The Washington Commanders got one of the prizes of the 2026 NFL Draft in linebacker Sonny Styles, and the ceiling is through the roof if expectations are met.
Washington desperately needed help on defense after last season's unit ranked dead last in yards allowed, and general manager Adam Peters responded by filling in various holes throughout free agency. But with the possible exception of high-priced edge rusher Odafe Oweh, the Commanders didn't add any players who will be stars.
Styles gives Washington a player who can become a star — a long-term cornerstone to build around during the Jayden Daniels era. But how will he fit into Daronte Jones' defense?
Commanders have an immeasurable-ceiling player in Sonny Styles
Mitch Tischler of Monumental Sports Net broke down Styles' background with Ohio State writer Andrew Gillis from Cleveland.com, who mentioned that the prized prospect has only been playing the linebacker position for two years. And his improvement throughout that time has been drastic.
"They viewed him as this freak athlete in the beginning. To see him progress from this kid who was used as a specialty player, to jump into a linebacker role that can be rangy and a great tackling machine, as good of a leader as he is... the progression is there, and I think if you're Washington, the ceiling is unmatched."
Styles reclassified from the 2023 high school class to 2022, which is how he ended up completing four seasons of college football at only 21 years old. Early in his time at Ohio State, he was used as a utility safety, primarily covering tight ends. Given Washington's recent history of struggles in that regard, that should make every Commanders fan happy.
Now, Styles is praised for his ability to move with quickness and precision from sideline to sideline, and more importantly, his on-field leadership and football IQ. He is a prototypical green dot linebacker whose communication with his teammates is just as crucial as his own individual impact on the game.
Best yet, Styles' relative newness to the linebacker position only makes his ceiling that much more tantalizing.
His measurables are off the charts, highlighted by his historic showing at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. If his production can match his potential, the Commanders might have just drafted a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Styles is the most exciting defensive player the Commanders have drafted since another Ohio State alum, Chase Young. Injuries derailed the 2020 No. 2 overall pick, but now Washington has a chance to develop a potential superstar for years to come.
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