General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn were high on Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles from a long way out. The Washington Commanders didn't think they'd have a legitimate chance of taking the prospect, who was widely expected to go in the top five. When he fell, they didn't think twice about turning in their card.
Peters and Quinn got their guy. And according to reports, Washington's front office leader pulled off a bait-and-switch of epic proportions on the Kansas City Chiefs.
When the New York Giants took hybrid linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5, all eyes were on the Cleveland Browns at No. 6. They were eager to move back, and the rumors were swirling around who the Commanders might take. Someone must have told the Chiefs it was going to be LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, sounding the alarm enough to push up the order.
Commanders reportedly baited the Chiefs to guarantee Sonny Styles at No. 7
Kansas City took Delane. And the Commanders were free to take the best prospect on their board.
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright of KOA 850 AM in Colorado believes the Chiefs fell for Peters' plot. He thought a rumor was spread that Washington wanted Delane, and the AFC West team bit. The Commanders had shown interest in the Tigers' prospect, but they didn't speak about anyone the way they did about Styles.
KC got head-faked by Washington leaking that Cb rumor
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) April 24, 2026
That should tell those arguing the case all they need to know.
This was Quinn's main priority from a long way out. The coach and Styles discussed the prospect of him returning soon after their meeting, and it came to fruition. This gives new coordinator Daronte Jones the tone-setting general needed at the second level, and the former Buckeyes' star has the scope to become even better in the coming years.
The Commanders have a special player on their hands. They know it, and if it took something a little underhanded to gain an edge, Peters was well within his rights.
The experienced executive didn't believe anything that was being said, but if the report is accurate, others were. And the plan worked to perfection in every conceivable way.
Delane is a fantastic player in a position of need for the Chiefs. The compensation may have been an overpay to some, but it enabled them to get their guy. As for the Commanders? They secured Styles, who was the one they wanted all along.
If both talented player meet their billing, this will be a win-win for everybody.
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