The Pittsburgh Steelers boast a youthful defensive backfield, spearheaded by emerging talents like Joey Porter Jr. and recent addition Donte Jackson holding down the top cornerback positions. Cory Trice and Darius Rush, both embarking on their sophomore seasons in the NFL, further bolster the roster. However, following the departures of Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace, the Steelers lack experienced cornerbacks from last season’s squad.
Anticipating the upcoming draft, the Steelers are widely expected to fortify their cornerback ranks. Among the potential prospects, Michigan standout Mike Sainristil has garnered significant attention from fans, expressing his eagerness to join Pittsburgh and form a formidable defensive duo alongside Porter. In a recent interview with Mitch Kaiser of PFF, Sainristil highlighted his admiration for the Steelers and his desire to contribute to a “no-fly zone” defense. Additionally, the Massachusetts native acknowledged the allure of playing for his hometown team, the New England Patriots.
Drawing inspiration from former Steeler and current Bengal cornerback Mike Hilton, Sainristil has honed his game, showcasing his playmaking abilities with six interceptions and four touchdowns during his tenure with the Wolverines in 2023.