Commanders Rookie Mike Sainristil's Role Revealed

Last season, the Washington Commanders defense was the worst in the league. They ranked dead last in nearly every category. New coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters set forth on a mission to drastically improve the defensive side of the ball.

In the second round of this year’s NFL draft, the Commanders selected cornerback Mike Sainristil with the No. 50 overall pick out of Michigan. The former Wolverine has been impressive in his first professional offseason and has been mentored by Washington legend Darrell Green.

In speaking to reporters, Sainristil spoke about his current role on the team and what he likes about it.

"I love the whole thing. I love the whole package of being a slot corner," Sainristil says. "I love coming up in the right game. I love defending passes. And then I enjoy being able to communicate at a very high level, being very vocal. I think the whole star position itself, it's a very unique position."

His passion and desire to give his all on the field is evident and has definitely caught the eye of head coach Dan Quinn.

Related: Commanders' Kliff Kingsbury Loves His Backfield Combination

"Mike Sainristil has been somebody that's been really, consistently strong,” Quinn said. “It's run fits, it’s coverage, it's all of it that goes into that position. Playing nickel is a lot like playing safety. There's run fits, there's calls, there's checks and things happen quickly, and Mikey has certainly shown he's up for the task to be in that spot.”

With the preseason opening this weekend against the New York Jets, Sainristil will definitely be tested in his first professional football game. We, and everyone else, expect him to pass this test with flying colors.

The Commanders play at MetLife Stadium on Saturday against the Jets.