Michigan football fans knew how good nickelback Mike Sainristil is, and now the NFL world is learning about him, too.
On Friday, the former Wolverines team captain had his turn to go through drills at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, and he put on quite a show. With an impressive 40-yard dash, vertical leap, broad jump and three-cone drill, suddenly Sainristil could find himself going earlier in the NFL draft than previously imagined.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid put together his top NFL scouting combine Day 2 takeaways (subscription required), and first on his list of biggest risers was the Michigan standout.
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan: The 5-foot-9, 182-pound Sainristil is at the top of that nickel cornerback group. He solidified himself as a late-Day 2 prospect on Friday, jumping 40 inches in the vertical, jumping 10-foot-11 in the broad and running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash. As a converted receiver, his ball skills and change-of-direction ability really stand out; he had six interceptions in 2023. Teams that are looking for an immediate starter at nickel have to be excited about Sainristil’s workout. — Reid
Reid may have him as a late Day 2 prospect, but CBS Sports actually thinks (and this was before the combine) that Sainristil has a shot at going in the first round, albeit late. Yes, many will look at his size and be reluctant, but given his playmaking ability, his penchant for forcing turnovers (he had six interceptions including two pick sixes, along with two forced fumbles in 2023), and knack for being in the right place at the right time, an NFL team could come calling sooner than later.
And that does not even mention the star wideouts he went up against who claim he was the toughest player they faced in college.