What is the outlook for Commanders' rookie LB Sonny Styles in 2026?

[ASFN Admin]

The Washington Commanders had the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they used it to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Drafting Styles was part of Adam Peters' goal in making the Commanders' defense younger and faster, and after leading the Buckeyes and earning the right to wear the coveted 'Block O' jersey, it's no surprise that the Commanders pounced when he was still available.

During rookie training camp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp, Styles earned the right to be the green dot linebacker, the guy in the middle of the defensive field who calls out plays and assignments, the guy who makes sure that the defense is doing what it's supposed to do. It's not often you see a rookie granted that right, but Styles has proven he can be that guy.

Bleacher Report recently provided the outlook for every rookie selected in the first round, and it's no surprise that Styles' outlook begins with him earning a starting role.

Initial Role: Starting MLB

The Washington Commanders were always expected to go defense with the seventh overall pick, and they were likely thrilled to have Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles fall to them there. Styles, the sixth-ranked prospect on the final B/R board, is a do-it-all defender with an elite athletic ceiling and All-Pro potential.

This past season, Styles recorded 82 tackles, one sack, one interception, and 5.5 tackles for loss. He then wowed scouts with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and a 43.5-inch vertical jump at the scouting combine.

Styles' relative athletic score ranked fourth out of more than 3,300 linebackers tracked since 1987.

Ability and upside aren't enough to guarantee a starting spot for most rookies. However, the Commanders are widely expected to have all new starters at linebacker after adding the likes of Leo Chenal, Odafe Oweh, and K'Lavon Chaisson. Styles should start somewhere in the middle of the group.

Forget his stats and look at the film. It's not just about the tackles he made or how fast he can run. Styles is the whole package. His character is fantastic. His confidence is palpable. His ability to hype up his teammates and get everyone on the same page is incredible. There's a reason the Commanders have already put the green dot on him, and he'll likely keep it for quite some time.

The Commanders added multiple new faces to their roster on the defensive side of the ball, but Styles is, by far, the most intriguing and has the potential to be the most impactful. If things go as most people anticipate for Styles, he will have a long and bright career in the NFL.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: What is the outlook for Commanders' rookie LB Sonny Styles in 2026?

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