Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
The Washington Commanders were extremely high on linebacker Sonny Styles during their comprehensive pre-draft assessments. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn both praised the prospect significantly during their appearances in front of the media, but they didn't hold much hope that he would still be around at No. 7 overall.
When Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate both went in the top four picks, the dynamic shifted. The Commanders got their chance, and Peters wasn't going to waste it. Styles was their guy, and he's got all the makings of a franchise cornerstone for the next decade or more if his ceiling is reached.
Styles is an imposing second-level presence. His athleticism is absolutely off the charts, and he can make a huge impact in all phases. His leadership, understanding of defensive schemes, and the esteem in which he was held by teammates at Ohio State were equally important, so this could be a home run in no uncertain terms.
The Commanders are making Styles earn it. He was with the second-string defense for much of OTAs, but that is expected to change at mandatory minicamp. If everything goes as expected, the rookie could cement his status as a starting option in a linebacker room that should be an area of strength next season.
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
Josh Conerly Jr. came away from his rookie season with credit. It was a legitimate baptism of fire over the opening first few weeks, where the right tackle came up against some of the NFL's most elite edge rushers. There were inevitable growing pains, but the No. 29 pick in the 2025 draft responded positively.
Conerly took on some harsh lessons. He got a crash course in what it takes to be a productive pro, and the consistency displayed over the second half of 2025 was immensely encouraging. Now, he's looking to build on this positivity to cement his status as a franchise cornerstone.
The former Oregon star spent the offseason working with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Conerly had a strong conditioning and nutrition program, which is paying off handsomely. He looks visibly more defined, toned, and in much better shape. This will only serve the player well in Year 2 of his career.
Washington has some minor concerns about the interior of the offensive line. Nick Allegretti is playing center after Tyler Biadasz's release. There is genuine competition between Chris Paul and Brandon Coleman for the starting left guard job, but if Conerly makes the strides anticipated, the Commanders have a bookend tackle tandem to rely on.
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