Bobby Wagner Sonny Styles
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CBS Sports' Garrett Podell predicted the Washington Commanders to find a Bobby Wagner replacement in linebacker Sonny Styles during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Although it didn’t result in any post-season accolades, linebacker Bobby Wagner had another strong season with the Washington Commanders in 2025. Father time, though, is undefeated, and Wagner will turn 36 years old this summer.
So, maybe instead of re-signing Wagner for another season, the Commanders could find his long-term replacement in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell projected the Commanders to land the ideal replacement in Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall.
“Styles is the perfect modern inside linebacker. He played his first two seasons at Ohio State as a safety before transitioning to linebacker, so he comes ready to roll in pass coverage,” Podell wrote. “Styles is able to remain in range of slot receivers in the seam, and he can go step for step with tight ends from sideline to sideline.
“His wingspan allows him to have nice range as a tackler in the run and pass games. Styles blitzes with a jetpack attached to his back, easily steamrolling running backs attempting to pick him up in pass protection.
“Styles is a slam-dunk replacement for an aging Bobby Wagner, who is headed for free agency.”
In 14 games last season, Styles posted 82 combined tackles, including 6.5 for loss. He also had three pass defenses, one sack and one interception.
During Ohio State’s national championship 2024 season, Styles had 100 combined tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.
Could Commanders Replace Bobby Wagner With Ohio State LB Sonny Styles?
In a perfect world, the Commanders should add an edge rusher this offseason. Washington’s top pass rusher from a sacks perspective in 2025 was 36-year-old Von Miller.
Interestingly, Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was still on the board in Podell’s mock draft when the Commanders picked at No. 7. Edge rushers have been a popular projection to Washington in other mock drafts. Bain is projected as one of the top edge rushers in the upcoming class.
Podell’s prediction of Styles to the Commanders, though, is also understandable. With the Ohio State prospect, Washington would get immediately younger with a top playmaking linebacker in the upcoming draft class.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Styles to San Francisco 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
“Styles is an emerging player with the traits and versatility to garner longer looks by NFL evaluators. He could see his stock soar leading up to draft day,” wrote Zierlein.