Tag: Mike Sainristil

Chris Cooley film review of Commanders’ DB Mike Sainristil

Cooley is a big fan of rookie CB Mike Sainristil.

Chris Cooley was asked by Kevin Sheehan to perform a film evaluation of four Commanders’ draft choices.

Cooley appeared on Sheehan’s podcast episodes on Thursday and Friday with those film reviews (Johnny Newton, Mike Sainristil, Luke McCaffrey, Brandon Coleman).

The former Redskins’ tight end and color analyst on the team’s radio broadcast really likes the Commanders’ choice of Michigan slot corner Mike Sainristil.

Here are some selected quotes from Cooley’s film breakdown:

“He’s an awesome athlete: great feet, great hips.”

“To me, he’s a smart zone cover guy. He does a great job getting depth in his drops, reads the eyes of the quarterback very well. He’s capable and able to drive on the football.”

“I think he does an excellent job finding the ball in coverage; he does a really good job playing the ball.”

“He’s not a P.I. guy; he’s well-trained, technically very good. He has great hands; had six interceptions, two were pick-sixes.

“He’s a really good tackler, a consistent tackler…he can be very physical as well…he was a big-time blitz guy for Michigan.”

“He is what Scot McCloughan would have called ‘a football player.’ I was super impressed.”

“Some of my concerns? His ability to play man coverage; his ability to press and then run and play man coverage. But they are drafting a man that fits them perfectly in what they want.”

“He can be over-aggressive in attacking receivers in their routes; double moves could be a problem potentially. At times, you see him taking risks, and it paying off…the risk/reward on some of this is big time.”

I think he is a big-time football player for them. I think he is going to be really helpful.”

It’s easy to see why Nick Saban would say that (“best pound-for-pound player in the draft“)… He’s a really versatile dude…really good at shedding blocks in space and getting off of blocks.”

“He has a really good understanding of football. I am sure Mike Sainristil is going to be a good football player. He is worth the second-round draft pick. I am sure of it.”

Brian Baldinger is a big fan of Commanders CB Mike Sainristil

Baldy is a big fan of Mike Sainristil.

Everyone loves Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil. On draft night, legendary former Alabama coach Nick Saban said he loved Sainristil, calling him the best “pound-for-pound player” in the draft.

Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy was giving Sainristil love before anyone else.

When the Commanders chose Sainristil at No. 50 overall last month, they earned unanimous praise for the pick. When Washington coach Dan Quinn went to Michigan’s pro day and spent time with Sainristil, he knew he had to have him.

Former NFL player and current analyst Brian Baldinger also happens to be a big Sainristil fan.

“I thought he was the best slot corner in this draft of the guys that played that as their position in college,” Baldinger said in an appearance on the “Sports Junkies” on 106.7 The Fan via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“I thought he was a really talented player on a great team who covered a lot of ground, did what you had to do in coverage or blitzing. Just a good, aggressive tackler and a guy you can plug and play.”

Baldinger also said Sainristil was one of the draft’s better picks in a good draft.

As an analyst, Baldy saw plenty of Washington last season. Even if he didn’t call Commanders’ games, he watched film of every team, every week, and he realized what Washington fans knew all too well: The secondary stunk.

Baldinger believes Sainristil and veteran free agent Michael Davis will improve the 2024 secondary.

“Michael Davis has had good moments with the Chargers, and this was the worst secondary in football, so Sainristil and Davis are definitely upgrades,” Baldinger said. “When your safeties don’t tackle well and blow coverages, you give up full-on touchdowns, and that’s what happened last year.”

The Commanders didn’t make any big moves at cornerback this offseason outside of drafting Sainristil, who will play the slot. Davis was one of multiple free-agent cornerbacks Washington signed and the one most likely to impact the depth chart. Early reports from OTAs have Davis ahead of last year’s first-round pick, Emmanuel Forbes.

Washington is counting on the new additions to help the NFL’s worst defense, but more importantly, it believes that coaching will make a bigger difference.

A complete list of the players who competed at Commanders rookie minicamp

A list of every player who participated in Washington’s rookie minicamp.

The Washington Commanders opened rookie minicamp on Friday with much of the attention focused on quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Joining Daniels were the other eight players in Washington’s nine-player NFL draft class. The Commanders’ second pick, defensive tackle Johnny Newton, was in attendance, but he did not participate due to a foot injury.

Washington’s 11 undrafted free agents, some second-year players, and multiple tryout players also participated in this weekend’s rookie minicamp.

