The Washington Commanders have rolled through the offseason like a snowball down a mountain. They have consistently gained momentum through coaching changes and free agent acquisitions. Following all these changes, they find themselves now fully focused on the upcoming NFL Draft. Washington has already addressed several roster needs, which provides them with some flexibility come April. Their biggest remaining priorities, according to ESPN’s John Keim, are: “Another receiver who can serve as a No. 2 wideout opposite Terry McLaurin, a cornerback with length, and potentially a new center following the departure of Tyler Biadasz.”
Despite these priority positions, Todd McShay of The Ringer has the Commanders shaking things up with their first-round selection. With the seventh overall pick, McShay has the Commanders selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
Sonny Styles Would Be A Dynamic Player for the Washington Commanders
GettySonny Styles has recorded 245 total tackles, 9 passes defended, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception across four seasons with Ohio State.
“Linebacker isn’t as big a need for the Commanders as guard, running back, or wide receiver, but Styles would pair beautifully with newly acquired LB Leo Chenal for a defense that ranked dead last in total yards allowed last season,” McShay wrote. “At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds with an 81-inch wingspan and 10-inch hands, Styles is a physical phenom. He was the biggest linebacker at this year’s combine, ran the fastest 10-yard split (1.56), tied Arvell Reese for the fastest 40 (4.46), and had the most explosive jumps (43.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-2-inch broad).”
Styles’ presence would certainly center the Commanders’ defense, especially following a likely departure of Bobby Wagner. McShay lists Styles as a versatile and dynamic chess piece who will fit in any culture.
Sonny Styles Would Allow Daronte Jones to Maximize The Defense’s Potential
GettyThe Minnesota Vikings blitzed at a league high 44.3% in 2025, nearly 11% higher than the next closest team.
Daronte Jones is the new defensive coordinator in Washington. While it remains to be seen what his defensive scheme will look like exactly, it’s a safe bet that it will resemble the Minnesota Vikings’ defense from last season. Jones spent the past four seasons with the Vikings and the past three under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Flores has been one of the top defensive minds currently in the league and is known for his unique scheme.
Acclaimed NFL YouTuber Brett Kollmann broke down how Brian Flores runs his defense in a video he released before last season. Kollmann explained how Flores relies heavily on blitzing, utilizing a “two-deep” and “four-deep” fire zone. Without getting too into the weeds about what this means, for reference, the majority of the league usually runs a “three-deep” fire-zone.
The downside of Flores’ defensive style is that it doesn’t work without a linebacker who can cover. The emphasis on sending additional players to rush the passer leaves the middle of the field open, which tests the linebackers’ ability to make consistent tackles. Styles would slot perfectly into this type of scheme.
McShay credited Styles’ coverage ability in his breakdown. “On the field, Styles (a former safety) has elite cover skills, and while his pass rush production and efficiency often get overlooked, the 2024 tape is pretty damn good.”
Styles’ inclusion on defense would allow Daronte Jones to operate at full capacity and turn the Commanders into one of the scarier units across the league.
Commanders Predicted to Shake Things Up With Key NFL Draft Selection