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Who is Commanders LB Sonny Styles?
TL;DR
Sonny Styles was selected by the Washington Commanders as the 7th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State linebacker impressed scouts with his exceptional Combine performance, including a record-setting vertical jump.
Key points
- Sonny Styles was drafted 7th overall by the Washington Commanders in 2026.
- He had a record-setting vertical jump of 43.5 inches at the NFL Combine.
- Styles transitioned from safety to linebacker during his college career at Ohio State.
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Washington CommandersOhio State Buckeyes
Who is Sonny Styles?
The Washington Commanders made Styles their 2026 first-round choice at No. 7 on Thursday night. The former Ohio State Buckeye had been mocked to be selected in the top five, but fell to the Commanders at No. 7 when the Kansas City Chiefs traded up with Cleveland, passing the Commanders to draft the highest-rated corner, Monsoor Delane.
Here are some interesting facts about the newest Commander's linebacker selected Thursday by GM Adam Peters.
- Styles vaulted up draft boards with his eyebrow-raising Combine performance. At 6’5 | 244 pounds, Styles recorded an 11'2" broad jump (T-4th all-time)* 43.5" vertical jump (1st all-time)* 4.46 40-yard dash. Some referred to Styles as the top player in the class.
- These are Sonny Styles' NFL Combine measurements: - 6'5", 244 pounds - 32 7/8" arms - 10" hands - 80 7/8" wingspan.
- The Ohio State linebacker recorded 83 Tackles, one QB sack, 1 forced fumble, and one interception during the 2025 regular season.
- Styles' career stats at Ohio State were: 245 tackles, passes defended 9, sacks 9, forced fumbles 3, interceptions 1
- Styles was an Ohio State safety and has transitioned up to linebacker, still learning the position.
- Styles may be the ultimate illustration of GM Adam Peters' declaration that the Commanders needed to get younger and faster.
- DC Daronte Jones has suddenly obtained in his first off season linebackers Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles, perhaps the two most athletic linebacker teammates. Chenal ranked 3rd all-time in the RAS metric and Styles first.
Q&A
What were Sonny Styles' NFL Combine results?
Sonny Styles recorded a 43.5" vertical jump, an 11'2" broad jump, and a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
What are Sonny Styles' career stats from Ohio State?
During his career at Ohio State, Sonny Styles recorded 245 tackles, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.
Why did the Washington Commanders draft Sonny Styles?
The Commanders drafted Sonny Styles to enhance their linebacker corps, aiming to get younger and faster, as he is considered one of the most athletic players in the draft.