Here’s a complete list, courtesy of Zach Selby:

  • QB Jayden Daniels
  • DT Johnny Newton (in attendance but did not participate)
  • CB Mike Sainristil
  • TE Ben Sinnott
  • OT Brandon Coleman
  • WR Luke McCaffrey
  • LB Jordan Magee
  • S Dominique Hampton
  • CB Chigozie Anusiem
  • QB Sam Hartman
  • WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
  • OT David Nwaogwugwu
  • S Ben Nikkel
  • RB Austin Jones
  • S Tyler Owens
  • DT Norell Pollard
  • RB Michael Wiley
  • CB AJ Woods
  • TE Colson Yankoff

Second-year players

  • WR Kazmeir Allen
  • OL Mason Brooks
  • DT Haggai Ndubuisi (a part of the International Player Pathway Program)
  • CB Nick Whiteside
  • WR Brycen Tremayne

Tryout players

  • LB Bryce Gallagher
  • S Tre Jenkins
  • CB Nolan Johnson
  • WR Tykee Ogle-Kellogg
  • WR Nico Ragaini
  • CB Myles Sims
  • WR Khalil Tate
  • LB Noah Taylor
  • S Rodrick Ward

It wasn’t clear why some other second-year players, such as wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley or offensive tackle Braeden Daniels, could not participate. Head coach Dan Quinn was asked about Daniels, and he offered the following response.

 

 

Commanders WR Dyami Brown to share No. 2 with Sainristil

Brian Mitchell summed it up perfectly.

Dyami Brown has not been cut by the Commanders.

The Commanders, in announcing their rookie jersey numbers, certainly seized the attention of many when they revealed defensive back Mike Sainristil would be wearing No. 2 this offseason.

Commanders fans certainly recognize that receiver Dyami Brown has worn No. 2 for each of his three NFL seasons here in Washington (2021-23).

It is true the Commanders are completing their 90-man roster in preparation for their off-season mini-camps, OTAs and training camp. So, while the roster is full at the 90-player capacity, yes, there will be some sharing of jersey numbers.

Yet, it is also true that the former Michigan defensive leader, Sainristil, was a second-round choice (50) of this current administration led by general manager Adam Peters.

Consequently, it would not be a stretch to conclude that if both Brown and Sainristil make the final 53-man roster, Sainristil will wear the No. 2 jersey.

Even more, Brown, though he wore No. 2 at North Carolina, simply has not produced in his three NFL seasons. Ron Rivera drafted Brown in the third round (82) in 2021. He has played in 15, 15 and 17 games, yet accomplished only a mere 12, 5 and 12 receptions.

Most likely, Brown will not survive unless he has an impressive preseason. He simply cannot afford to have the unimpressive preseason games he has experienced thus far.

When former Washington Redskins running back Brian Mitchell (1990-99) was asked about this by JP Finlay during their 106.7 The Fan show, Friday, Mitchell succinctly responded, “They never gave anybody my number when I was on (the team) from year one all the way through…I never really worried about my number. I worried about being ready to play.”

CBS Sports says Commanders had NFL’s best 2024 draft class

Washington’s first three rounds were “sensational.”

The Washington Commanders have received high marks for their 2024 NFL draft class. From quarterback Jayden Daniels to all five of Washington’s Day 2 selections, the Commanders have an opportunity for a massive turnaround if these players can deliver in some form as rookies.

CBS Sports draft analyst Chris Trapasso is exceptionally high on Washington’s draft class, ranking it No. 1 in the NFL.

Here’s Trapasso’s analysis:

Those first five picks by GM Adam Peters were sensational. Denzel Washington Man On Fire type stuff from the Commanders new GM. Daniels has all the dynamic skills to be that new-age, dual-threat passer that terrifies defenses underneath, at the intermediate level, downfield, and yeah, with his legs.

If Newton was able to work out before the draft, no way he’s available in Round 1. He can be a 50-plus pressure defensive tackle as a rookie. Sainristil can be the annoying nickel corner who tackles like a champ, blitzes off the corner, and sticks to slot receivers underneath, and Sinnott legitimately has Sam LaPorta-esque athleticism and powerful YAC skills.

McCaffrey will probably make the least impact of this bunch, but his diverse route-running skills will likely help him get on the field and earn targets sooner rather than later.

It’s worth noting that McCaffrey was Washington’s sixth and final third-round pick. Offensive tackle Brandon Coleman was the Commanders’ fifth pick, and he has a chance to compete to start at left tackle in 2024.

