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The Washington Commanders looked like they hit a few home runs in the 2024 NFL Draft. Quarterback Jayden Daniels came right out of the gate and won the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Washington also had three second-round picks, with cornerback Mike Sainristil being the most prominent. The Commanders also had two third-round picks, and it felt like they landed their future left tackle in Brandon Coleman.
It was quite a cornerstone draft for first-year general manager Adam Peters. Sainristil moved back and forth between the slot and outside cornerback due to injuries. He excelled.
Then, 2025 happened. Daniels was hurt and missed 10 games. Sainristil, and almost everyone on Washington's defense, regressed. Coleman moved to left guard and lost his job by Week 3. He later found his way back into the lineup in relief of left tackle Laremy Tunsil late in the season and played well.
Back to Sainristil.
How bad was he last season? Sainristil made a list that no defensive back wants to be on.
As he did in 2024, Sainristil played some outside and some inside. He struggled everywhere. Safety Quan Martin, who appeared to be on the verge of a breakout season, faced similar struggles. Washington fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and hired Daronte Jones. Jones has a strong history as a defensive backs coach, and he praised Sainristil and Martin.
This offseason, the Commanders released Marshon Lattimore and signed Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon and Rasul Douglas. Robertson, like Sainristil, can play inside or outside. Second-year cornerback Trey Amos returns alongside Sainristil. Head coach Dan Quinn and the Commanders remain big believers in Sainristil. He will remain in the starting lineup in 2026.
CBS Sports also believes Sainristil will have a "resurgence" in 2026. Josh Edwards named 10 veterans whom he believes will bounce back this season. He included Sainristil.
Sainristil proved he could play in college and in his rookie season. Edwards is correct in saying an improved front seven will do wonders for Sainristil and the rest of Washington's secondary. Despite his struggles, Sainristil led the Commanders with four interceptions, and he's proven he can make plays on the ball over two NFL seasons.
It's easy to write young players off when they experience a tough season. Sainristil isn't like a lot of young players. He's mentally tough and confident, which are both elite traits for a cornerback.
Don't bet against Sainristil.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Mike Sainristil could experience a 'resurgence' in 2026
Continue reading...
It was quite a cornerstone draft for first-year general manager Adam Peters. Sainristil moved back and forth between the slot and outside cornerback due to injuries. He excelled.
Then, 2025 happened. Daniels was hurt and missed 10 games. Sainristil, and almost everyone on Washington's defense, regressed. Coleman moved to left guard and lost his job by Week 3. He later found his way back into the lineup in relief of left tackle Laremy Tunsil late in the season and played well.
Back to Sainristil.
How bad was he last season? Sainristil made a list that no defensive back wants to be on.
As he did in 2024, Sainristil played some outside and some inside. He struggled everywhere. Safety Quan Martin, who appeared to be on the verge of a breakout season, faced similar struggles. Washington fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and hired Daronte Jones. Jones has a strong history as a defensive backs coach, and he praised Sainristil and Martin.
This offseason, the Commanders released Marshon Lattimore and signed Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon and Rasul Douglas. Robertson, like Sainristil, can play inside or outside. Second-year cornerback Trey Amos returns alongside Sainristil. Head coach Dan Quinn and the Commanders remain big believers in Sainristil. He will remain in the starting lineup in 2026.
CBS Sports also believes Sainristil will have a "resurgence" in 2026. Josh Edwards named 10 veterans whom he believes will bounce back this season. He included Sainristil.
Sainristil proved he could play in college and in his rookie season. Edwards is correct in saying an improved front seven will do wonders for Sainristil and the rest of Washington's secondary. Despite his struggles, Sainristil led the Commanders with four interceptions, and he's proven he can make plays on the ball over two NFL seasons.
It's easy to write young players off when they experience a tough season. Sainristil isn't like a lot of young players. He's mentally tough and confident, which are both elite traits for a cornerback.
Don't bet against Sainristil.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Mike Sainristil could experience a 'resurgence' in 2026
Continue reading...
