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.