Trapasso is correct about Newton. If he doesn’t have that foot injury that prevented him from working out at the NFL combine, he’s likely a top-25 pick. Newton dominated the Big Ten in 2023. In Washington, he joins the defensive tackle duo of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne to form arguably the league’s top inside trio.

Sainristil is a Day 1 starter at nickel, while Sinnott has drawn comparisons to George Kittle and now Sam LaPorta. The comps are legit if you watch Sinnott’s film and check out his athletic testing numbers.

And don’t count out McCaffrey. He doesn’t need to make an immediate impact. Instead, he can play a specific role with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson atop the wide receiver depth chart.

If Daniels is the player general manager Adam Peters believes he is, this could be a franchise-altering class for the new-look Commanders.

Jordan Magee named Commanders’ best sleeper pick in 2024 NFL draft

More love for Commanders rookie LB Jordan Magee.

The Washington Commanders made nine selections in the 2024 NFL draft. The big news out of Washington was the selection of quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall.

However, the Commanders crushed Day 2 of the draft, coming away with five players, led by second-round picks Johnny Newton, Mike Sainristil and Ben Sinnott.

Washington had only three selections on Day 3, focusing on developmental prospects. One of those prospects, Temple linebacker Jordan Magee, looks like the perfect Dan Quinn linebacker.

Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recently named a sleeper from all 32 NFL draft classes, and Magee was his pick for the Commanders.

Here’s what Farrar said about Magee:

Under new head coach and defensive shot-caller Dan Quinn, the Commanders had already picked a couple of first-round talents who lasted until the second round in Illinois interior defensive lineman Johnny Newton and Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil. Given the off-season signings of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, it wasn’t a surprise that linebacker wasn’t a key priority, but with the 139th pick in the fourth round, Washington did take Temple’s Jordan Magee as a move ‘backer who can roll quickly all over the defense.

A do-it-all player, Magee had six sacks and 20 total pressures for the Owls last season, as well as 54 solo tackles, 41 stops, and 12 catches allowed on 16 targets for 85 yards, 41 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, no interceptions, two pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 86.7. He’s not unlike Luvu, who has become one of the NFL’s best linebackers in three years with the Jets and three more with the Panthers. Luvu was a “too small” guy who went undrafted out of Washington State back in 2018, so maybe he can tell the 6′ 1⅜”, 228-pound Magee that it’s not how you start, it’s where you finish.

Bobby Wagner is a future Hall of Famer who will likely only be in Washington for a short time. Quinn wanted Wagner because he remains an excellent player and can teach the younger players how to win and be professionals. Quinn no doubt hopes Wagner rubs off on Magee.

Commanders CB Mike Sainristil was Matt Bowen’s favorite pick of the entire NFL draft

More love for Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil.

It’s hard to find anyone who will say a bad word about Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil.

The No. 50 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft has drawn rave reviews from coaches, teammates, opponents and scouts. Legendary former Alabama coach Nick Saban called Sainristil the best “pound for pound” player in the NFL draft.

Now you can add ESPN NFL analyst — and former NFL safety — Matt Bowen to that list.

When discussing the 2024 draft, analysts were asked about their favorite picks and most head-scratching picks. Bowen’s favorite pick was Washington taking Sainristil.

Cornerback Mike Sainristil to the Washington Commanders at No. 50. A nickel corner with a playmaking mentality, Sainristil was one of my favorite defensive backs to study. He led Michigan’s defense last season with six interceptions and seven pass breakups. Look for him to play a disruptive role as a rookie in Dan Quinn’s defensive system.

Sainristil spent the first three years of his college career playing wide receiver. He moved to defensive back in 2022 and immediately looked like a natural. Washington brass were impressed with how Sainristil ran the pass routes better than the wide receivers at Michigan’s pro day.

Washington head coach Dan Quinn’s defenses always rank near the top of the NFL in takeaways. Sainristil will be an ideal Day 1 starter for the Commanders in the slot.

NFL analyst Bucky Brooks loved the Commanders’ 2024 draft class

Brooks loved Adam Peters’ plan and execution of the NFL draft.

The Washington Commanders put the finishing touches on the 2024 NFL draft last week with a nine-player class led by quarterback Jayden Daniels. Washington, under new general manager Adam Peters, drew widespread praise for its draft, particularly over the first two days.

The Commanders earned A’s across the board for landing Daniels and finding players such as Johnny Newton, Mike Sainristil, and Ben Sinnott, who could make an early impact.

You can count former NFL player, current NFL Network analyst and co-host of the “Move the Sticks” podcast, Bucky Brooks, among those impressed. Brooks recently named his five favorite classes from the 2024 NFL draft, and Washington was included.

