Tag: Mike Sainristil

2024 NFL Draft: Michigan CB Mike Sainristil scouting report

Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil may be limited to the slot, but don’t box him out — he’s a plug-and-play star at a vital position in today’s NFL.

A composite three-star prospect out of Everett High School in Everett, Massachusetts, Mike Sainristil was a star receiver and cornerback who chose Michigan and totaled 37 catches on 69 targets for 541 yards and five touchdowns in his time with the Wolverines. Sainristil brought that receiver’s understanding to his role as a primary slot defender, capping out in Michigan’s national championship season of 2023 with 29 catches allowed on 50 targets for 412 yards, 206 yards after the catch, four touchdowns, six interceptions, six pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 71.8. He also had 29 solo tackles, 18 stops, two sacks, and 11 total pressures.

In today’s NFL, you need at least one slot defender if you want your defense to work, so don’t pass Sainristil by just because he’s limited to the inside. He’s a smart, tough, aggressive, scheme-transcendent player who can work into an NFL roster right away.

PLUSES

— Quick closer to the receiver, and has a better eye for the ball than a lot of receivers do.

— Can lay in the weeds and jump routes with excellent timing and ball skills. Six INT and six PBU in the 2023 season.

— Matches the receiver through the route in press and off coverage, and has the easy speed to work through them.

— Understands and responds to switches and route combinations. Very heady in the open field.

— Outstanding hitter for his size; he’ll come down and lay the wallop, and a lot of his pass deflections come as a result of that.

— Great blitzer who shoots gaps like a running back, and is quick enough to get to the quarterback at an angle from the slot.

MINUSES

— Size (5′ 9½”, 182 pounds) will limit him to the slot at the next level.

— Has a tendency to leave too much cushion on angular routes, leading to easy completions he has the talent to prevent.

— Not a run defender of note; he gets blocked out too easily and his tackling is more made for receivers than running backs.

— Frenetic play style will have him biting on movement and action in the backfield.

— Will lose physical battles with tight ends and bigger receivers off the snap and up the seam.

We’re past the eras in which slot defenders were thought of in a pejorative sense; in a time when nickel is the new base defense, if you don’t have at least one good slot guy against a plethora of 3×1 and empty sets, your defense is going to be in trouble. Sainristil projects as a plug-and-play slot man with some hybrid safety potential, and I think that gives him second-round juice.

Why ESPN thinks Michigan football DB Mike Sainristil is underrated

Teams better recognize before it’s too late! #GoBlue

From the high school level to the college level and apparently next the pro level, former Michigan football defensive back Mike Sainristil has been underrated. Yet, he’s continued to prove at every level that he’s as elite as they come.

Sainristil, who famously made the switch from wide receiver to nickel back, thrived upon the move, and became the Wolverines’ standout player on defense in each of the last two years. Whenever Michigan needed a big play to be made defensively, Sainristil made it. Yet, with the NFL draft forthcoming, not many are talking about his as a viable early pick — though he has made a few first-round mock drafts.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid gave his pick for the most underrated player in the upcoming draft (subscription required) and his choice was Sainristil.

Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan. Even though he’s only 5-9 and 182 pounds, Sainristil plays with toughness and could be a starter at nickel in the NFL. He is one of my favorite prospects to watch in this class, and I have him ranked at No. 50. I don’t think he’ll ultimately get picked in the top 50, though; he’s more likely to be selected in the later portions of Day 2. But nickel defenders are very important in today’s defensive systems, and I’d bet we’ll be wondering in five years why Sainristil — who picked off six passes last season — wasn’t drafted higher.

Considering that one of Washington’s star receivers said that Sainristil was the toughest player he faced in college, you’d think more draft analysts — as well as NFL draft scouts — would more so be keen on his skills, despite his diminutive stature. Of course, it could be obfuscation, and we could see Sainristil selected higher than most anticipate.

Regardless, wherever he’s picked, there’s no doubt in Michigan football fans’ minds that he will outperform expectations in the NFL given what they had seen from his time in Ann Arbor.

