The Washington Commanders used the seventh-overall pick on Sonny Styles, and when a linebacker is selected that high, they’re drafted with the expectation that they will be an elite, franchise-changing defender. While time will tell if Styles fits that profile, the defender is off to an impressive start in Washington.
ESPN recently checked in on all 32 first round picks, having team reporters detail how the rookies are getting acclimated with their respective franchises. For Styles, it was nothing but good things from Commanders reporter John Keim. The team reporter emphasized that Styles’ speed was on display all throughout the spring, and that the rookie linebacker, who’s in charge of getting plays and relaying them to teammates, has also impressed with his knowledge and preparation.
To drive home that point, Keim highlighted a quote from Commanders linebacker coach Ken Norton Jr. Norton praised Styles by saying, “All he wants to talk about is football.” The position coach emphasized that Styles’ passion and love for football, combined with his size, speed, strength, and brain, gives the linebacker a good chance to be successful.
Commanders praise Sonny Styles for passion and smarts in addition to athletic traits
While only so much can be learned from an offseason program, these are the exact kind of statements fans want to hear about a rookie linebacker. After the Scouting Combine, everyone knew how impressive Styles was physically. He measured 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, and ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, posted a 43.5” vertical jump, and an 11’2” broad jump.
While those numbers are certainly exciting, they don’t necessarily make a player a great linebacker. There’s a lot more that goes into being a franchise leader in the middle of a defense, and Styles appears to have that more. After just one offseason program, he appears to have the necessary intellect and leadership. The last thing will just be making plays on the field.
If Styles can do a good job of that, the Commanders could finally have the productive defense they’ve been trying to put together in recent years. In 2025, Washington allowed a league-worst 384 yards per game. That’s why the franchise was motivated to draft a defender in the first round of the draft. The team went with Styles, and Washington believes he can change things for the better.
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