It's pretty hard to find anyone with a bad thing to say about Sonny Styles. The reports around him are glowing, and the Washington Commanders knew it was a no-brainer to take him at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft when he somehow fell out of the top five.
Positivity has been soaring ever since. Styles caught the eye during Washington's rookie minicamp, displaying the speed and athleticism that made him such a coveted prospect. His relentless mindset and high football IQ made him a can't-miss option for general manager Adam Peters, giving the Commanders a defensive cornerstone to build around for the next decade.
And two recent comparisons from NFL executives confirmed Styles' hype train has officially left the station.
Commanders rookie Sonny Styles already drawing legendary comparisons
During a conversation with Mike Sando of The Athletic, an anonymous executive compared Styles to Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher for his athleticism, intelligence, and communication skills. They also believe this was a top-five player who fell way too far.
"Brian Urlacher, maybe. He is 6-5, 240 pounds, gonna run 4.4. Really smart, makes all the calls, very instinctive and has some untapped pass-rush ability. He was top-five on our board all the way."
Another NFL executive, also speaking anonymously, thought the traits Styles brings to the table are similar to those of the man he's replacing. But he's much faster than Bobby Wagner has ever been.
"He is Bobby Wagner, but bigger and faster. He has as good of traits for an inside ‘backer that I have ever seen."
High praise, indeed. And in Urlacher and Wagner, it's also an immensely high bar for which to aim.
Styles is his own man. Head coach Dan Quinn didn't want to compare him to anyone, though he saw a lot of London Fletcher in the Ohio State product. This is all about carving out his path, doing things the right way, and repaying the faith shown in him by Washington's decision-makers.
NFL history isn't lost on Styles. He picked No. 52 largely because of greats such as Patrick Willis and Ray Lewis. He recognizes the traditions and wants to add his name to the long list of prolific linebackers who have graced the league. And this mentality was just as important to the Commanders as his on-field gifts.
The former Buckeyes' standout still has to go out and prove it. But the momentum, hype, and ambition give Styles the best possible chance of breaking through his exceptionally high ceiling.
If he can do that, the Commanders are onto a good thing. And that's understating it.
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