The Washington Commanders made a significant splash in the 2026 NFL Draft, bolstering their defense with a premier talent. On April 23, 2026, using the seventh overall pick, the Commanders selected linebacker Sonny Styles out of Ohio State. Styles' combination of speed, versatility, and instinct is expected to dramatically enhance the middle of the Commanders' defense and energize defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' scheme.
Who Is Sonny Styles?
Sonny Styles is a 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker from Pickerington, Ohio, who arrived at Ohio State with a reputation as a five-star recruit and one of the best safety prospects in the 2023 class. During his three seasons with the Buckeyes, Styles evolved into a multi-dimensional linebacker, blending coverage, pass-rush, and run-stopping skills.
In his final 2025 season, Styles was a stalwart for Ohio State's defense. He recorded 89 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 4 pass breakups. His ability to line up all over the defense -- from off-ball linebacker to box safety, nickel defender, and even edge rusher on passing downs -- gave opposing offenses headaches.
Styles' athletic profile is elite for a linebacker, boasting a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical jump, and a broad jump ranking in the 98th percentile for his position group. This rare blend of speed and power makes him a sideline-to-sideline presence who can both cover and deliver punishing hits.
Fit in Daronte Jones' Defense
Daronte Jones, the Commanders' defensive coordinator, was charged with modernizing the team's defense during the offseason. Jones' scheme emphasizes versatility: positionless defenders who create confusion with hybrid coverages and creative pressures.
Styles is tailor-made for this role.
Jones' defense demands linebackers who can rush the passer one moment and seamlessly drop into coverage the next. Styles' coverage skills -- akin to a safety -- combined with his ability to play downhill and stop the run, fit perfectly. Whether serving as the Mike linebacker on early downs or sliding into slot coverage on third downs, Styles gives Jones tremendous flexibility to disguise defensive calls and schemes.
This speed and versatility will be particularly vital against NFC East rivals like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, who rely on dynamic offenses that stress a defense horizontally and vertically. Styles' range allows the Commanders to more effectively plug running lanes, cover tight ends and running backs, and execute complex blitz packages.
The Selection Process
General Manager Adam Peters and his scouting staff had carefully evaluated Deeferred prospects throughout the offseason, targeting impact defenders among their top needs -- cornerback, edge rusher, and linebacker. When the seventh pick fell to Washington after six offense-focused selections, Styles was the clear choice.
At the time of the pick, Peters stated, "We're thrilled to add Sonny to this organization. He's a special talent who brings leadership, intelligence, and versatility. He's going to be a cornerstone of what we're building on defense."
Styles was the highest-graded defensive player available according to the team's evaluations, and the pick aligned perfectly with the front office's vision of a disruptive, flexible defense.
Impact on the Commanders' Defense
With Styles added to a defensive unit anchored by veterans like Daron Payne and a developing edge rusher group, the Commanders' front seven is poised to become significantly more formidable. His presence means offenses cannot exploit the intermediate middle of the field without consequence.
Styles also enables the Commanders to dial up aggressive blitz packages with confidence. His ability to handle man coverage assignments against athletic tight ends and backs limits coverage vulnerabilities when the defense pressures the quarterback.
Beyond his physical abilities, Styles brings leadership and maturity. As a team captain at Ohio State, he demonstrated vocal leadership and accountability -- traits the Commanders hope will help solidify a defensive identity and set the tone in the locker room.
Looking Ahead
Washington still has multiple draft picks remaining and will look to address cornerback depth, bolster the offensive line, and possibly add a wide receiver or two. But securing Styles with their first-round pick establishes a foundational defensive piece.
For a franchise that has struggled to find consistent star power at linebacker, Styles offers a fresh start and a high ceiling. Not only does he fit the scheme perfectly, but he also has the potential to become an All-Pro defender and face of the Commanders' defense for years to come.
By choosing Styles, the Commanders sent a clear message on draft night in Green Bay: the NFC East will be seeing a dominant new force in their defense twice each season.
Get ready for it.