Commanders' safety's first look at Sonny Styles came from video game

TL;DR

The Washington Commanders selected linebacker Sonny Styles as their No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Teammate Nick Cross first learned about Styles through EA Sports' College Football '26 game.

Key points

Sonny Styles was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Styles transitioned from safety to linebacker.
Nick Cross learned about Styles through a video game.

Washington CommandersOhio State BuckeyesSonny StylesNick Cross

The Washington Commanders' biggest addition during the 2026 NFL Draft was undoubtedly their No. 7 overall pick in Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Styles didn't get as much attention as some of the other defensive players early in the draft process, but as the event drew near and teams witnessed his abilities at the NFL Combine, the interest in him grew.

The needs of the teams that drafted ahead of the Commanders indicated that none of them were looking at the safety-turned-linebacker, and Adam Peters and Dan Quinn could not have been more thrilled to see Styles fall into their laps. But one of Styles' new teammates gathered his first impression of the future All-Pro linebacker not from film, not from interacting with him, but from using The Ohio State Buckeyes football team on EA Sports' College Football '26.

First, Kay Adams talks about being excited for the Commanders and that Styles fits right in with what they are trying to do. She talks about him as both a man and a player, and asks safety Nick Cross about his first impression of Styles.

Cross says, "It's funny, I just texted him five minutes ago to see how he's doing." He goes on to explain that his former teammate, J.T. Tuimoloau (former Ohio State defensive end), asked him to look out for Styles and aid in the transition from the NCAA to the NFL, so this text was just touching base.

"He's a great football player," Cross continues. "Sideline-to-sideline, his 40 time speaks for itself, and the tape jumps off as well. He's super physical, can play everything. You know, I'm a big video game guy, I play with O-State in the NCAA, and he's always catching picks for me, or knocking somebody out, so definitely a great football player. And, from conversing with him over the past couple of weeks, a great person as well."

The conversation between the two evolves into Styles' and Daniels' basketball history as both played on the hardwoods in high school, with Cross taking Styles as the victor in a fictitious 1-on-1 scenario.

Q&A

What position did Sonny Styles play before being drafted by the Commanders?

Sonny Styles played as a safety before transitioning to linebacker.

How did Nick Cross first learn about Sonny Styles?

Nick Cross first learned about Sonny Styles by using The Ohio State Buckeyes team in EA Sports' College Football '26.

What was the significance of the Commanders' No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The No. 7 overall pick was significant as it allowed the Commanders to select Sonny Styles, who was a highly regarded linebacker after his performance at the NFL Combine.