Sonny Styles
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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles during a September 25, 2025 game against the University of Washington.
The Washington Commanders added significant pieces to their defense. ESPN analyst Peter Schrager believes that the franchise needs to add at least one more premier piece. He suggests that the team needs to draft Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
” I believe Washington is going to go defense; it gave up 6.0 yards per play in 2025, tied for third worst.”
The facts remain on the side of a defensive selection. Additionally, allowing 26.5 points per game will not win many games, unless the team scores 27. Asking for a four-touchdown per game effort looks like a monumental ask. As a result, the defense holds the majority of the burden. ‘
Sonny Styles
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles chases Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza during 2025 Big Ten championship.
The NFC East features two high-powered offenses: the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. Moreover, a team like the Eagles boasts a defense that excels against both the run and pass. While they can win high-scoring contests, they prefer to win trench battles.
Sonny Styles is Fred Warner 😳
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— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) March 29, 2026
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Styles’ Play Echoes All-Pro Standout Linebacker
Schrager believes Styles’ play mirrors Fred Warner, explaining:
“Styles shows a lot of the same traits that Fred Warner has displayed in San Francisco, and GM Adam Peters — who came from San Francisco — knows what Warner has meant for the 49ers all these years. ”
Now, in all honesty, hyperbole remains an integral part of the draft process. Warner, considered by many, is the best inside/middle linebacker in the NFL. In eight seasons, 948 tackles, ten interceptions, 17 forced fumbles. Plus, he’s missed only 8.6% of his tackles. In essence, Warner plays the position with the ability to shoot gaps in the run game and trail targets in pass coverage. Not to mention, when he attempts to jar the ball loose, the football finds the ground.
On top of that, Peters built his entire resume on scouting. When Denver made their Super Bowl run, Peters built the young parts of the roster. For example, while everyone knows what Von Miller brought to the table, a player like linebacker Danny Trevathan, who made a living on the inside, excelled. Peters chose Trevathan in the sixth round. In return, Trevathan’s best season occurred in that Super Bowl season.
Sonny Styles run defense. Block destruction, lateral movement, instincts, and elite tackling form pic.twitter.com/kzQ322fsBW
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 5, 2026
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Traits Need to Match Production
The Commanders do not need tools or measurements. Instead, they need a linebacker who can be a complete package, a player who is versatile. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones wants the position to run the defense, but also be one of the bigger playmakers. Washington spent $100 million on Odafe Oweh, an athlete in his own right.
However, he will be held to the same expectations as Styles. No matter how fast they run or how many bench press reps they can do, it does not matter. Instead, the scheme and performance are the only metric that actually matters.
The major intangible that lands in Styles’ favor is his ability to stay hip-to-hip, given that he was a former safety. As a safety, Styles learned the nuance of coverage. For example, decision-making processes, such as whether to undercut a pass or play over the top. Within a small decision, the outcome of a drive could occur. If he decides wrong, the drive continues. Furthermore, flashing the ability to cover multiple positions.
Sonny Styles
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles tackles Michigan quarterback Davis Warren during 2024 game.
Peters can change the complexion of the Commanders’ defense with Styles. Can they fit him into the scheme where he will thrive?