Each update on Washington Commanders rookie linebacker Sonny Styles seems to be more glowing than the last. The lovefest has shown zero signs of slowing down, and honestly, why should it?
Styles has made a strong first impression on the entire Commanders organization, punctuated by an exciting showing during organized team activities (OTAs). He's been lauded repeatedly by virtually everyone on or around the club for combining S-tier athleticism with an outstanding work ethic and maturity.
However, Styles' position coach, Ken Norton Jr., may have taken the cake for internal praise.
When addressing the media recently, Norton's excitement was palpable. He thanked his lucky stars that Styles fell into Washington's lap at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"Oh my gosh," Norton stated — twice (h/t Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic). "I think the whole defense, everybody ... it was just pandemonium in the room when we got [Styles]. He's been everything we could ever think of, and it's still so early."
Sonny Styles still has Commanders' LBs coach Ken Norton Jr. in disbelief
Norton sounds like someone who knows his job got a whole lot easier the moment Styles' name was called back in April. That rings especially true since the Commanders didn't retain future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner, who notably remains unsigned, this offseason.
Of course, no one's expecting Styles to come in and instantly fill Wagner's gargantuan shoes. There appears to be no shortage of belief that the former can eventually grow into a high-level contributor, though. Norton and the rest of Washington's staff and front office are evidently confident in their evaluation throughout the scouting process.
At 6-foot-5, 243 pounds, Styles is a physical marvel. He has elite speed and explosiveness, plus great instincts, to boot. The Ohio State product is quite literally the textbook depiction of a professional ballplayer, as Norton highlighted.
"It's amazing when you look at Sonny [Styles], and you look up the definition of bad, tough, mean, perfect-looking football player; his picture comes up," Norton said.
With mandatory minicamp on the horizon, Styles will continue to get opportunities to prove the Commanders right. He can establish himself as the heart of their defense for the short and long term. His remarkable tools, processing skills and tremendous range give him the makings of a versatile, three-down playmaker.
Nevertheless, innate ability aside, Norton and Washington must help Styles reach his lofty potential. Developing homegrown talent hasn't necessarily been a strong suit for the franchise this decade, to put it mildly.
Add us as a preferred source on Google