Styles has an opportunity to quiet early concerns about his high draft position when Washington opens the season against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 on September 13. Former Washington head coach Jay Gruden weighed in on what a successful rookie season would look like for Styles. Gruden emphasized that Styles should become an every-down defender, noting that while he may struggle initially with larger personnel packages, the player’s sideline-to-sideline range makes him a candidate to develop into a multi-faceted defender. Gruden highlighted Styles’s potential to contribute as a cover defender, a run stopper, and a pass rusher, describing his versatility as a key asset.
Gruden also explained that it might not be realistic for Styles to showcase his full versatility right away, but over time, as he grows comfortable within the defensive system, he could offer value from multiple roles. The idea is to deploy Styles in various spots—on the edge, rushing from different gaps, and in coverage—while leveraging his ability to read plays and pursue from sideline to sideline. Such a “Swiss Army knife” approach could be essential for maximizing his impact in Washington’s defense.
Regarding expectations for Styles’ rookie year, NFL analyst Merril Hoge offered a positive prediction. Hoge expressed strong enthusiasm for Styles, suggesting he could become a central figure on the defense and be a standout contributor from the outset. If Styles can establish himself as a versatile, dynamic playmaker, his early development could validate Washington’s decision to select him at No. 7 overall.
As Styles begins his NFL career, all eyes will be on how quickly he can adapt to pro football, handle the complexity of NFL offenses, and demonstrate the range of skills that made him a top-10 pick. If he reaches that level of versatility and production, Styles could justify Washington’s high initial investment and pay dividends as a core piece of the team’s defense for years to come.
