Sonny Styles - Commanders LB
The Washington Commanders struck gold with linebacker Sonny Styles. General manager Adam Peters loved him during the pre-draft process, but the front-office leader didn't hold out much hope of him being available when he went on the clock at No. 7 overall.
They got lucky. And it already looks like Styles is going to become a legitimate linchpin on defense for the Commanders to depend upon over the next decade or more.
While some unfair criticism came Styles' way during his limited preseason involvement, he silenced his doubters when it mattered most. The Ohio State product is a do-it-all presence at the second level, and he was simply made to be a top-level NFL performer.
Styles has the size. He has the athleticism and knows where to be positionally. He is spotting running lanes effectively and tackling well. The first-round rookie is causing disruption in the backfield when given the chance, and there have also been plenty of positive signs in coverage for good measure.
This is precisely what the Commanders had in mind.
Washington didn't bring back Bobby Wagner this offseason. Frankie Luvu's been in and out of the lineup due to injury, and Leo Chenal is done for the year with a fractured neck. The Commanders needed Styles to grow up quickly, and he's answered their call.
Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT
After making encouraging strides in the second half of his rookie campaign, Josh Conerly Jr. worked exceptionally hard throughout the offseason to take the next step. It's had the desired effect, with the right tackle emerging as a real standout in Year 2 of his professional career.
Conerly has been almost flawless in pass protection. His play strength is improving, and the technical problems are becoming less evident.
Everything seems to be slowing down for the No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. And the best part? He's only going to get better from here.
There is a lot to like about Conerly's on-field play. His mindset is equally as impressive.
This comes from spending so much time away from the team with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. He's been a supremely positive mentor for the edge protector, and even though he's out with a torn triceps, his influence is still being felt.
Conerly has gone from a questionable choice to one of the league's best young right tackles. There are still some kinks to work out on running plays, but the trajectory is firmly pointing up.
With Conerly still just 22, it's hard to say what his ceiling will be when he reaches his prime. That's a scary thought, but it will benefit the Commanders considerably.
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