Washington Commanders Draft Ohio State Star Sonny Styles to Revamp Struggling Defense
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Hours before the NFL Draft began, linebacker Sonny Styles had a hunch. The Ohio State standout told his family he believed the Washington Commanders would call his name—and by Thursday night, his intuition proved right.
Washington selected Styles with the No. 7 overall pick, banking on the 21-year-old’s rare athleticism and versatility to help overhaul a defense that finished dead last in the league in 2025.
A Rising Star with Championship Pedigree
Styles arrives in the NFL fresh off a national championship run with the Buckeyes, where he transitioned from safety to linebacker just a year earlier. The move paid off: He racked up 100 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks in his first full season at the position.
“At safety, you’re seeing the game from 10 yards back—everything’s slower,” Styles explained. “At linebacker, you’re right in the thick of it. Linemen are coming at you, plays develop faster. It took adjustment, but it unlocked a new level for me.”
His physical tools are jaw-dropping. At 6’5” and 244 pounds, Styles blazed a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and posted a 43.5-inch vertical leap—numbers that made scouts take notice.
Commanders’ Front Office “Thrilled” by the Pick
General Manager Adam Peters admitted he didn’t expect Styles to still be available at No. 7. “He’s humble, driven, and checks every box,” Peters said. “His potential is through the roof.”
The Commanders plan to deploy Styles alongside free-agent additions Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal, forming a dynamic linebacker corps. “He can play off the ball, on the edge, or blitz—his versatility is rare,” Peters added.
From Buckeye Captain to Commanders’ Cornerstone
Styles’ college résumé speaks for itself: 55 games played, 41 starts, and first-team All-America honors in 2025. As a senior captain, he led Ohio State with 82 tackles while anchoring a defense that dominated en route to a title.
Peters highlighted Styles’ late-season surge, including a 12-tackle showcase in the Big Ten Championship. “He saved his best for last,” Peters said. “He’s still improving, and that’s what excites us.”
What’s Next for Washington?
With no second-round pick (traded to Houston in 2025 for tackle Laremy Tunsil), the Commanders won’t draft again until Round 3. But for now, the focus is on Styles—a player they believe can transform their defense for years to come.
— Reported by Nexio News
