It's clear that Sonny Styles was the Washington Commanders' guy at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Adam Peters had contingency plans if he didn't make it to them, but they were fortunately not needed.
Styles dropped out of the top five and into Washington's lap. Peters wasn't going to waste this gift, and head coach Dan Quinn outlined precisely why the Commanders were so high on the athletic linebacker following their comprehensive pre-draft assessments.
Everyone knows what Styles' strengths are. His outstanding production at Ohio State as a three-level force is something the Commanders haven't had at the defensive second level for years. His testing at the NFL Scouting Combine was historic, sending his stock soaring to unprecedented levels.
Dan Quinn has conviction in Sonny Styles becoming Commanders' next great linebacker
But what set Styles apart from the rest? Quinn pointed to his mindset. The ability to go above and beyond to find an edge. Having the traits of some of the all-time great linebackers is rare, and the Commanders felt this was an opportunity too good to pass up.
"We won't compare him to great players, because it's important for him to go on his own journey. I don't want him to be somebody else, but he has the traits of the great players that want to do the unrequired work, want to find it out, figure it out.
"A guy like London [Fletcher], who just finds any edge they can, he had those types of traits about him. Those are the things that allow you to ascend really fast. When you're not going to take any other way to figure it out."
Having this mentality is something Quinn looks for in all his players. Quarterback Jayden Daniels sets the tone, being first in the building at all times and the last one to leave. This is something Styles will no doubt follow as he looks to become the new defensive leader in Washington.
Bobby Wagner's power may have been declining, but he still leaves a hole. Styles is less experienced, of course, but he is younger, more dynamic, and Quinn believes the inner desire is the same.
Mentioning franchise great London Fletcher in the same breath is a lofty bar for which to aim. If the former Buckeyes' standout achieves similar feats throughout his career, this will be a home-run pick.
The Commanders don't just look for on-field gifts. Everyone taken in the top 10 has those. But looking a little closer, not everyone has the purpose, poise, and unrelenting intent to be the very best.
You need that to reach the pinnacle. Quinn thinks Styles has it in abundance.
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