Commanders Snag Styles, Boost Defense

0:00On April 24th, Washington commanders just snagged Ohio State Linebacker Sonny Styles with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This 6'5-244-pound beast was the first team all-American in all Big Ten standout, anchoring the top defense in college. Ball last season. Styles put up elite grades from Pro Football Focus in run defense, tackling and coverage during his senior year in 2025. The year before that, he racked up 100 tackles, six sacks, and a forced fumble while helping the Buckeyes claim the national title. His athleticism jumped out at the NFL Combine this February, where he posted a 43.5-inch vertical leap, the best ever for any player, over 240 pounds since 1999. Plus, he's got that rare maturity, earning Ohio State's block-o-o-war for toughness, leadership, and character at just 21 years old. The commanders desperately needed help last season.

1:00They ranked near the bottom against the pass and run, with a brutal pressure rate and 31st in finishing tackles. Styles shines everywhere, with short area quickness, pursuit speed, and a perfect 0% miss rate on tackles among players with 50 or more. Stops. This move plugs multiple holes right away, bringing one of the drafts top young talents to Washington, and setting them up to bounce back strong next. Season.