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Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles

Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters drafted Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick. Styles’ selection could signal a philosophy change in Washington that could continue on Day 2. David Aldridge from The Athletic sees the change and the reasoning.

“Styles popped at the combine in Indianapolis in February, posting a Relative Athletic Score of 9.99 out of 10—the fourth-highest mark out of more than 3,000 linebackers measured since 1987. The Commanders love RAS as a metric. And Peters loves athletic linebackers like Fred Warner, the 49ers‘ four-time first-team All-Pro who’s anchored San Francisco’s defense since 2018.”

Warner is the modern middle/inside linebacker prototype, the standard by which contemporaries will measure against. First, he brings a safety-like speed to the position, allowing him to cover multiple spots. Next, when he drives downhill in the run game, he sheds blocks and wrecks the run game. Styles, at Ohio State, displayed those traits. Now, the Commanders hope he can make the most of his athletic talents.

#Commanders new LB Sonny Styles is an absolute FREAK pic.twitter.com/QBAQVT8tbM

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) April 24, 2026

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Other Washington Rookies Need to Embrace the Mindset

Styles, known for his speed and explosion, hopes to translate to the professional field.

“It’s more so by the way you work, earn the respect of everyone around you by showing up to work every day, doing what you’re supposed to, great attitude, great energy, doing your job, especially when you get out there for OTAs and things like that, knowing my playbook and all those things. ”

Meanwhile, the speed and burst aspect of the future draft class needs to match the energy of opponents. In Philadelphia, the Eagles drafted USC wideout Makai Lemon. While not the fastest wideout, he uses crisp routes and quick feet to gain separation. As a result, the Commanders need to counter that move on defense. The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala believes that Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun could factor in on Day Two.

” 6-2, 189 with a 78 5/8-inch wingspan. Igbinosun also has the requisite speed and quickness, plus three years of starting experience as an outside corner at Ohio State.”

On the other side of Lemon, DeVonta Smith will force the Commanders to line up their best cornerback. As constructed, Washington needs tremendous help. Mike Sainristil allowed nine passing touchdowns and opponents to catch 68.5% of their targets. If Lemon’s presence in Philadelphia does not alarm Washington, George Pickens still exists in Dallas.

Peters wants to keep adding speed to both sides of the ball, yet one position could benefit without an investment in draft capital.

I think Davison Igbinosun has the most upside in this CB class pic.twitter.com/kQK5HDDrjv

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 19, 2024

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Washington to Washington Could Provide Next-Level Athleticism

Jeremiyah Love heard his name called earlier than many expected, going to the Arizona Cardinals at No.3. Still, a homerun threat at running back exists that could change the complexion of the offense. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas’ workhorse back, blends speed and power. At 223 pounds, Washington can break tackles.

GettyArkansas running back Mike Washington Jr.

However, in the open field, he will get to a second gear in a hurry. With Rachaad White fighting for a starting spot, adding another back, but this one has breakaway ability, it changes the dynamic of the Commanders.