The Washington Commanders made the decision to select former Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Styles has the potential to be a bonafide star at the professional level. However, there are some long-term concerns about the risks of drafting an off-ball linebacker so high in the first round.
With that being said, the Commanders have been given a new reason to be concerned about Styles’ future.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler took some time to speak out about the Detroit Lions choosing not to pick up the fifth-year option of linebacker Jack Campbell. He connected that news to Washington and Styles.
“Detroit declining Jack Campbell’s fifth-year option (via@E_Woodyard). The challenge of drafting off-ball LB in Round 1: Campbell has been a star for Detroit, a first-team All Pro. But the option number of $21.9M is cost-prohibitive,” Fowler wrote. “Washington will face a similar issue with Sonny Styles.”
Commanders Have Huge Potential With Sonny Styles Despite Risks
During the 2025 college football season with the Buckeyes, Styles racked up 83 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, an interception, and three. defended passes.
Those numbers were solid, but they weren’t his best season at Ohio State. His best year came in 2024.
Back in 2024, he totaled 100 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble, and five defended passes. He’s more than capable of becoming one of the best linebackers in the NFL if he reaches his ceiling.
Standing in at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Styles possesses an elite combination of size, speed, and athleticism. He will fit perfectly into what Dan Quinn likes to do on the defensive side of the football. If things work out, the Commanders will be very happy with their selection.
Sonny Styles Being Compared to NFL Superstar
What kind of player could Styles become at the NFL level? One comparison suggests he could be similar to a current superstar in the league.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein believes that San Francisco 49ers star Fred Warner is a reasonable comparison for Styles.
Should he become anything close to what Warner has been for the 49ers, Washington will be in much better shape defensively. He will also be asked to fill the shoes of a longtime NFL superstar. Bobby Wagner seems likely to leave in free agency.
It will be interesting to see how the selection plays out. There are reasons to be concerned, but there are also plenty of reasons to be excited.
Styles will be a name watched very closely as the 2026 NFL season gets underway.
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