Evaluating the draft stock of Michigan football cornerback Mike Sainristil

Some team is gonna get an all-timer! #GoBlue

Mike Sainristil is the epitome of a Michigan man. He came into the program as an unheralded defensive back, switched to wide receiver, then made the change back to defensive back before the 2022 season. Sainristil would be elected captain, lead the team in interceptions, and make some of the biggest plays in program history. He will be remembered as a legend.

Of course, all good things come to an end. Sainristil had a terrific career in Ann Arbor, but it is time for him to move on. Mike entered the NFL draft and has garnered a lot of attention from scouts and media alike.

Firstly, Sainristil will likely play on the inside in the NFL. He did a great job of moving around from the boundary to the slot depending on the team’s need in college, but he does not have the size to man the boundary in the NFL. Look for him to be drafted as a nickel corner.

The first trait required to play slot corner in the NFL is aggressiveness at the point of attack. Sainristil checks that box with ease. He measured in at the combine at just 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, but that is acceptable for an interior defender. The important part is that he plays larger than his body, which is certainly true as Sainristil seeks out contact in run support and is an impressive tackler overall. He understands pursuit angles (besides one snap in the Rose Bowl) and does a great job of hitting his target low and wrapping up. On occasion, he makes the big hit that gets fans out of their seats, but for the most part, he is a very safe and consistent tackler. His coaches in the NFL will be comfortable using him as a force defender against the run or as a blitzer.

Secondly, Sainristil thrives in any type of coverage. He’s probably a little more comfortable in zone schemes, but he understands the technique behind man and can execute it well. His versatility is made possible by his exceptionally fluid hips and terrific burst, which allows him to get a jump on the ball or undercut a route. Coming from an offensive background, Sainristil also has a great understanding of route combos and offensive tendencies which he uses to his advantage. The guy is a terrific coverage player and can play pretty much any role from a variety of looks.

This article would be incomplete without briefly mentioning what Sainristil did at the combine. He didn’t steal the show, but his numbers were perfect for the role he will play in the NFL. Sanristil performed exceptionally well in both of the jumping drills, the shuttle, and his 10-yard split. These might not be the exercises that garner the most media attention, but they are the workouts that best display what it takes to play slot cornerback. Mike will be guarding slot players in the NFL, which means that he does not get to use the sideline as an extra defender in coverage. To compensate, his burst (10-yard split) and change of direction (shuttle) will be crucial to ensure that he can guard both in and out-breaking routes. Finally, his jumping ability means that QBs can’t simply dial up a 50-50 ball with a taller receiver. He will be able to contest most passes at the catch point and should be able to do a good job of breaking up anything thrown his way.

Finally, Mike just has that ‘it’ factor that you look for in a defensive playmaker. He always seems to be around the ball and has made jaw-dropping plays in just about every big game of his career. Against Ohio State he had a massive pass breakup in the end zone, he won MVP in the Big Ten title game, and, of course, had the game-sealing interception against Washington to secure a national title for the Wolverines. The guy understands football and what it takes to be great. He’s got the confidence and poise to perform on the brightest stages and will likely be a starter for whatever team decides to pull the trigger.

So, where will he go in the draft? Good question. He certainly won’t make it out of the second round but might be able to sneak into the first as a high-upside slot player who can start day one. I highly doubt anyone takes a shot on him that early, but Kansas City might need to shuffle their CB room without Sneed (assuming he is traded) and Baltimore has a need inside. Time will tell his destination, but I would be shocked if he lasts into round three.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 63, Michigan CB Mike Sainristil

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

If the Green Bay Packers don’t re-sign Keisean Nixon they’ll be in the market for a new nickel cornerback. Luckily for them, the 2024 NFL Draft class has a handful of talented slot cornerbacks that could fill that potential void.

