The Washington Commanders have one player in mind with the No. 7 pick in the NFL draft, but the rival New York Giants are eyeing him as well two spots earlier, which is looking more and more like a serious problem.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is the prospect in question, and the chances the Giants select him before the Commanders get the chance probably increased after New York sent defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals over the weekend in return for the No. 10 pick.
The Giants now own pick Nos. 5 and 10, which means they can address another position of need with a premium draft choice. New York has been a candidate for a wide receiver like Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson at No. 5, but that spot on the field has more depth than linebacker in this class, and thus offers more value and optionality at No. 10 as opposed to No. 5.
Furthermore, Todd McShay of The Ringer reported Sunday, April 19 that the Commanders won’t let Styles fall beyond pick No. 7. And if McShay’s league sources are telling him that, then the Giants are certainly aware of Washington’s stance on Styles as well.
“If Sonny Styles is sitting there for the Washington Commanders, I’m told on pretty damn good authority — Dan Quinn, that’s his guy,” McShay said. “Styles is going No. 7 to Washington if he’s on the board. And I actually believe that’s if Jeremiah Love were on the board, too. That’s what I’m hearing, strong. Strong.”
Giants Need Sonny Styles Even More After Trading Dexter Lawrence
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
New York’s decision to move Lawrence further exacerbates the team’s biggest defensive flaw, which makes it all the more likely the Giants will pursue Styles to address it.
“They’ve gotta improve the run defense, and you have no defensive tackles now,” McShay’s co-host Steve Muench said. “There’s no value there for defensive tackle. There’s no defensive tackle worth taking at five. You have got, got to improve that run defense. I think the best way to do that if you stick and pick there is Sonny Styles.”
Washington could potentially attempt to trade up with the Cardinals at No. 3 or the Titans at No. 4 to get ahead of the Giants, but the Commanders don’t select again until No. 71 in Round 3 and thus have little to offer two teams with numerous needs that they could adequately address with the third and fourth selections, respectively.
Commanders May Land Jeremiyah Love, Pass-Rusher if Giants Swipe Sonny Styles
GettyRunning back Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame.
The bright side how things have played out for the Giants, and appear likely to play out on draft night Thursday, is that either Love or a top-tier pass-rusher could be available to Washington at No. 7 should the Giants go with Styles at No. 5.
The consensus across most national mock drafts is that the Las Vegas Raiders will take QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall, followed by the New York Jets selecting an edge-rusher with the second pick, probably Arvell Reese or David Bailey.
McShay reported that Arizona wants out of the No. 3 spot, while the Cleveland Browns are players to deal the No. 6 pick if they don’t go with an offensive tackle or wideout there.
A handful of teams are potential suitors to move up into either spot for Love or one of the remaining edge-rushers, while the Titans are something of a wildcard, though conventional wisdom and roster need point to a defensive player for new head coach Robert Saleh at No. 4 if Tennessee doesn’t trade down.
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