We are just a few short days away from finally seeing what the Washington Commanders have planned at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. But as all fans know, general manager Adam Peters' plans will be shaped by the six picks he cannot control in front of him.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza going first to the Las Vegas Raiders is the only certainty. Things could get wild after that, with several teams looking to move back and even fewer elite-level prospects set to emerge from this class.
Peters will have a shortlist. And according to one longtime NFL Draft insider, there is one prospect that head coach Dan Quinn has firmly honed in on.
Todd McShay believes the Commanders are zeroing in on Sonny Styles
Todd McShay of The Ringer boldly proclaimed that if Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is still on the board at No. 7, he's been told that this will be the Commanders' guy. And that includes if Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is also available.
“If Sonny Styles is sitting there for the Washington Commanders, I’m told on pretty damn good authority that Dan Quinn, that’s his guy … Styles is going seven to Washington if he’s on the board. And I actually believe that’s if Jeremiyah Love were on the board too. That’s what I’m hearing strong.”
Linebacker and running back aren't exactly classed as premium positions, and the chances of both Love and Styles being on the board when Washington goes on the clock are remote. One might be, and there's also a chance that both are taken before No. 7. There is just no telling for sure.
It's not hard to see why the Commanders are enamored with Styles. He's fast, big, athletic, and can impact the game in all phases. He's a cerebral assassin, boasting supreme football intelligence and leadership that everyone in the Buckeyes' program raves about. He can rush the passer, close space quickly against the run, and his previous experience at safety makes him an asset in coverage.
This is as close to the total package as you're likely to find.
With Bobby Wagner no longer around, coupled with the value Quinn places on having a second-level enforcer, it would be surprising if Styles weren't a strong candidate. But his soaring stock makes this an anxious wait for Washington if this is the team's preference.
Peters spoke extremely highly of Styles at the annual league meeting. The on-field talent and influence on his teammates were at the forefront of this glowing praise. If he sees it, others around the league do too, and he is also reportedly high on the New York Giants' list of options.
Ignoring the offensive side of the football is risky. But if Styles reaches his ceiling, he would get Washington a lot closer.
Whether they'll get the chance is the big question nobody knows the answer to right now.
Add us as a preferred source on Google