Commanders Employ ‘Best-Kept Secret’ Poised to Explode on NFL

Is there such a thing as a "loud secret''?

When looking back at how important the 2024 NFL Draft class was for the Washington Commanders' success last season, it's easy to think about quarterback Jayden Daniels first. And second. And more.

However, second-round defensive Mike Sainristil quickly went from being a gifted but unproven prospect out of Michigan to one of the up-and-coming cornerbacks in the game, so much so that Sainristil was named to Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker's All-Breakout team.

"The Commanders finished 2024 ranked 30th in both defensive success rate and team PFF coverage grade. While Washington didn’t make many drastic changes to a unit that likely needed them, the Commanders do have a player who’s teeming with talent in Sainristil," Locker wrote.

"While playing out of position at outside cornerback in his rookie season, Sainristil registered a 65.8 overall PFF grade with a 64.5 PFF coverage grade."

So, that's "loud.''

At the same time, the gang at Riggo's Rag suggests that he's "a Commanders’ best-kept secret.''

And we get it. He is still coming into his own of course, with the spotlight about to shine.

Oh, it will shine first on some of the star wideouts in the NFC East; wherever the versatile Sainristil lines up, he will eventually bump into the likes of A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, DeVonta Smith and Malik Nabers.

With another year of experience under his belt, Sainristil figures to be up for an even bigger season than his rookie campaign. And that helps boost Washington's Super Bowl hopes to an even higher level, he will be an even "louder secret.''