Mike Sainristil is one of those aforementioned slot cornerbacks that Brian Gutekunst could target. The Michigan defensive back checks in at No. 63 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Sainristil started his career at Ann Arbor as a wide receiver. During his first three seasons on campus, Sainristil hauled in five receiving touchdowns before making the move to cornerback in 2022. 

During his first season on the defensive side of the ball, Sainristil recorded 58 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and seven pass deflections.

This past season, Sainristil recorded 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions, two touchdowns and six pass deflections. 

“Instincts, ball skills, toughness, leadership,” Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports said. “The playmaking ability jumps off the film, and his background as a receiver is obvious.”

Sainristil is the best true nickel cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is highly instinctive with outstanding field vision. The Michigan defensive back is great at reading route patterns and has a quick trigger. He has clean footwork and is smooth in his pedal.

He’s extremely explosive in short areas and has the fluidity to stick in the hip of slot receivers. He stays locked in and does a good job of playing through the hands of the receiver at the catch point. 

“That spot is so much about what’s between the ears,” Easterling said. “He’s such a smart, instinctive player, and he’s tough enough to survive closer to the trenches. He’s a bit lean, but that doesn’t keep him from being aggressive in press coverage, as well as run support. He’s got the short-area quickness to handle those shifty slot receivers, too.”

If the ball is in Sainristi’s zip code, he’s going to make a play. His background as a wide receiver is evident. He plays with a my-ball mentality and has outstanding body control in the air.

“His background as a receiver shines through in his ball skills and playmaking ability,” Easterling said. “He’s so natural when the ball comes his way, and he attacks the ball like he’s the offensive player. The production backs that up, and it’s no surprise.”

While he may be undersized (5-9, 182 pounds), that doesn’t stop him from throwing his body around against the run. He’s fearless coming downhill. Aside from the Alabama game (four missed tackles), he was a reliable tackler. He’s an effective blitzer out of the slot and closes with burst. 

“He’s got a thinner frame, which could challenge him against bigger blockers at the next level. But he doesn’t play like it, and he’s more than willing to get his hands dirty in that part of the game, and that’s half the battle.”

During his time at Michigan, Sainristil logged 332 snaps on special teams and recorded four tackles. He also has limited experience as a punt and kick returner. 

Fit with the Packers

Let’s start with the obvious. At 5-9 and 182 pounds, Sainristil does not fit Green Bay cornerback thresholds. Having said that, maybe it’s time they start viewing the nickel cornerback position in a different light. They did it with Amari Rodgers. They could do it for a special player like Sainristil.

The first player that Gutekunst drafted as the general manager of the Packers was a cornerback who did not meet Green Bay’s height threshold for cornerbacks. Never say never. 

The Packers could be in the market for a new nickel cornerback and Sainristil could step into that role on Day 1 and give Green Bay’s defense a shot in the arm with his playmaking ability.

“That nickel position is obviously a starting spot in today’s NFL, and he checks every box teams are looking for in that role,” Easterling said. “He brings added value with his intangibles as a leader and locker room presence, too. You can’t have enough of those guys on your roster.”

For too long the Packers have “ignored” the nickel cornerback position. It’s time they start investing. Sainristil checks the boxes with his short-area quickness, his football IQ and his ball skills. 

ESPN has Mike Sainristil among its biggest NFL scouting combine risers

Make that money, Mike! #GoBlue

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.

Star Washington WR says Mike Sainristil toughest player he faced in college

Gonna miss him so much! #GoBlue

The national championship game was supposed to feature the nation’s best pass offense flying high with wide receivers even the best pass defense couldn’t cover. But it didn’t work out like that.

The defense for Michigan football dominated, due to the defensive front generating enough pressure and stout coverage by the defensive backs across the board. Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan weren’t fully neutralized, but pretty close.

One big reason was team captain and nickel back Mike Sainristil, who frustrated McMillan all day. And it’s a night he’ll never forget — in the worst way.

Appearing at the NFL scouting combine on Friday, McMillan was asked who was the toughest player he went up against at the college level and he stated Sainristil. According to Nolan Bianchi:

“He was pissing me off — he was calling out formations, routes,” McMillan said.

