The Commanders have signed one of their three second-round picks. The team announced that they’ve signed second-round cornerback Mike Sainristil.
Sainristil had a unique path to the the NFL, as the Michigan product spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career as a wide receiver. He peaked in 2021, when he hauled in 22 receptions for 312 yards and two touchdowns.
He switched to cornerback in 2022 and immediately established himself as one of the team’s top defenders. Over the past two years, he collected 102 tackles, three sacks and seven interceptions. Six of those picks came this past season, including the clinching interception during Michigan’s national championship win.
Following a 2023 campaign where the cornerback earned first-team All-American honors, the Commanders used the 50th-overall pick on Sainristil. The cornerback was one of the team’s three second-round selections, with Sainristil coming in between defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and tight end Ben Sinnott.
Sainristil played mostly in the slot at Michigan and will likely see a similar role with the Commanders. 2023 second-round pick Quan Martin is around to provide the rookie with some competition for that spot.
Sainristil is only the fifth member of the Commanders’ 10-man draft class to sign a rookie contract. The team’s entire draft class includes:
- Round 1, No. 2: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
- Round 2, No. 36: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
- Round 2, No. 50 (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
- Round 2, No. 53 (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE, Kansas State)
- Round 3, No. 67: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
- Round 3, No. 100 (from 49ers): Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 139: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 152 (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
- Round 5, No. 161 (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 222: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame) (signed)
