Pittsburgh, PA—-The Washington Commanders may have just landed one of the biggest steals of the 2026 National Football League Draft.
With the No. 7 overall pick, Washington selected Sonny Styles, the dynamic linebacker out of Ohio State Buckeyes—a player many analysts expected to be off the board much earlier.
A surprising fall, a perfect landing
Styles’ availability at No. 7 came as a shock. The Tennessee Titans opted for wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4, and the New York Giants followed by taking edge rusher Arvell Reese at No. 5. That unexpected sequence allowed Washington to capitalize and grab a top-tier defensive talent without needing to trade up.
Defensive rebuild in full swing
The addition of Styles is the latest move in a complete defensive overhaul led by new coordinator Daronte Jones. After finishing near the bottom of the league—31st in EPA allowed per play—the Commanders have made it clear that fixing the defense is priority No. 1.
Styles joins a revamped unit that now includes:
Leo Chenal
Amik Robertson
Tim Settle
Odafe Oweh
K’Lavon Chaisson
The influx of talent signals a major shift in identity for a team looking to rebound quickly.
Elite production and upside
At Ohio State, Styles proved himself as one of the most complete linebackers in the country. He posted elite grades as both a run defender and in coverage, showcasing rare versatility for the position.
His performance didn’t stop on the field—his testing at the NFL Combine reinforced his status as a high-end athlete with the tools to excel at the next level.
While some may debate positional value when drafting a linebacker this high, Styles’ all-around skill set gives him the potential to become one of the premier players at his position in the league.
Immediate impact expected
Washington isn’t drafting Styles as a project—they’re expecting results right away. His ability to impact both the run game and passing downs makes him an ideal centerpiece for Jones’ defensive scheme.
For a defense that struggled mightily a season ago, Styles represents more than just a draft pick—he’s a foundational piece.
Big picture
The Commanders needed a difference-maker, and they may have found one without having to reach for it. If Styles develops as expected, this selection could be remembered as a turning point in Washington’s rebuild.
In a draft full of uncertainty, the Commanders found clarity—and possibly a future defensive star.
