The Washington Commanders rebuilt their defense’s coaching structure. With Daronte Jones replacing Joe Whitt Jr., the defensive scheme will venture in a new direction. As a result, upgrades and talent infusion are necessary. Beau Bishop, who covers Ohio State, appeared on 106.7 The Fan to discuss Buckeye products. One of whom is linebacker Sonny Styles. Bishop appeared on 106.7 The Fan with nothing but praise for the prospect.
“Styles could be used all over the lineup. He doesn’t just have to be a linebacker. He can be a pass rusher, too. Can even drop into coverage. Like, he’s just a freak athlete. He’s a total freak athlete. You saw that at the combine. And then he’s really incredibly intelligent as a football player.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Styles played everything from the defensive line to the box to slot corner. As a result. The Commanders could deploy him in base defenses and subpackages, making him a three-down linebacker. Frankie Luvu is more of a downhill linebacker who attacks, but he struggles with flipping his hips and running. Meanwhile, Styles, a converted safety, can move with the back and tight ends.
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles breaks up a pass during a 2024 College Football Playoff.
Preparing for Life at the Next Level
The Commanders, with the No. 7 pick, could envision Styles as the type of player who changes the face of a defense. At Ohio State, Bishop said he was geared and shaped into a linebacker.
“I remember when Laurinaitis got a hold of him and really convinced him to be a linebacker. And it took some convincing because obviously these kids know where the money is. He really convinced him and coached him up as kind of a hybrid, someone who could blitz, someone who could cover tight end, someone who could even drop over if they went to a three-safety look.”
James Laurinatis is considered by many to be the best linebacker in Ohio State history. A two-time consensus All-American, he set a standard for a position. After an eight-year NFL career, he became a position coach.
Laurinitis took Styles from a roaming safety to a three-down linebacker. At the next level, offense will become tougher to diagnose. Not to mention, the speed and physicality occur on every down. Yet, in his favor, the Commanders assembled a defensive front filled with playmakers. With Jer’Zhan Newton and Daron Payne disrupting upfront.
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles tackles Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard.
Positionless Defense Suits Styles’ Approach
While listed as a linebacker, Styles could serve the Commanders at all three levels. A blitzer flying through the A/B gaps would prevent guards and tackles from doubling an edge rusher. As a result, they would be free to rush a single blocker.
In the middle of the field, Styles’ burst and ball skills would attempt to take away the quick game from tight ends and the odd receiver that wants to cross his face. As mentioned, the three-safety look would see him trail deeper down the field to negate passes thrown down the seam.
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
In the offseason, the Commander spent millions to help their defense. To their credit, they accomplished just that. Still, with a potentially game-changing defender available, will they take the chance and bring Styles into the fold?
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