Commanders land Bobby Wagner replacement in Todd McShay's mock draft

[ASFN Admin]

The Washington Commanders struggled at linebacker for years until signing future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in 2024. While Washington's overall defensive numbers weren't great, Wagner and Luvu were outstanding and played pivotal roles in the Commanders' run to the NFC Championship game.

Last season went much differently. Luvu struggled, while Wagner was often exposed in coverage. Wagner still played well, but teams would exploit his declining speed. It felt like a weekly occurrence for the Commanders.

Luvu returns in 2026 and new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones seemed excited to work with him. Wagner remains a free agent. Speaking of free agency, Washington signed Leo Chenal to a three-year deal, and he will start.

Chenal isn't a replacement for Wagner, though. That player could be Jordan Magee, if coaches think he's ready. Wagner could still return, too. That player may not be on the roster at the moment. That leads us to the 2026 NFL Draft.

Todd McShay, one of the NFL's top draft analysts, recently revealed his latest mock draft, and he has Washington landing the draft's top linebacker, and a perfect replacement for Wagner: Ohio State LB Sonny Styles.

Linebacker isn’t as big a need for the Commanders as guard, running back, or wide receiver, but Styles would pair beautifully with newly acquired LB Leo Chenal for a defense that ranked dead last in total yards allowed last season. At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds with an 81-inch wingspan and 10-inch hands, Styles is a physical phenom. He was the biggest linebacker at this year’s combine, ran the fastest 10-yard split (1.56), tied Arvell Reese for the fastest 40 (4.46), and had the most explosive jumps (43.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-2-inch broad). On the field, Styles (a former safety) has elite cover skills, and while his pass rush production and efficiency often get overlooked, the 2024 tape is pretty damn good. He’s everything you look for in a versatile, dynamic chess piece at linebacker in today’s NFL.

He’s also the type of focused, intelligent grinder who will be a culture fit wherever he lands. Styles could go as high as no. 2 to the Jets and I wouldn’t think it’s too early.

Almost no Washington fan would be disappointed with Styles. Barring injury, he seems like a lock for NFL stardom. He has the size, football intelligence, instincts, character, leadership, film and speed — lots of speed — to become an immediate NFL star. If the Commanders could land Styles and pair him with Chenal, no one would call Washington's defense slow anymore.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders pick LB Sonny Styles in Todd McShay's mock draft

Continue reading...