The Washington Commanders got lucky with linebacker Sonny Styles. Not many believed he'd be available when general manager Adam Peters went on the clock at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they hit the jackpot in no uncertain terms.
And according to a respected draft analyst, the Commanders landed the perfect fit in more ways than one.
Styles looks the part. He carries himself with an aura and purpose that's hard not to love. The former Ohio State standout left a good impression at Washington's rookie minicamp. If the same trend continues, he's got the scope to take the league by storm immediately.
Daniel Jeremiah highlighted the Sonny Styles plus most Commanders fans missed
Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network is among those who dismissed Peters' praise of Styles, believing he'd be long gone. Now, he is convinced the Commanders have found the perfect foil to counteract the mobile quarterback trend currently enveloping the NFC East.
"I did not think he'd be there for Washington at seven. When I talked to Adam Peters during the process, he was glowing in his praise, but I didn't think much of it because, you know, he's not going to be there, dude. You're not getting him. When you put him and [Arvell] Reese in that division, I think both those guys are good fits for the type of quarterbacks you're going to play in the NFC East."
Styles will get a crash course in NFL speed when facing Jayden Daniels every day in practice, one of the most gifted dual-threat quarterbacks around. That should serve him well, and the exceptional athleticism, coupled with his high football IQ, could neutralize the likes of Jaxson Dart and Jalen Hurts' ability to scramble when plays aren't developing as expected downfield.
There was an emphasis on getting younger and more dynamic on defense this offseason. Styles was the crown jewel in Peters' master plan, but it needs to be a collective effort. Fortunately, there is better starting quality and enhanced depth, all hungry to leave their mark.
The Commanders weren't going to turn down the chance to take Styles when he fell into their lap. He's the injection of enthusiasm, ferocity, and three-level impactfulness to spearhead Daronte Jones' ambitious plans. Limiting the rushing ability of players like Dart and Hurts only sweetens the pot.
Dak Prescott doesn't move around as much these days. But if or when he does, Styles will be waiting.
The hype is enormous. The expectations are high. The Commanders placed significant faith in his capabilities.
And Styles has the talent to deliver.
Add us as a preferred source on Google