Washington Commanders fans are still reveling in linebacker Sonny Styles falling out of the top five and into their laps at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. And one Ohio State legend who's followed his career closely all but confirmed general manager Adam Peters had committed grand larceny.
It was clear from a long way out that Peters and head coach Dan Quinn loved Styles, both as a player and a person. The Commanders already had three decent options at the defensive second level, but they all fly downhill. Their incoming rookie can do it all, and this tipped the scales when push came to shove.
Peters said Styles was at the top of their board. And according to prolific former linebacker A.J. Hawk, the Commanders have an exceptional player on their hands.
A.J. Hawk believes Commanders have a sensational player in Sonny Styles
Hawk outlined the athletic intangibles. However, the physicality, on-field awareness, and the hidden nasty streak were other notable traits some may have overlooked that will stand him in tremendous stead once he gets to Washington.
"I've been watching Sonny [Styles] since high school. Absolute freak. Obviously, the physical tools are there. Not many people have the physical tools he has. His eyes, his discipline, everything about him. He only missed one tackle all year. So to get a sure tackler that's also freakishly athletic and so sudden, and has a purpose to him, I mean, it's a no-brainer.
"He's physical as hell. He's got a hair trigger at times, which is a great thing."
The Commanders were pushed around way too often on defense last season. It was an old, slow unit devoid of energy or inspiration. Peters' moves changed all that. The addition of Styles shifts the landscape entirely.
Hawk is not easily impressed. He was a no-nonsense linebacker — a college phenom who went on to achieve great things in the pros. His glowing reference from Styles spoke volumes, and everyone in Washington's influential decision-making circles agreed.
Styles believes he is only just scratching the surface of what he's capable of. That's a scary thought, and there would be nobody better to learn from than Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. The sky is the limit, so there could be a few teams regretting their decision to pass on him when it's all said and done.
It's hard to find fault with Styles. He's an immediate culture fit in Washington, and he could even have green dot responsibilities right out of the gate with a smooth transition. That's a lot to ask, but the linebacker hasn't just come to make up the numbers.
He wants to be the very best, and Hawk believes he can.
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