There are fewer situations more unenviable in the NFL than the massive amount of pressure that comes with being a high-profile draft selection. And for Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles, there's already no shortage of doubters he'll need to prove wrong.
The Commanders drafted Styles at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft with the simple intention of transforming a defense that was among the worst in the league a season ago. If all goes well, he'll be a player they can build around for years to come on that side of the ball as he racks up Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.
But it's no guarantee.
Sonny Styles doesn't need to be a superstar in Year 1 with the Commanders
Styles' potential knows no limit, but he has everything to prove. And in Year 1, it's all about learning the NFL game.
The Ohio State product was drafted largely for his measurables and ceiling. Styles put up exceptional numbers at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and is also renowned for his intangibles. He's the perfect fit to step into the role vacated by perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Bobby Wagner as the quarterback of Washington's defense.
That role also comes with big responsibility. And there might be some growing pains.
During the preseason, Styles looked a bit raw, as expected. He was caught out of position a few times and didn't make any flash plays the way everybody was hoping to see right out of the gate.
And that is absolutely fine, despite what the naysayers were saying on social media.
Naturally, Styles' extremely brief preseason involvement had every terminally online hot-take artist and engagement rage-bait account already writing him off as a bust. He can't help what the internet says about him, but he can work on getting a little bit better every day.
Commanders will be expecting Sonny Styles to grow as the season goes on
A successful rookie season for Styles will be one where he holds his own on the field and doesn't get noticed for the wrong reasons. He doesn't need to be a superstar. He just needs to do his job.
As an off-ball linebacker, he's not going to rack up double-digit sacks this year. Styles is a guy you hope starts by doing a lot of little things well, then grows into doing some big things too.
Styles can be a tackling machine for Washington, and he'll ideally force some fumbles with his help defense. His communication with his teammates will also be key.
The cohesiveness of the Commanders' defense will reflect his ability to learn his responsibilities as the NFL game slows down for him over time. With Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal around, Styles also has a strong support system to lean on.
Styles has a steep learning curve. But he's mature beyond his years, and there's no doubt he'll figure it out.
At least, the Commanders had better hope so, given the long-term stock they've invested in the former Buckeyes' defensive playmaker.
But where this year is concerned, Styles just needs to show he's got what it takes to play with the big boys.
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