Washington Commanders rookie laughably snubbed from season award finalists

On Thursday the NFL announced its finalists for the 2024-25 seasonal awards, including Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Notably missing from the list was Washington Commanders DB Mike Sainristil.

The finalists for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/sULpgAsMsO

Sainristil, though not Washington's most famous rookie, had a standout first season in which he only got progressively better as the year went along. During the regular season he recorded two interceptions and 14 passes deflected, and he was named the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week for Week 18.

Though the playoffs are not considered for these awards, it's worth noting that Sainristil had arguably his best performance yet in the Commanders' Divisional Round game against the Detroit Lions, when he intercepted two passes in Washington's 45-31 upset win.

Still, Sainristil was not named a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. The five nominees are a pair of Los Angeles Rams in LB Jared Verse and DE Braden Fiske, a pair of Philadelphia Eagles in CBs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, and Miami Dolphins LB Chop Robinson.

DeJean in particular being nominated over Sainristil seems perplexing, when comparing their stats side-by-side. Sainristil recorded more tackles, interceptions and pass breakups, while allowing a lesser percentage of his targets to be completed.

Alas, Sainristil and the Commanders have bigger fish to fry. On Sunday, he'll have the opportunity to use his snub as bulletin board material by showing out against DeJean's Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.