3 Michigan Players Jim Harbaugh Should Draft for the Chargers in 2024
3. Mike Sainristil, CB
Cornerback is one area Harbaugh and the team's new GM must address this offseason. While Asante Samuel Jr. is holding things down on one side, the other starting spot is a lot more murky following J.C. Jackson's midseason departure and Michael Davis' underwhelming 2023 campaign.
A top-end secondary is a must competing in the AFC, where every top contender boasts an elite quarterback and plethora of weapons. One Michigan player who could add some immediate playmaking on the other side of the ball is Mike Sainristil.
The wide-receiver-turned-cornerback became a menace in the Wolverines' secondary over the past two seasons. In 2022, his first full season on defense, Sainristil recorded an interception, seven passes defended, 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks.
Sainristil was even more of a disruptor on pass plays in 2023, nabbing six INTs this past year, including two that were returned for touchdowns and 232 total return yards overall.
The senior not only can create game-changing turnovers in the passing game, but also provides a legit threat to stop ball carriers in the backfield. It's exciting to think about what Sainristil could do alongside Samuel long-term, as the latter just turned 24 years old.
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