Among the top names from the Washington Commanders' 2024 draft class, Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil made one of the most significant impacts on last year's playoff team.

What are reasonable expectations for the second-year pro?

Sainristil started most games from the slot last season and went toe-to-toe against some of the best receivers in the sport. CeeDee Lamb , A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Malik Nabers are just some of the receivers who battled against the rookie.

And Washington's young corner more than held his own.

As he prepares for his sophomore season in the league, expectations for Sainristil are as high as Washington's are for the upcoming season. Analysts expect a breakout year from the slot corner.

It helps that the veteran is certainly playing like a breakout is coming.

On the team's website, Sainristil was named one of the top performers in offseason workouts.

"Although it looks like Sainristil will remain in the slot, it's still unclear as to where he'll line up during the 2025 season," the team's website said. "His exact role might be more fluid because of his versatility, as he held his own against some of the league's top wideouts."

The NFC East is a division with many star receivers and excellent quarterback play. Having elite cornerbacks across the secondary is crucial for each defense trying to stay afloat.

Philadelphia and Dallas have been known for having them in recent years. Last season, the Commanders showed they were capable of that as well.

Part of Washington's success was due to Sainristil's development. That's why the team is hoping for an even bigger jump in his second year. With a defensive head coach and veteran Marshon Lattimore adding to his supporting cast, he's in a position to have success.