The Washington Commanders enter the 2026 NFL season with an infusion of youth across a roster that was the oldest in the league during last fall's disastrous 5-12 campaign. And the renaissance all starts with No. 7 overall pick Sonny Styles.
The All-American linebacker from Ohio State is an athletic mismatch who put up historic measurables at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine prior to the draft. He's also renowned for his football IQ and on-field leadership, making him the type of player who can be the quarterback of Washington's defense.
Styles' skillset is considered somewhat on the raw side, but you'd never know it from watching him at training camp. And the world is noticing.
Sonny Styles has already won over former Commanders fan favorite Will Compton
Former Washington linebacker and Bussin' With The Boys podcast co-host Will Compton took time to watch some Styles film, and he liked what he saw. Most people have.
Just sipping coffee and watching Sonny Styles be a grown ass man
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) August 4, 2026
This dude is going to be a stud pic.twitter.com/bqrihq31wp
Styles' strength and athleticism are immediately apparent in the clip as he stands up second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, making last year's breakout star look like a small child in comparison. The instincts he's been so lauded for are on full display as he finds the ball carrier with ease and takes the right angle to impede his path.
Washington is investing a significant amount of faith into Styles, who is the team's highest-drafted defensive player since Chase Young was selected No. 2 overall in 2020.
Adam Peters passed on defensive back Caleb Downs, considered by many the most talented player in the draft. This snub allowed him to end up with the Dallas Cowboys. If that decision backfires, he'll never escape it.
Still, Styles is a more than adequate alternative, and he's already showing why.
The Commanders' linebacker unit needed a new linchpin after the aging Bobby Wagner was not retained. In Styles, they now have a player they can ideally build around for many years to come.
Styles will immediately take on a heavy responsibility in Washington, likely wearing the "green dot" to communicate with his teammates. He is mature beyond his years and is already talking like a player who is prepared to lead the way both on and off the field.
Washington's decision-makers were immensely high on Styles during their comprehensive pre-draft assessments. Based on the quick growth he's displaying this summer, it's not hard to figure out why.
The Commanders have themselves a golden ticket in Styles. Aside from quarterback Jayden Daniels, he is the most important player on the team, with Pro Football Hall of Fame upside.
And he's already putting the league on notice.
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