Commanders' players react to Washington drafting Sonny Styles

TL;DR

The Washington Commanders drafted linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to enhance their defense. Styles is excited about joining the team, and his new teammates are enthusiastic about his arrival.

Key points

Washington Commanders drafted Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick
Styles replaces Bobby Wagner in the Commanders' defense
Team aims to become younger and faster after a 5-12 season

Washington CommandersSonny StylesBobby Wagner

What a difference a few months make for the Washington Commanders. After going 5-12 last season, Washington's mission heading into the offseason was to get "younger and faster." That approach began in free agency, with Commanders GM Adam Peters targeting younger players coming off their rookie contracts. And instead of focusing on only one-year deals, Washington signed several players to multi-year deals this offseason.

Injuries were a major problem for the Commanders last season. So was age. Washington was the NFL's oldest team and that lack of speed was often apparent, specifically on defense. In free agency, the Commanders added multiple new defensive starters, including edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson and linebacker Leo Chenal, among others.

On Thursday night, Washington selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The big, athletic linebacker will now replace the legendary Bobby Wagner in the middle of the Commanders' new-look defense.

Styles is fired up to be selected by the Commanders. And it sounds like his new teammates are ready to welcome him with open arms.

Here's how a few of Styles' new Washington teammates reacted on Thursday night.