Trending Now - Commanders Choose Linebacker Sonny Styles With Seventh Pick

WHO:

Sportskeeda - NFL fans reacted to the Commanders' selection of Sonny Styles, with some expressing disappointment and suggesting they should have chosen Jordyn Tyson.

commanders.com - Sonny Styles is 6-foot-5 and weighs 244 pounds.

commanders.com - Styles was unanimously selected for Ohio State's "Block O" award.

Sportskeeda - The Washington Commanders selected linebacker Sonny Styles.

commanders.com - Sonny Styles is a 21-year-old linebacker from Ohio State.

WHAT:

commanders.com - Styles was a key piece of the best defense in college football during the 2025 season.

commanders.com - Styles was unanimously selected for Ohio State's "Block O" award, which recognizes players for toughness, leadership, and character.

commanders.com - In the 2024 season, Styles helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship.

commanders.com - Styles recorded 82 combined tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and one interception in his senior season in 2025.

commanders.com - Styles was the only defensive player with at least 50 tackles to have a miss rate of zero, according to Pro Football Reference.

commanders.com - In the 2024 season, Styles recorded 100 tackles, six sacks, and one forced fumble.

commanders.com - Styles earned at least an 87 from Pro Football Focus in run game and coverage.

commanders.com - The Commanders used the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Sonny Styles.

commanders.com - Sonny Styles was a First-Team All-American and All-Big Ten selection.

commanders.com - In his senior season in 2025, Styles recorded 82 combined tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and one interception.

commanders.com - Styles had an FBS-best tackling grade of 92.2 according to Pro Football Focus.

commanders.com - Styles recorded a 43.5-inch vertical jump at the NFL Combine in February 2026, the highest for any player over 240 pounds since 1999.

commanders.com - Styles was the only defensive player with at least 50 tackles to have a miss rate of zero.

WHERE:

commanders.com - The selection took place during the 2026 NFL Draft.

WHEN:

commanders.com - The Commanders selected Sonny Styles on April 20th, 2026.

commanders.com - Styles' senior season occurred in 2025.

WHY:

commanders.com - The Commanders struggled against the pass, run, and pressure rate in the previous season, ranking 31st in missed tackles.

HOW:

commanders.com - NFL.com's Lance Zierlein noted that Styles "diffuses block attempts with crisp hand strikes and leverages run fits with force/anchor strength."

commanders.com - NFL.com's Lance Zierlein stated that Styles can "make an impact from multiple spots on the field and is a plus man-cover talent."

commanders.com - NFL.com's Lance Zierlein described Styles as having "plenty of short-area quickness and pursuit speed to get where he needs to go."

commanders.com - Styles was selected based on his performance metrics, including his tackling efficiency and athleticism demonstrated at the NFL Combine.

(UPDATED April 24, 2026 23:10 UTC)

The Washington Commanders have selected Sonny Styles in the NFL draft, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing disappointment and suggesting they should have chosen Jordyn Tyson instead. Styles was a standout player on the best defense in college football during the 2025 season and received the prestigious "Block O" award from Ohio State, honoring his toughness, leadership, and character. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein praised Styles for his ability to diffuse block attempts with precise hand strikes and his impressive strength in run fits.

(UPDATED April 24, 2026 17:19 UTC)

In the 2024 season, Styles played a key role in leading the Buckeyes to a national championship, and in his senior season in 2025, he recorded 82 combined tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and one interception. Notably, he was the only defensive player with at least 50 tackles to achieve a miss rate of zero, according to Pro Football Reference. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein highlighted Styles' versatility, stating that he can "make an impact from multiple spots on the field and is a plus man-cover talent."

(UPDATED April 24, 2026 05:50 UTC)

Sonny Styles, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 244 pounds, has made a significant impact in the 2024 season with 100 tackles, six sacks, and one forced fumble. He was unanimously selected for Ohio State's prestigious "Block O" award and earned impressive ratings from Pro Football Focus, scoring at least an 87 in both run game and coverage. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein highlighted Styles' abilities, noting he possesses "plenty of short-area quickness and pursuit speed to get where he needs to go."

(UPDATED April 24, 2026 04:09 UTC)

The Washington Commanders made a significant move in the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick on Monday. The 21-year-old from Ohio State was a standout player, earning First-Team All-American honors and recording impressive stats during his senior season, including 82 combined tackles and a remarkable tackling grade of 92.2 according to Pro Football Focus. Styles also showcased his athleticism at the NFL Combine with a 43.5-inch vertical jump, making him a key addition for the Commanders, who struggled defensively last season.