Hogs Haven
A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders
Although Jayden Daniels was one of the most notable stories in the NFL this season, another Commanders rookie also had a stellar season: cornerback Mike Sainristil. The second-round pick was a large part of the Commanders’ defensive success, leading all rookies in tackles with 62.
“Mike’s somebody that, he’s hard to fool,” Head Coach Dan Quinn said. “Much like Jayden, he’s got a little bit of an older soul about him, he takes to coaching quickly, he doesn’t repeat mistakes. And so, for him, the opportunity, when it comes to go and nail it — he delivered on that.”
Sainristil delivered throughout the regular season, finishing with 93 tackles and two interceptions. He credits his background playing wide receiver for the first two years of his collegiate career at the University of Michigan to helping him understand the receivers he is tasked with covering and staying calm as a defender.
Peters has some huge decisions to make in the coming weeks. The Commanders are well positioned to strengthen the ranks with almost [$90] million in salary-cap space and seven draft selections. Before that, the respected front-office leader must first determine the fate of the team’s free agents.
The Commanders hedged their bets with most acquisitions under Peters. Very few signings received long-term commitments. Most got one-year, prove-it deals with the promise of more if they prove themselves. Washington must figure out which ones should come along for the ride.
Some will be moved on with little fanfare attached. Others have done more than enough for extensions after sterling efforts throughout a campaign to remember. A select few could legitimately go either way.
In his first mock draft for 2025, Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network has Washington selecting Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the No. 29 overall pick.
The Commanders’ offensive line has played well above expectations, but I think they need to upgrade the talent to protect Jayden Daniels going forward.
Simmons, 22, spent his first two seasons at San Diego State before transferring to Ohio State ahead of the 2023 season. He started every game for the Aztecs as a redshirt freshman in 2022 at right tackle. In 2023, Simmons started 13 games at left tackle and every game in 2024 until an injury prematurely ended his season.
Simmons could allow the Commanders to move Coleman to right tackle — Andrew Wylie is a free agent — or kick him inside. Many teams thought Coleman’s NFL future was guard.
