Sonny Styles Selected No. 7 By Washington Commanders In 2026 NFL Draft

Sonny Styles probably rose on National Football League Draft boards in the run-up to this draft. With this pick, the Commanders get a player whom they like and who is a sure tackler. Per ESPN research, his tackle rate was 98%, or third in the entire FBS. The Commanders need to bolster their pass rush. They will love this high-IQ defensive stalwart.

Sonny Styles is a great pick, as he is a natural leader who will fit right into a National Football League locker room. It helps that he is a freakishly talented athlete. Not only was he a multi-sport athlete in high school, but he was a safety in football before he was a linebacker. Do you think Sonny Styles is the fastest linebacker in this draft?

Agent Zero

Sonny Styles has an interesting story. Last year, at Ohio State, he wore number 0 and picked up the nickname “Agent Zero.” The ‘Block O’ number is given to a captain and a leader. That is what he is. His father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., played in the National Football League for six years. He won Super Bowl XXXIV with the Rams. His brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., is a year older than him, but redshirted for a year after transferring from Notre Dame, so he could play with his brother. He could get drafted this year as well.

Sonny Styles Strengths

• Able to play multiple positions and adjust if needed.
• Disciplined in sifting through pre- and post-snap deception.
• Separates from the blocker by using a crisp punch.
• Able to play the run by using size, force, and technique.
• Does not lose leverage during action.
• Slips through traffic and into tackles impressively.
• Well-respected leader.
• Versatility and athleticism allow him to be used for many coverage disguises.
• Has above-average quickness for his current position.
• Finishes tackles with skill worthy of admiration.

Sonny Styles Weaknesses

• Must improve recognition of blocking schemes; needs more work at the linebacker position.
• Not intense at times.
• Slow on stop/start movements in pursuit.
• His tight hips hinder fluid change of direction.
• Inconsistent zone drops can be taken advantage of by experienced quarterbacks.
• Average instincts and physicality hurt his blitzing ability.

Sonny Styles Fit With the Washington Commanders

The Commanders get a player who can impact the middle of their defense and much more. Unlike many of the players picked in the first round, Styles will play right away. Washington needed to add another strong foundational piece to its defense, which ranked in the bottom five in opposing quarterbacks’ rating, yards per play, yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and rushing. They were also 27th in scoring.

That said, the Commanders got a high pick in this draft because they were beset by injuries last season and had a poor record. The Commanders needed a deep infusion of talent, and they got it in Sonny Styles. They spent $120 million in guaranteed money for defensive players in free agency, but they still needed more talent. Styles delivers in that regard.

As one defensive coach said, “You can plug Styles into the middle for the next 10 years.” General Manager Adam Peters saw the difference Fred Warner made to the 49ers’ defense in the middle. They are hoping for the same from Styles.