One player to watch is linebacker Sonny Styles, selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Styles brings a standout résumé from his time at Ohio State, where he logged 142 solo tackles, 97 assists, 9.0 sacks, one fumble recovery, and one interception over 53 games. That production at the college level has positioned him as a potential cornerstone for the Commanders’ defense as he makes the transition to the professional ranks. The expectation is that Styles can translate his versatility and instincts from college to the NFL, contributing in multiple ways.
Industry observers have been optimistic about Styles’ impact in his rookie season. NFL analyst Merril Hoge has praised Styles as a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, highlighting his potential to become a central figure for the defense. Hoge stressed that a talented, well-prepared linebacker can be the engine that drives a defense, enabling several elements of a unit to flourish. The belief is that Styles has the tools to deliver a strong early contribution and to sustain it throughout the year.
Beyond Hoge, other former players have voiced confidence in Styles’ development. London Fletcher, a former Commanders linebacker, noted that Styles is a diligent student of the game. Fletcher cited Styles’ apparent growth in preseason action, pointing to improvements in physicality, pad level, and coverage awareness. Fletcher also suggested that Styles has not yet shown all that he is capable of, implying that there are additional dimensions of his game that could emerge as the regular season unfolds. The general sense is that coaches may be keeping some aspects of Styles’ repertoire under wraps during the exhibition games, with more to come once the competition level increases.
Fletcher emphasized that Styles has yet to be deployed in every role he could handle, hinting at potential versatility, including coverage responsibilities and pass-rush opportunities. The anticipation is that as coaches reveal more of Styles’ capabilities, fans will gain a clearer picture of how the rookie can influence outcomes on defense.
Some fans and commentators have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions from preseason performances. In particular, there was a notable moment where a local radio host urged patience, arguing that it’s unwise to judge Styles solely on his early preseason snaps. The overarching message is that a rookie’s true impact often becomes clearer once the regular-season grind begins, when game plans are tailored to an expanded skill set and more complex reads.
Looking ahead, the Commanders’ defensive plan for Styles will likely involve leveraging his length, speed, and versatility to create mismatches and to improve overall coverage depth. His ability to match up with various tight ends and running backs, while also contributing in run support, could give the unit an increased ceiling. If Styles grows into the role envisioned for him, he could play a significant part in stabilizing the defense and helping the team compete for a strong finish to the season.
In summary, Sonny Styles arrives with a high ceiling and considerable expectations for a rookie season. With experts projecting him as a potential standout on defense, and given the surrounding talent and coaching, Styles has the opportunity to make an immediate and lasting imprint on the Commanders’ 2026 campaign. As Week 1 approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly the rookie adapts to the faster pace of the NFL and how effectively he translates his college success to professional production.
