Patriots Must Draft One of These Three Cornerbacks
The New England Patriots should add another depth piece to their cornerback rotation. Targeting one of these names in the NFL Draft makes a ton of sense.
By Cem Yolbulan
We are less than two weeks away from the 2024 NFL Draft. Like every other NFL team, the New England Patriots are laser-focused on the prospects to kickstart their rebuild and set themselves up for the future.
The main priority is understandably the quarterback question. Armed with the third-overall pick, the Patriots are all but guaranteed to select their next franchise QB. Then, wide receiver and offensive tackle have been discussed as the main areas of focus for the front office.
Cornerback hasn't really been the focus this offseason as the Patriots' rotation is solid with veteran starter Jonathan Jones and blue-chip talent Christian Gonzalez. The depth behind them, however, leaves plenty to be desired. The Patriots would be smart to make an addition there, especially considering that Gonzalez will be coming back from a serious injury he suffered last season.
The Patriots have a pick in each round of the draft. Let's take a look at who they could target in each part of the draft.
Mike Sainristil - Early Round Pick
The versatile defensive back out of Michigan is one of the most intriguing players in the draft. Having started his collegiate career as a wide receiver after being recruited as a two-way player, Sainristil switched to the defensive side of the ball before the 2022 season. He has been a full-time starter at cornerback for the last two seasons, winning first-team All-American honors and winning the national championship with the Wolverines.
Sainristil thriving in different positions and roles while contributing to winning at the highest level makes him a very attractive draft target. He has been a key part of special teams during his time in Michigan, making him one of the most all-around impact players in his draft class. He can be a starting slot cornerback and safety with an ability to align all over the secondary even though he projects more as a nickel defender in the NFL.
At 5'9, he is not the biggest or strongest defender out there. But, he is just an excellent football player. The Patriots might not target him with their second-round pick but if he is still around towards the end of the second-round, trading up for him could make some sense.