The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for young talent to add to their roster through the 2024 NFL Draft. The Raiders are beginning an exciting time in Las Vegas under the new regime of Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco.
They are trying to build a winning culture and looking for players to help them win. The Raiders were a solid defensive team with lots of youth in the secondary but could look for more long-term answers at cornerback. Thankfully for them, there are several talented corners in this class.
One of those players is Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil. A native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sainristil spent the first three seasons of his Wolverines career as a wide receiver but converted to corner in 2022. Sainristil was immediately excellent on the defensive side of the ball, finishing with 58 total tackles, six and a half tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception in 2022. He had four tackles for loss and six interceptions in 2023. Sainristil was a First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten member last season as well.
Sainristil is 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds, but his small frame should not trick anyone. He is a physical player at corner and can deliver big hits in the run game. Sainristil is a fearless defender who will not back down from a bigger match-up. Sainristil’s experience as a wide receiver translates to his skill set as a corner. He is a fast, fluid mover with good flexibility and athleticism. He also knows how to line up against receivers, showing the ability to mirror receivers with excellent footwork.
Not only is Sainristil good in the run game, but he is also an impressive coverage player. According to Pro Football Focus, he was targeted 50 times and allowed 29 receptions and six passes defended. Sainristil has excellent instincts and uses his physicality to his advantage. Sainristil profiles best as a slot cornerback in the NFL due to his size, so he may be limited as a player at the next level. He also tends to arm tackle, which will not work in the league, especially at his size. Sainristil is projected to be a day two selection in the draft. He could be a good fit if he is available when the Raiders select in the third round
