Grading Commanders' selection of Sonny Styles in 2026 NFL Draft

TL;DR

The Washington Commanders selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Styles was highly regarded, ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect by NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

Key points

Washington Commanders selected Sonny Styles with No. 7 pick
Styles was ranked No. 3 overall by Daniel Jeremiah
Mock drafts predicted Styles would go in top 5
He is seen as a replacement for Bobby Wagner

Sonny StylesBobby WagnerWashington CommandersTennessee Titans

The Washington Commanders found their new defensive leader on Thursday, selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Styles was the No. 3 overall prospect on NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah's list of the top 150 players. Most mock drafts didn't have Styles making it outside of the top five, with Styles frequently mocked No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans, or No. 5 to the New York Giants.

Instead, head coach Dan Quinn has a ready-made replacement for future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner in the middle of Washington's defense.

Here's how we graded the pick:

Grade: A+

Styles fills Washington's biggest defensive need, replacing Wagner. He brings elite size (6-foot-5, 244 pounds) and speed (4.46-second 40-yard dash), with a 43.5" vertical leap. A former safety, Styles transitioned to linebacker during his college career and never missed a beat. As the son of former Ohio State and NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles, Sonny showed he also possesses the instincts and physicality to play inside linebacker in the NFL.

Former NFL offensive lineman and current analyst Brian Baldinger offered the following on Styles.

Styles not only fills a significant need, but also makes Washington's defense younger and faster, a point of emphasis for GM Adam Peters this offseason. The value was there for the Commanders as well. The best part about Styles is that he's only scratched the surface of his potential.

A good night for Washington.

Q&A

Why did the Washington Commanders select Sonny Styles in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Commanders selected Sonny Styles to fill the role of a future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner, aiming to strengthen their defense.

Where was Sonny Styles ranked among NFL draft prospects?

Sonny Styles was ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect on NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah's list of the top 150 players.

Which teams were expected to draft Sonny Styles before the Commanders selected him?

Most mock drafts had Sonny Styles going to the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 or the New York Giants at No. 5.