NFL exec has Hall of Fame comparison for Commanders LB Sonny Styles

It was clear leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft that the Washington Commanders loved Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. If you ignore all the draft chatter leading up to Round 1, two names that stood out most often in connection to the Commanders were Styles and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

Washington had come to the realization that neither would probably be there when it went on the clock at No. 7 overall. Love went No. 3 overall to the Arizona Cardinals, but things started to fall in place for the Commanders at No. 4, when the Tennessee Titans shockingly selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. That led another former Buckeye, edge/linebacker Arvell Reese, to fall to the New York Giants at No. 5. Barring a trade at No. 6, Styles appeared on his way to Washington.

There was a trade, but the Kansas City Chiefs moved up for LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, believing the Commanders and New Orleans Saints, who picked No. 8, were a threat to land the draft's top cornerback. While Washington liked Delane, there was no way GM Adam Peters was passing on Styles if he fell into their laps at No. 7.

He did. Everyone was thrilled with the pick. The selection of Styles has been universally praised around the NFL.

Mike Sando of The Athletic recently reviewed all 32 draft classes from the 2026 NFL Draft. For each team, he spoke with anonymous NFL executives. Let's just say that one NFL executive has a lofty comparison for Styles.