Commanders select CB Mike Sainristil in Round 2

The Washington Commanders selected Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 50 overall.

Sainristil projects as a nickel cornerback at the next level. He recorded a career-high six interceptions in 2023 en route to winning a national championship with Michigan.

Sainristil also played wide receiver early in his college career.

Pre-draft profile

Based on his style, you wouldn't know that Sainristil is on the smaller end of corners. The 23-year-old plays with a lot of physicality in coverage and the run game, though his size sometimes forces him into ankle tackles. A former wide receiver, Sainristil's ball skills shine. He recorded six interceptions in 2023 on the back of elite explosiveness, returning two for touchdowns. Sainristil's technique getting into coverage is inconsistent and loose, but he moves well and should get that cleaned up with coaching and experience.