breaking news: No. 63, Michigan CB Mike Sainristil
The 100 prospects listed on the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown are those who the Green Bay Packers may choose in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers will need to find a new nickel cornerback if they decide not to re-sign Keisean Nixon. Fortunately for them, there are a few excellent slot cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft class who could cover that potential hole.
Mike Sainristil 1 (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/).is among those slot cornerbacks Brian Gutekunst stated earlier that he might target. In the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown, the Michigan defensive back is ranked No. 63.As a wide receiver, Sainristil began his career at Ann Arbor. Sainristil caught five receiving touchdowns in his first three years on university before switching to cornerback in 2022.
Sainristil racked up 58 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, and seven pass deflections in his debut season on the defensive end.
Sainristil racked up 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, two touchdowns, six interceptions, and six pass deflections in the previous campaign.
“Toughness, leadership, ball skills, instincts,” stated Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports. “The playwriting skill pops off the screen, and it’s clear he was a receiver growing up.”
The top true nickel cornerback available in the 2024 NFL Draft is Sainristil. He has exceptional field vision and is very intuitive. The Michigan defensive back has a quick trigger and excels at recognizing route patterns. He pedals smoothly and with neat footwork.
He may stick in the hip of slot receivers because of his fluidity and remarkable explosiveness in small places. At the catch point, he plays well through the receiver’s hands while remaining locked in.
Easterling remarked, “That spot is so much about what’s between the ears.” He is a very astute and intuitive player who possesses the necessary toughness to endure nearer to the trenches. Despite his slight frame, he is a strong run supporter and participates in press coverage. He also possesses the short-range agility needed to stop those cunning slot receivers.
Sainristi will make a play if the ball is in his zip code. It is clear that he was a wide receiver in the past. He has excellent body control in the air and plays with a me-ball mindset.
Easterling remarked, “His ball skills and playmaking ability shine through from his background as a receiver.” “When the ball comes his way, he attacks it like he’s the offensive player because he’s so natural at it. That is supported by the production, which is not surprising.
Despite being tiny (5-9, 182 pounds), he still throws his body about to block the run. He’s descending fearlessly. He was a dependable tackler, save until the Alabama game (four missed tackles). He closes with a burst and is a proficient blitzer out of the slot.
“At the next level, his smaller frame may present a challenge against stronger blockers.” However, that’s not how he plays, and he’s more than ready to get his hands dirty when it comes to that portion of the game, which is half the fight.
Sainristil played special teams on 332 snaps while at Michigan, recording four tackles. In addition, he is not very experienced returning kicks and punts.
Harmony with the Packers
Let’s begin with the evident. Sainristil is too big and heavy (182 pounds) to be a cornerback for the Green Bay Packers. That being said, perhaps it’s time they began to see the nickel cornerback position differently. Using Amari Rodgers, they succeeded. They might carry it out for a unique player.
As general manager of the Packers, Gutekunst selected a cornerback as his first pick, despite the fact that he was too short to play in Green Bay. Don’t ever say never.
Sainristil might take over at nickel cornerback for the Packers, who may need a new player. With his playmaking abilities, he could jumpstart Green Bay’s defense from the opening day.
In today’s NFL, the nickel position is undoubtedly a starting berth, and Easterling said that he fulfills all the requirements teams have for that position. “His leadership qualities and presence in the locker room also provide importance. Those folks are indispensable to have on your team.
The Packers have “ignored” the nickel cornerback position for far too long. They should begin investing now. Sainristil’s football IQ, ball skills, and short-area quickness all check boxes.
