The Washington Commanders are at a pivotal moment as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft. With a critical first-round pick at No. 7 and no selections in the second or fourth rounds due to last year's trade for left tackle Laremy Tunsil, hitting on this pick is essential. Fortunately, there's a standout prospect who should be catching the eye of GM Adam Peters after a jaw-dropping performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Commanders have a clear need at linebacker. With Bobby Wagner's future uncertain and Frankie Luvu and Jordan Magee ready to contribute, there's room for an injection of energy under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. This draft class offers a great opportunity to find that spark.
Enter Sonny Styles, a name that should be on everyone's radar. The Ohio State standout was already considered a first-round lock, but his exceptional Combine performance in Indianapolis only solidified his status.
Styles combines the size of a linebacker with the reach of an edge rusher, and he has experience playing safety. This unique blend of skills makes him a rare and enticing prospect.
Styles' Combine numbers are nothing short of spectacular:
- 40-yard dash: 4.46 seconds
- 10-second split: 1.56 seconds
- Vertical jump: 43.5 inches
- Broad jump: 11 feet, 2 inches
- 3-cone drill: 7.09 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.26 seconds
His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.99 out of 10 ranks him fourth among 3,216 linebackers from 1987 to 2026, underscoring his extraordinary athleticism.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Styles' game tape backs up the hype.
He’s a dynamic sideline-to-sideline player who excels in coverage, disrupts the run game, and can pressure the quarterback when needed. If the Commanders are searching for a successor to Wagner, Styles could be the ideal fit.
With top prospects like edge rusher David Bailey, versatile defender Arvell Reese, and Rueben Bain Jr. potentially off the board by the time Washington picks, Styles emerges as a compelling option. His physical prowess and relentless drive to improve make him a standout candidate. Styles aspires to be a leader, a dominant force, and an exceptional communicator - qualities that align perfectly with the values of coaches like Jones and Dan Quinn.
Styles' performance has the entire league buzzing. While other linebackers also impressed, his combination of physical attributes and athletic gifts set him apart. For the Commanders, Sonny Styles could be the game-changer they need.