The Washington Commanders wasted no time in turning in their card when linebacker Sonny Styles dropped into their laps at No. 7 overall. This could be a home run hit, but it leaves some facing an uncertain status before preparations for the new campaign gather pace.
Washington is in no position to factor in emotional attachment. The Commanders need to bounce back. They need to get this ambitious project back on track. They needed to get younger and more dynamic across the board. Styles represents precisely that.
Unfortunately, that won't be good news for everybody. This was a topic discussed by JP Finlay of NBC Sports, who thought Jordan Magee could be the one most impacted by Styles' arrival.
Sonny Styles' arrival leaves Jordan Magee's status with the Commanders unclear
Finlay believes there could still be a role for Magee, given the scheme Daronte Jones plans to run. But with Frankie Luvu and free-agent signing Leo Chenal also around, that is no longer a guarantee.
"[Jordan] Magee showed promise in flashes last year but has largely been stuck on the bench the last two years behind Bobby Wagner. Now with [Sonny] Styles in town that could again mean a reduced role for Magee, but if that’s the price of improving Washington’s defense, then so be it. It’s also worth considering [Daronte] Jones’ defense is expected to roll out multiple looks and a ton of variety, which should still mean a role for Magee."
Magee has been something of an enigma over his first two years in Washington. He's got all the athletic intangibles needed, and the flashes displayed last season were encouraging. However, injuries have dented his momentum, and something prevented the Commanders from giving him an extended look until it was too late last season.
Confidence hasn't waned in Magee. Jones and head coach Dan Quinn both spoke highly of the player this offseason, so all hope is not lost just yet. Even so, Styles pushes him further down the pecking order, which makes this summer critical for the Temple product as he looks to firmly establish himself.
The Commanders will give him every chance, and there is no danger of Magee missing the roster entirely. But if he wants to go from an intriguing rotational piece to a more established starting position, he may have to wait a little longer.
As Finlay stated, this is a small price to pay for progress. Magee knew the Commanders were not going to stand still at the linebacker position this offseason. The gauntlet has been firmly laid down, so how he responds is critical.
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