The Washington Commanders chose former Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. And one respected insider lifted the lid on how general manager Adam Peters got to this point.
Peters acknowledged that taking Styles was a no-brainer after he surprisingly dropped out of the top five and into their laps. His size, athleticism, and college production on the biggest stages demanded consideration. After a stroke of good luck, the Commanders now have a potential defensive cornerstone to build around for the next decade.
This was an important pick for the Commanders, who only had two selections in the top 100, so they had to be sure. There were very few sure things at the top end of this year's draft, but Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated pinpointed what convinced Washington that Styles was one of them.
NFL insider reveals what tipped the Commanders' scales with Sonny Styles
Breer revealed how Styles was brought up by every Ohio State prospect the Commanders interviewed, who said he was the man on their team in 2025. His knowledge of the scheme, football IQ, and defensive awareness only cemented his alpha-like credentials.
"At the combine, the Commanders interviewed all 11 Ohio State invitees, and the other 10 all brought up Styles as one of the guys they’d want to bring to the NFL with them. How strong fellow first-rounders Tate, Reese and Downs were on Styles really said to the Commanders that he was very much the guy on the 2025 team.
"Their meetings with Styles through the process only confirmed that he was the alpha—showing elite football intelligence, knowledge of the scheme inside and out, and an ability to explain not just his role in the way things played out on tape, but his teammates’ responsibilities too."
The Commanders got a good one.
It's hard to envisage how Styles could have been more impressive throughout the pre-draft assessment phase. His testing at the NFL Scouting Combine was historic. The impression he left in interviews was first-class. The Commanders were blown away, and reporters in attendance at Washington's rookie minicamp noted how the first-round pick looked the part during his early transition.
Expectations are through the roof for Styles. He'll be tasked with filling the void left by future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner, which is a big ask. However, his ambition, drive, and desire to be the very best give him a fighting chance to live up to the hype.
Every first-round pick has talent. But the Commanders were clearly looking for much more.
And they may have just found it in Styles.
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