The Washington Commanders have seemingly moved on from veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner. Although aging, he leaves big shoes to fill, and even though free-agent signing Leo Chenal will help greatly, it should not stop general manager Adam Peters from targeting another second-level enforcer during the 2026 NFL Draft.
One doesn't have to look far around the media to see the Commanders as a potential landing spot for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Peters has a little extra freedom to be flexible with the No. 7 pick after bringing in 14 new faces in free agency so far. However, the contingent from Washington at the Buckeyes' pro day indicates they have significant interest in prospects from the program who are expected to be taken in the top 10.
Styles will be among them if he makes it that far down the pecking order. The Commanders aren't sure of that right now, but they are preparing for the eventuality.
Commanders are meeting with Sonny Styles, and he will be in play at No. 7
According to Styles, during an interview on the Up and Adams Show, the Commanders have set up an in-person meeting. He's already visited the New York Jets, who hold the No. 2 pick. Several others are also looking to find out more about what he could bring to the table before the eagerly anticipated selection event begins.
Ohio State LB Sonny Styles says he has already visited with the Jets and has the Cowboys, Commanders, and Bengals coming up 👀@sonnystyles_ | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/fQ7QLUsOkn
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 26, 2026
This shouldn't come as a great shock. Styles is a three-level asset who can provide much-needed athleticism and explosiveness to the Commanders' new defense under coordinator Daronte Jones. Washington has Jordan Magee and Frankie Luvu, along with Chenal, but adding someone with his long-term upside and Pro Bowl ceiling might be a difficult proposition to ignore.
That could very well be the case. Styles put together three seasons of outstanding production in Columbus. If any more proof were needed, his historic performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine should leave no doubt. Looking at the defense Jones is projected to install, this looks like a match made in heaven.
The Commanders are doing their due diligence on Styles. But if they lock in on the second-level force as their No. 1 option, it'll be an anxious wait before it's their turn to pick.
Styles could go as high as No. 2, all the way down to Washington. The No. 7 pick might be his floor, and one could make a strong case for him going anywhere ahead of the Commanders after Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza goes No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders. Peters doesn't have the ammunition to move up, so he will take whatever blue-chip prospects might be left.
That might be Styles; it might not. But the Commanders are not leaving anything to chance.