While somewhat diminutive in stature, Sainristil is incredibly instinctive and a willing tackler — and it went beyond the national championship game. His highlights after converting from wide receiver feature mostly timely, incredible plays — from his pass breakup against tight end Cade Stover in the end zone, to his truck stick hit against TreVeyon Henderson the following year, he played huge against Ohio State. He made two timely interceptions against Maryland in Week 12 in 2023, but in the national championship game, he came even more alive.

Here is one instance where Washington had a creative play design to get McMillan the ball but Sainristil sniffed it out.

And while this is an overthrow, who can forget the game-sealing interception. And who was Penix targeting? McMillan.

Yes, it was an overthrow, but Sainristil was in the right spot at the right time and it led to the Wolverines hosting the national championship trophy less than an hour later.

 

He also made a clutch open-field tackle on third down, against — you guessed it — McMillan. The Huskies’ wideout attempted to shake him, but Sainrstil wrapped him up and got him on the ground.

Though not expected to be a high-end NFL draft pick due to his measurables, there are some analysts out there who believe Sainristil has the tools that could make him a first-round pick.

10 cornerbacks the Colts should watch at NFL combine

The Colts should keep an eye on these CBs during Friday’s workouts.

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine officially got underway with the start of workouts Thursday, and they’ll continue Friday with the defensive backs and tight ends taking the field.

The Indianapolis Colts will have a keen eye on all three positions—safeties and cornerbacks are lumped together—considering they are relatively high priorities in terms of needs this offseason.

While the combine is mostly important for the medical reports and formal interviews with prospects, the on-field testing does carry some weight for the Colts. Their investment in high-end athletes has been well-documented throughout Chris Ballard’s tenure.

Here are 10 cornerbacks the Colts should watch during Friday’s workouts at the NFL combine:

2024 NFL draft: 7 Michigan players who could follow Jim Harbaugh to Chargers

Jim Harbaugh could bring in a few players he coached at Michigan in this year’s draft.

Familiarity plays a big role in roster-building. For head coach Chargers Jim Harbaugh and some of his coaches on staff, they have a slew of players they coached at Michigan who could follow them to Los Angeles.

Here is a look at seven that could be targeted when April’s draft rolls around.

Insdorf’s Guys: 2024 NFL draft ‘crushes’ the Chargers might love

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Alex Insdorf’s 2024 NFL draft crushes the Los Angeles Chargers might love.

It’s full throttle towards the combine and draft season now that both the college and NFL seasons are in the can. At Joe Hortiz’s press conference last week, he laid out a vision that was highly dependent on using valuable draft picks to build a strong foundation. It makes sense as that’s how a lot of his previous organization’s teams in Baltimore were built.

LA’s cap situation is obviously tight as well. They’re not going to be players in the free agent market outside of a few smaller signings in the margins.

To initiate the retool/rebuild in LA under a new regime, here are five draft crushes that I think could give the Chargers a significant boost.

5 nickel CBs the Colts should target in 2024 NFL draft

Taking a look at some nickel CBs the Colts should considering drafting.

Until the Indianapolis Colts go through free agency, there isn’t a clear position that Chris Ballard needs to target in the upcoming NFL draft.

Free agency should help clear up some question marks surrounding the roster and one area on the defense that can end up becoming a big need is if the team doesn’t re-sign Kenny Moore II.

I am in the camp that Moore II has to be brought back in 2024 but even with him on the roster, Ballard should keep nickel cornerbacks on his radar in the draft.

Moore II will be 29 next season and if he is re-signed, it will likely come on a 2-3 year deal so the future has to be considered. As well as that, Moore II has missed six games in the past two years and when he is out of the lineup, it is very apparent that the defense misses him.

Adding depth at nickel can give Gus Bradley an option if Moore II has to miss any time and not be forced to utilize his safeties in that role like he has in the past.

Here are five corners that Ballard can target for the nickel role in the draft: