dramatic recruitment periods in franchise history. Aside from one off-the-field matter that was dealt with swiftly, everything went according to plan.
The Commanders look unrecognizable from the setup that concluded the 2023 campaign with eight straight losses. Josh Harris' ownership group wasted no time in putting their grand plans into action. Adam Petters reinvigorated the front office and moved with a level of professionalism not seen for decades. Dan Quinn formed an accomplished staff that got everyone on the same page quickly.
This is incredibly positive, but the hard work is just getting started. The Commanders must take stock in the coming weeks, decide what more is needed, and put a strategy in place that enables everyone to thrive during their upcoming training camp in Ashburn. That should be enough to become more competitive when the 2024 season starts in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
That's for the future. For now, here are four Commanders with soaring stock after the team's early offseason workouts.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders were thrilled when Mike Sainristil fell into their laps at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was one of 20 prospects who got a gold label from the primary evaluators. To get him when they did in the second round was a real coup and can help the secondary enormously moving forward.
Sainristil got some glowing references once the pick became official. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban called him the best pound-for-pound player in this year's draft. Looking at how the cornerback applied himself over early workouts, it's not hard to see why.
His fierce determination, instincts, and ball skills came over frequently according to those in attendance. It's only early days, but the Commanders feel like they might have something special on their hands with the ex-Michigan team captain.