The Washington Commanders, despite a start to the offseason in which they filled multiple needs, may still need to address one. As veteran Bobby Wagner sits in free agency, the team could use another linebacker. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper believes that the team should look at Ohio State’s Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, writing:
“The Commanders couldn’t stop anyone last season, and linebacker Bobby Wagner appears to be headed elsewhere as a free agent. Bringing in Styles—my No. 6 prospect regardless of position—to team up with Frankie Luvu and new addition Leo Chenal makes some sense.”
“After a 77-tackle season, Styles posted an incredible 43½-inch vertical jump at the combine, a glimpse into his explosion. Washington needs good ball players, and Styles is just that.”
While Wagner did tally his 14th straight season with 100 tackles, he turns 36 on June 27. The Commanders will need to eventually turn the page. Why not when they possess a high enough pick to land a potentially impactful player?
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles tackles Michigan’s Jordan Marshall.
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will want to place his stamp on the defense. Can he truly do that with a future Hall of Famer in the middle of his defense? Wagner commands respect by his play and his leadership. While there is no evidence that he would countermand Jones, starting fresh could be what the defense needs.
Granted, Wagner did record 162 tackles and two interceptions. Did those stats prevent the Commanders from ranking in the bottom-third of the NFL in pass and run defense? Moreover, allowing 26.5 points per game will make things tougher on the offense to win games.
Sonny Styles is my #1 overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft ⭐️
He put up a 9.99 RAS, but his film is so good that athletic testing feels like an afterthought. He is the only blue chip prospect in this year’s class: pic.twitter.com/5ajzsbfvQR
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 4, 2026
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Styles’ Versatility Could Manifest Itself in Various Ways
While the world watched Styles’ Combine performance, the numbers only solidified what the film said. As a result, drafting him, combining him with Frankie Luvu, and free-agent signing Leo Chenal could pay immediate dividends. First, all three play downhill. In other words, they will drive down to make the stop against the run.
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny linebacker tackles Purdue running back Antonio Harris.
Additionally, on passing downs, each flashes the ability to blitz through the A and B gaps to force the quarterback to ditch the pocket and roll out, picking a side. On top of that, sliding one to a slide to rush on the same side as Odafe Oweh forces offenses to overcompensate to that edge.
While the trio may not see the field at the same time, the grouping solidifies the linebacker situation for the next couple of seasons, to say the least. Styles can learn from two vastly different points of view. Luvu wasn’t drafted.
Yet, he grinded through the early days as a special teams ace before finding his path as an eventual starter. On the other hand, Chenal benefited from drafting luck, landing in Kansas City. Winning two Super Bowls as a key contributor could provide a viewpoint that many would not readily understand on their own.
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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While Early, the Fred Warner Comparison Exists
Based on his size and tools, draft analysts made the leap, comparing the former Buckeye to San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner. Warner, regarded by many outlets as one of the best middle linebackers in football, plays with energy and ferocity to buttress his abilities. Styles will need to bring a similar passion to the table to make the parallel fit.
GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles tackles Illinois quarterback Luke Altmeyer.
In the long run, the Commanders could build a defensive centerpiece who can play in multiple schemes and succeed in multiple roles. Does team management want to add yet another defensive piece to the puzzle?
#OhioState LB Sonny Styles vs. Indiana
He was everywhere. Athletic and rangy. Stack, shed, and finish ability. Arrives with violence.
Through 13 games this year, he has ZERO missed tackles as a run defender. pic.twitter.com/UKU73y3BAe
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 7, 2025
Commanders Urged to Select ‘Incredible, Explosive’ Defender