The Washington Commanders' free agency spending spree involved bringing in a dozen (and counting) new faces. Just as importantly, it should also tell us more about who the team may pursue in the 2026 NFL Draft.
During free agency, Washington heavily addressed the defensive line, defensive backfield, and running back positions, while also adding pieces at tight end and wide receiver. But one area where there are still some questions is at linebacker.
The Commanders added former Kansas City Chiefs star Leo Chenal, while veteran Bobby Wagner's contract expired. Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee are set to return as starters, but there could be another wrench thrown into the linebacker room with the No. 7 overall pick.
Mel Kiper Jr. has the Commanders taking Sonny Styles in his latest mock draft
Long-time NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN is gearing up for that time of the year again. In his latest mock draft, he's projecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles to Washington.
"The Commanders couldn't stop anyone last season, and linebacker Bobby Wagner appears to be headed elsewhere as a free agent. After a 77-tackle season, [Sonny] Styles posted an incredible 43½-inch vertical jump at the combine, a glimpse into his explosion. Washington needs good ball players, and Styles is just that."
Kiper mentions that Styles would join Chenal and Frankie Luvu but curiously omits Jordan Magee, who started eight games last year. However, new coordinator Daronte Jones is expected to run more of a 3-4 scheme for Washington's defense, so perhaps there could be room for all four on the depth chart.
Styles is an athletic force of nature who wowed analysts at the NFL Scouting Combine. His versatility allows him to line up anywhere on the second level and perhaps even at safety, where he began his college career. He's a great tackler with size and quickness — an impressive combination.
If Styles is still there at No. 7, he should absolutely be an option for Washington. Due to his versatility, both Luvu and Magee's roles are unlikely to be significantly affected by his presence. It will be especially important to make the former comfortable again after he was played out of position on the edge for much of 2025.
The Commanders had one of the worst defenses in the league last season, ranking dead last in yards allowed. They've already made considerable improvements on paper on that side of the ball, and now all they need is a potentially game-changing superstar to add to it.
Styles would be a perfect fit.