The Washington Commanders' youth movement will be in full force this season after the team abandoned the veteran-heavy roster construction strategy that led them to the NFC Championship game in 2024 but blew up with disastrous consequences last year. And there's one long-term building block who stands out above the rest.
Sonny Styles, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, immediately becomes the most important player on the Commanders' roster not named Jayden Daniels. In the best of worlds, the linebacker from Ohio State can be a perennial All-Pro who could potentially find himself wearing a gold jacket one day.
Styles will face his obstacles in the NFL like any other player, but the future starts now. And it might have to come at the unfortunate expense of some fan-favorites.
Commanders' Sonny Styles addition means Frankie Luvu might have to take a backseat
Jordan Magee is already expected to have a lesser role than the one many envisioned toward the end of last season, due to the additions of Styles and free agent Leo Chenal. The addition of the blue-chip prospect could also force a complicated situation for Frankie Luvu, the enforcer of Washington's "D."
Luvu was a second-team All-Pro two years ago and arguably Washington's best defensive player. But he was much less impactful last year, partially due to being forced to step in at edge rusher following season-ending injuries to both Week 1 starters.
Now, the Washington State product is entering the final season of his three-year contract with the Commanders, and the selection of Styles seems to make Washington's long-term intentions at the position crystal clear. In 2027, it will be surprising if the veteran is still in D.C.
But he's still here now, and head coach Dan Quinn and new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will have a difficult puzzle to solve when it comes to the usage of Styles and Luvu. It sounds like Washington intends to use Chenal in a larger role than he served with the Kansas City Chiefs, in which case there's only room for one more traditional linebacker to start.
The Commanders may try to ease Styles along, but he could also very realistically be ready to start by Week 1. Luvu might have to step back as a utility piece for Washington, bringing his hard-hitting energy in limited snaps.
It's never a bad problem to have too many talented players at a position. But for the Commanders, there's only one way forward. Luvu's contributions will always be appreciated in Washington, but it's time to begin the changing of the guard.
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