The Washington Commanders took a lot of pride in their passing defense in 2024, as they allowed the third-fewest passing yards in the league.<\/p>\n
And they could further improve in 2025 due to some young players making an impact.<\/p>\n
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In a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder<\/a>, he picks the player who he thinks is every team’s best-kept secret. For the Commanders, he thinks that player is sophomore cornerback Mike Sainristil.<\/p>\n “College football fans know Sainristil well since he was the MVP of the Big Ten Championship and had the game-clinching interception in the National Championship during Michigan\u2019s 2023-2024 postseason run,” Holder wrote. “In his lone NFL season, the former Wolverine proved to be a valuable addition to the Commanders\u2019 secondary, lining up at nickel and outside cornerback.”<\/p>\n Washington selected the 24-year-old defensive back with the 50th pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he immediately made his presence felt.<\/p>\n He racked up a very impressive 93 total tackles in his rookie season, as well as one tackle for loss and once forced fumble. He was also able to show his ball-hawk skills with two interceptions and 14 passes defended.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n He was also able to get the job done in the playoffs, grabbing two more interceptions and defending four more passes.<\/p>\n The Commanders traded with the New Orleans Saints to acquire veteran corner Marshon Lattimore last November, and he could mentor the young Sainristill to be an even better player.<\/p>\n And then? A possible step up to stardom for the youngster.<\/p>\n Related: Commanders Dan Quinn Dealing With Bad News On Tush Push Vote<\/a><\/p>\n Related: Commanders Named As 1 Team To ‘Dethrone’ Eagles In 2025<\/a><\/p>\n