Sonny Styles is here to take over. And if there were any remaining doubts, the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft's early impression with the Washington Commanders confirms it.
There is an enormous amount of expectations on Styles' shoulders. The Commanders believe this is the player whom they can build a formidable defense around. His size, athleticism, and leadership left those in power completely sold, and his statement-making introduction over his first month with the club did nothing to diminish the hype.
Styles was among the standouts at Washington's rookie minicamp. All eyes were on organized team activities to see if the same trend continued alongside his veteran teammates. According to reports, there were no problems whatsoever.
Commanders rookie Sonny Styles is already shining above the rest at OTAs
Zach Selby, on the team's website, thought certain areas of Styles' game were already head and shoulders above the rest. Though his opening exchanges mostly came with the second-string defense, all signs point to being surged up the pecking order sooner rather than later.
"Sonny Styles' ability to read plays, identify who is getting the ball and close in for a tackle is on a different level. Styles was working mostly with the second group, but it feels like it's only a matter of time before he rises up the depth chart."
Anyone complaining about Styles being with the second string at OTAs should take a short look back.
Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick in 2024, was made to earn the starting quarterback job. Josh Conerly Jr., the No. 29 overall selection last year, also had to raise confidence in his capabilities before becoming the starting right tackle in Week 1. No matter when players are drafted, they all have to fight.
The Commanders can take their time with Styles over the summer if needed. They have Frankie Luvu, free-agent signing Leo Chenal, and Jordan Magee in a prolific-looking linebacker room. But given the adulation he's already receiving, he'll be with the first team at the earliest possible opportunity.
There is something different about Styles. He is a legitimate sideline-to-sideline force. His previous experience as a safety makes him an asset in coverage. He can rush the passer and be used effectively on blitzes. But more importantly, his football intelligence and leadership made him the alpha of a Buckeyes defense loaded with first-round talent.
Styles looks the part. He acts the part. He carries himself with a determined aura that draws people in. And after how things unfolded for Washington's defense in 2025, he is the perfect figure to propel the Commanders into a profitable new era.
So far, so good on that front. And this is just the start.
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