Here's how high Michigan DB Mike Sainristil could be picked in 2024 NFL Draft
Michigan Wolverines football All-American defensive back Mike Sainristil likely wouldn’t be a talking point heading into the 2024 NFL Draft had he not switched from wide receiver to nickel back ahead of the 2022 season. But the truth is, he’s now one of the more intriguing prospects who’s not slated to be taken in the first round of April’s draft.
A two-time captain, Sainristil was the heart and soul of the Wolverines’ defense, leading the secondary with 44 tackles, including 4 behind the line of scrimmage and a sack and posted 6 interceptions, the most by a Michigan defender since cornerback Blake Countess had an identical number in 2013. The first-team All-Big Ten honoree returned 2 of them for touchdowns, and his 232 single-season interception return yards are the most in program history.
The knock on him heading into the draft, though, is his size at 5-foot-10, 182 pounds. Those concerns are still there, but ESPN analyst Matt Miller said on a conference call Tuesday that the Michigan star that the Michigan star answered questions throughout the season, helping lead the Maize and Blue to a 15-0 finish and national championship.
“I’ve moved him up a lot,” Miller said. “Earlier in the season, I would get asked about him, and I would say, ‘This is one of my favorite players, but…’ And I feel like the what comes after that ‘but’ is getting a lot smaller because, yes, he’s small, but nickel players are so valuable in the NFL right now.
“Every week for Michigan, that dude was making plays — whether it be in coverage or making big tackles in space. He’s just such an instinctive football player. So, I have him right now at the very top of the third round, so he could maybe sneak in late Round 2.”
Miller, who didn’t list Sainristil in his two-round mock draft released Feb. 5, listed some teams that the Michigan prospect could end up on.
“A team like Kansas City, depending on what happens with L’Jarius Sneed, I think would be a great fit for him,” Miller said. “San Francisco needs a slot corner in the worst way, so he would be a great fit there if we see a little bit of run on corners.”
Miller reiterated that Sainristil, who was one of 18 Michigan players to earn an NFL Combine invite, continues to rise as a prospect.
“His instincts, his ability to read and diagnose and just to get in position to make plays is fantastic. Talk about somebody who just out-plays his size. You could look at the roster and see what he’s listed at and you have an expectations of how he’s going to play … he’s completely different than that. He’s so physical. He does not shy away from the ball — ever — whether it be run or pass.
“He’s someone who I loved how he played as a college football player. I wasn’t sure about him as a draft prospect, but the closer we get to late April, I just keep moving him up every time I revise my rankings.”