Credit new general manager Adam Peters for revamping the team’s culture with a collection of experienced players bringing superb leadership skills. All nine of the Commanders’ draftees spent at least four years in college and seven were team captains. Though playing ability is prioritized in the evaluation process, the decision to add a group of young leaders is part of a long-term plan to eradicate the losing mentality within the locker room.

On the field, the addition of Jayden Daniels gives the Commanders the QB1 they have been looking for since Kirk Cousins’ departure after the 2017 season. The LSU standout dazzles as an electric dual-threat quarterback with elite passing skills and impromptu playmaking ability. With Kliff Kingsbury experienced in exploiting a dynamic athlete at the position (SEE: Kyler Murray), the Commanders could hit the ground running in 2024.

If Jer’Zhan Newton and Mikey Sainristil also make their mark as potential Day 1 starters, and Jordan Magee, Dominique Hampton and Javontae Jean-Baptiste secure roles as backups/special teams standouts, the Commanders could emerge as a surprise playoff contender in Dan Quinn’s debut season.

Brooks is correct. If each of these things occur that he described, the Commanders could be a potential wild-card team in 2024. So much depends on Daniels following C.J. Stroud’s path from one year ago. He has the talent to make an immediate impact with his arm and legs.

Another potential X-Factor for Washington’s class was third-round pick, offensive lineman Brandon Coleman. Coleman played tackle and guard in college, and he tested off the charts athletically. Additionally, all of Coleman’s measurables, such as arm length and wingspan translate to tackle. If Coleman becomes the player, Peters thinks he can be; this could be a class Washington fans remember for a long time.

 

Watch highlights of new Commanders CB Mike Sainristil

Check out Mike Sainristil’s college highlights at Michigan.

Former Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil lasted until the No. 50 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, going to the Washington Commanders.

Since last Friday night, Sainristil has been a popular name in NFL circles. Legendary former Alabama coach Nick Saban called Sainristil “pound for pound,” the best player in the draft. Others have projected immediate success for Sainristil, who began his college career as a wide receiver.

Saban knows football — especially defensive football.

Sainristil picked off six passes last season for the Wolverines, who would win the national championship. It was only his second full season as a cornerback.

In addition to being an outstanding player, Sainristil has also been called the heart and soul of Michigan’s team. He is a strong leader beloved by his teammates.

Sainristil can be a culture-changing player on — and off the field — for the Commanders under GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn.

Now, let’s look at some of Sainristil’s impressive college highlights.

From 2023:

Career highlights:

Dane Brugler ranks the Commanders’ NFL draft class in his top 10

Some love for offensive tackle Brandon Coleman.

Dane Brugler is one of the NFL draft’s top analysts. Every spring, NFL fans eagerly await Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide, the most comprehensive draft preview available.

In the recently completed 2024 NFL draft, Brugler’s personal rankings had North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye over LSU’s Jayden Daniels. The Washington Commanders would select Daniels second overall, followed by the Patriots, who picked Maye with the next pick.

Despite that, Brugler loved Washington’s draft class. And while he had Maye higher, he also believes Daniels has what it takes to be a superstar passer.

Now that the draft is over, Brugler ranked all NFL draft classes from 1 to 32. He had the Chicago Bears with the best class.

Where are the Commanders?

Brugler had Washington ranked No. 9.

I think Jayden Daniels quickly will be a dynamic NFL player, but my “favorite” picks by the Commanders were their next two selections: Sainristil and defensive tackle Johnny Newton. Despite being undersized, Sainristil is a smart player — it is no coincidence that he consistently delivered difference-making plays on tape. Another favorite from this class was OT Brandon Coleman. I was ready to defend his high ranking (No. 66) on my board, but the Commanders drafted him at No. 67, and I don’t think they will regret it.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Dominique Hampton, S, Washington

Dan Quinn has a history of tapping into the strengths of oversized safeties, and Hampton could be next. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Hampton is a premier athlete (4.45-second 40-yard dash) with a versatile background as a cornerback, nickel and on special teams. His lack of difference-making plays stands out, but he can be a solid role player.

Brugler loves Sainristil and Newton. That’s not uncommon. It is interesting to see Brugler’s review of Brandon Coleman. While some have criticized Washington for not drafting a tackle early, no one has said anything negative about Coleman the player. General manager Adam Peters said Coleman will play tackle, and his length and wingspan support the argument of Coleman playing tackle.

If Coleman can become the Commanders’ left tackle, this draft could be viewed as a turning point for the franchise.