Michigan nickelback Mike Sainristil has emerged as a potential first-round pick following an impressive evaluation season leading up to the NFL Draft scheduled for April 25 in Detroit. At the 2024 NFL Combine, Sainristil showcased his speed with a 40-yard-dash time of 4.47, reaffirming his reputation as one of the nation’s top defensive playmakers.
Recently, Sainristil responded cheerfully to a post from a Detroit-based sports media network on X, tagging former Michigan teammate and current Detroit Lions edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The discussion highlighted Sainristil as a potential asset to bolster the Lions’ secondary in the upcoming season.
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— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) March 29, 2024
Hutchinson, a Consensus All-American for the Wolverines in 2021, has excelled since being drafted second overall by the Lions. His success, including being named Pepsi’s Rookie of the Year in 2022 and earning his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2023, has contributed to the team’s resurgence.
The need for improvement in the Lions’ secondary became apparent following the release of cornerback Cameron Sutton, who faces legal issues in Florida. With Sainristil’s notable achievements, including 26 solo tackles, six interceptions, and six pass break-ups for the Wolverines last season, he could offer a valuable contribution to the Lions’ defense.
Despite not being listed in the first round of CBS Sports’ latest 2024 NFL Mock Draft, Sainristil is projected as a second-round pick. To secure him, the Lions may need to consider trading up from their current 61st overall slot in the second round.
While Lions General Manager Brad Holmes has indicated that acquiring another cornerback is not a priority this offseason, Sainristil’s unique skill set as a fast and physical nickelback could offer versatility to coordinator Aaron Glenn’s defensive strategies, enhancing the team’s competitiveness against opposing receivers.
