Sonny Styles prepares for rookie season with Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles enters his rookie NFL season following his selection as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. An alumnus of Ohio State, Styles is expected to help revitalize a defense that struggled significantly last season and eventually fill the role previously held by Bobby Wagner.

While preseason performances showed some technical rawness, former Washington head coach Jay Gruden highlighted Styles’ potential versatility. Gruden noted that while the rookie may initially struggle with certain blocking schemes, his ability to act as a ‘Swiss Army knife’—covering backs, rushing the passer, and playing sideline-to-sideline—is critical to his long-term development and the team's defensive success.

Styles' first major test arrives in Week 1 on September 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he will look to translate his collegiate production into professional impact.