Hogs Haven
I have been very vocal this offseason about new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones and head coach Dan Quinn really liking what the Commanders have at cornerback. Much of my optimism surrounding this unit was gleaned from my tea-leaf reading skills, and apparently these skills have not let me down.
I stated many times that I did not believe Washington would use a top 100 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on a corner, despite fan outrage over both Mike Sainristil and Amik Robertson. Both guys had rough seasons in 2025. I had maintained throughout that it was more about scheme and injuries surrounding these players than it was a lack of talent.
Now, we have more info on this front…
On Friday of last week, ESPN reporter John Keim came out with this quick nugget that reinforced the staff’s belief in third-year corner Mike Sainristil and how Washington NEVER lost faith in him despite a rough showing in 2025.
Keim states what I have been saying all offseason, that the heavy zone scheme that Jones will employ this year will pair well with Mikey’s ability to play with vision and create takeaways.
Despite many fans calling for reinforcements, including street free agent Rasul Douglas and former Quinn disciple Trevon Diggs, it looks like the staff is plenty comfortable going into the season with Sainristil (who has seen the most time on the outside during OTAs), Trey Amos, Roberston and Ahkello Witherspoon.
There is also the belief that Jones will deploy a third safety as a slot corner in many defensive looks. This opens the door for a player like Quan Martin to return to the position he was drafted to play by the team back in 2023 and allowing him to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where he seems more comfortable. We’ve talked about this quite a bit over the last three months.
I believe a healthy, fast, aggressive front four/five, and a ridiculously athletic new linebacking corps will greatly help the back end.
As Keim mentioned, much more zone looks — including Cover 2, Cover 4 and Palms, will complement the skillset of players like Sainristil and Robertson, hopefully creating renewed hope among the fanbase.
