Sonny Styles: NFL's Top Linebacker Prospect

0:00On March 7th, Ohio State Linebacker Sonny Styles turned heads at the 2026 NFL Combine with eye-popping athleticism for his size. Standing 6 foot 5 and weighing 244 pounds, he leaped 43.5 inches vertically, the best mark for anyone 6. Foot 4 taller since at least 2003. He also led everyone with an 11 foot 2 broad jump and ran the 40 yard dash in 4.46 seconds. The Washington Commanders watched closely after a rough 2025 season. They dropped to 5 wins and 12 losses from 12 and 5 the year before, with a defense ranked near the bottom and past defense, run defense, and pressure on quarterbacks. Coach Dan Quinn fired both coordinators and hired new ones, including Durante Jones to fix the defense. Styles brings proven production from college. As a senior co-captain, he led Ohio State with 82 tackles, plus 6.5 tackles for loss, and interception in three past breakups.

1:00He started as a safety before switching to linebacker, showing elite grades in run defense and coverage, all at just 21 years old. For Washington, holding the 7th overall pick and limited draft capital, Styles fits perfectly in Jones' scheme that values versatile athletes who cover, rush, and tackle in space. With veteran Bobby Wagner nearing free agency at age 36 and $71 million in cap space, they need a young leader on the second level. Styles' rare speed and instincts could transform Washington's struggling unit right away, making him a prime target as they rebuild their defense.