The Washington Commanders need talent everywhere on defense, but with long-term questions at the second level and an emphasis on speed, coverage versatility, and defensive multiplicity under their current regime, Washington profiles as a natural landing spot for an athletic off-ball linebacker who can stay on the field in all situations.
Washington has lacked a true middle-of-the-field eraser who can match up with tight ends, close space in zone coverage, and still hold up versus the run, but Ohio State's Sonny Styles’ rare blend of size, range, and coverage instincts would immediately upgrade that area of the defense.
Let's dive into the tape on Styles.
Ohio State LB Sonny Styles 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes:
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 241 pounds
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.40-4.49 seconds
Recruiting: No. 27 overall prospect in 2022 recruiting class. No. 2 ranked safety.
College Production: 224 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 9 pass deflections, 1 INT in 53 games.
Positives:
- Ideal second-level defender for a multiple-front defense. Can align as a MIKE, WILL, overhang, or big nickel LB.
- Exceptional closing speed allows him to erase mistakes made in front of him. Rare recovery athleticism for the position.
- High-level processing ability when playing zone coverage. Reads quarterback eyes and routes with a defensive back’s mentality.
- Outstanding open-field tackler. Takes smart angles and consistently finishes in space.
- Comfortable carrying tight ends vertically and matching running backs on option routes.
Styles is tailor-made for a modern defense that values flexibility and speed over sheer bulk. His ability to stay on the field in nickel and dime packages would give Washington a true defensive chess piece, projecting as a tone-setter in coverage while still providing high-end run defense through range and instincts rather than brute force.
Negatives:
- Developing play strength against NFL-caliber interior linemen. Can get washed out when guards climb to the second level.
- Over-relies on athleticism instead of trusting keys, leading to late reactions against misdirection.
- Not a thumper between the tackles. Wins with leverage and angles rather than violence.
- Limited pass-rush production limits his value as a pressure piece in blitz packages.
Most of Styles’ issues stem from his ongoing transition from safety to linebacker. With NFL coaching and added functional strength, many of these concerns should lessen over time. Washington would need to be patient early against power-heavy run schemes, but would reap immediate benefits in coverage.
Sonny Styles NFL Player Comparison: Rolando McClain
Like Rolando McClain (6-foot-3), Styles brings outstanding length for the position. Styles offers superior long speed and coverage fluidity, while McClain entered the league with a little more pop as a run defender back in 2010. Both are similar in their range as front and backside defenders, with the size and tackling ability that allow young defenders to make an impact early on in their NFL tenure.
Sonny Styles NFL Draft Grade: Day 1 Selection
For a team like Washington that has valued elite athletic profiles and positional flexibility under Adam Peters, Styles is worth a premium investment. He should be available beyond the top 10 picks if Washington trades back. Expect him to be selected in the top 20 and step into a Day 1 role as a cornerstone defender in the middle of an NFL defense.