Sonny Styles is a Washington Commander. With the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Commanders selected the Ohio State All-American linebacker to lead a completely revamped defense.
Most mock drafts had Styles off the board at either No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans or No. 5 to the New York Giants. However, once Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love went No. 3 to Arizona, the Titans selected wide receiver Carnell Tate, leaving the Giants to add linebacker Arvell Reese.
While Washington reportedly wanted to trade down and acquire more picks ahead of the draft, Styles was unexpectedly there, making the decision easy for GM Adam Peters.
The move to add Styles was widely praised by draft analysts. Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network had Styles as his No. 3-ranked player.
How did Washington fans react to the move? Well, while you can't make everyone happy, most Commanders fans loved the move.
The Commanders defense is about to be so fast. Thank you, Tennessee Titans.
Duo of Sonny Styles and Leo Chenal are going to open some eyes in DC. Throw in the versatility of Frankie Luvu & and speed of Jordan Magee and Washington has quickly found themselves with a whole lot of pop at the second level.
How ironic to honor Bobby Wagner and then announce the Commanders have drafted his likely replacement in Sonny Styles
#Commanders new LB Sonny Styles is an absolute FREAK pic.twitter.com/QBAQVT8tbM
I still have more to watch but the No. 1 thing that stood out to me about new #Commanders LB @sonnystyles_ besides the obvious size and great athleticism was this..Against #Texas, first game under Matt Patricia - he was incredible w/ communication both hands & verbal. @Team980 pic.twitter.com/khBOBLIMmJ
— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) April 24, 2026
Sonny Styles is an off-ball LB that hits like an edge and runs like a safety at 6’4, 245 lbs. He immediately becomes the green dot in Washington that they’ve lacked since London Fletcher. They got their guy.
All of a sudden LB is a position with depth and speed ... what a difference a year makes https://t.co/IiKPle3asz
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) April 24, 2026
Going from Bobby Wagner to Sonny Styles and Leo Chenal pic.twitter.com/HumCFEhS99
One thing that stands out about Styles is the fit within Daronte Jones’ defense. There were times where Styles would play the contain role and hold back in pursuit. In DC, expect Jones to take the training wheels off and allow Styles to flat out hunt. Really, really nice…
Sonny Styles and Leo Chanel are arguably the most athletic LB duo in the league.A VAST improvement from last year's group. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/ZDtH8lhVnk
RD 1 | PK #7 - Commanders: Sonny Styles LB, Ohio St.Styles is one of just two prospects in the 2026 class to score 90+ across all three NGS dimensions (athleticism, production and overall). The other was third-overall pick RB Jeremiyah Love.@Commanders | @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/u2SVAAP6KY
Reminder: Adam Peters is a fan of Sonny Styles.pic.twitter.com/m0cN3iAxbW
Scott Turner made one of the stronger cases for Styles in a Flores/Jones scheme. Using speed through the gaps as pressure player as he develops, good vs the run, 6’4 frame running with TEs and deep overs.