The biggest compliment one could pay Mike Sainristil for his rookie exploits is that nobody worried about him. That's not always the case where rookie cornerbacks are concerned, but the Washington Commanders look to have a possible steal on their hands.
Sainristil isn't reveling in his newly acquired momentum. He's eager to build on it, and the signs coming out of training camp suggest that the former second-round pick is well on his way to NFL superstardom.
The Commanders didn't flinch when Sainristil was available at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Although he was undersized, those in power were convinced he could be a tremendous addition. It took just one season to prove them right.
Mike Sainristil is on course to become Commanders franchise cornerstone entering Year 2
If that wasn't enough, Sainristil is emerging as arguably the biggest factor at training camp so far. The Commanders have moved him back into the nickel after drafting Trey Amos in the second round. This is where his skills are best suited, and his dominant practice efforts have been an absolute revelation.
This was a sentiment echoed by Zach Selby from the team's website. He rightfully named Sainristil among his camp standouts from Week 2. The insider also believes the Commanders have a future franchise cornerstone on their hands if the same trend continues.
"It's not a surprise to the coaching staff that [Mike] Sainristil is producing on the field. They knew he was a talented player last season and expected him to keep developing because of his approach to the game. However, they have also seen him grow as a leader, which head coach Dan Quinn said is the next step for him. Sainristil still has a long way to go in his career, but it looks like the Commanders have found a foundational piece for their future."
Zach Selby
The fierce inner desire within Sainristil guaranteed that complacency wouldn't become an issue. He wants to be great. He's growing as a performer and leader in the locker room. Whether it's practice, the preseason, or when the results matter, the effort levels never change.
That's something others can feed off. It's something the coaching staff will depend upon even more when Sainristl acquires additional experience. And he is more than ready for whatever they throw at him.
Adam Peters is still relying on experienced veterans thanks to Ron Rivera's incompetent drafting over his four years at the helm. But if the general manager keeps bringing players like Sainristil into the fold, that won't be the case for much longer.
And that'll be the best way to keep this storied franchise on the path to perennial contention.
