Mike Sainristil, DB, Michigan
Height/Weight: 5-9, 182
Age: 23.6
Strengths
- Tackling: Throws his entire being into every hit, setting a tone early with big impacts and solid fundamentals
- Tenacity: Omnipresent intensity on every rep. Never loses a snap due to effort
- Block Shedding: Acts like a LB or edge rusher with his ability to avoid blocks or get out of jams vs. WRs and TEs
- Instinctual: Always around the ball with an innate feel for the game that’s especially evident given his lack of defensive experience
Areas of Improvement-Concerns
- Size: Lacks the desired height and thickness to play on the perimeter. Built best for a slot CB role in base nickel packages (extra defensive back)
- Technique: Former WR that is still learning the in’s and outs of the position including pedaling, route recognition, speed turns, etc.
Evaluation:
No DB in the 2024 NFL Draft plays with as much effort, intensity and instincts as Mike Sainristil. Questions about his readiness are valid given his lack of experience and overall structure, but players with the pedigree, athleticism and desire to become better seldom fail in the league. Sainristil projects to be a considerable presence as a slot corner, disrupting targets in the pass game and unloading on unexpected backs against the run, with the potential to be a top 50 selection.
James Foster’s Latest Big Board Ranking:
87th overall, 14th ranked CB
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