Washington just made one of the most ELECTRIC draft picks in recent memory — and we’re breaking down every single detail.
With the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles  — and the NFL world is already SHAKING. In this deep-dive episode, we go ALL IN on what Styles brings to D.C., why this pick could define the franchise for the next decade, and whether Washington is quietly building one of the most dangerous rosters in the NFC.
WHO IS SONNY STYLES?
A First-Team All-American and All-Big Ten selection, Styles stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 244 pounds  — a certified FREAK of nature. The youngest son of former Ohio State linebacker Lorenzo Styles, Sonny began his Buckeyes career as a safety before switching to linebacker during Ohio State’s championship season in 2024.  The position change? Absolute ROCKET FUEL for his draft stock.
At the NFL Combine, Styles posted jaw-dropping numbers: the highest vertical jump among linebackers (43.5 inches), the longest broad jump (11-2), and a 4.46-second 40-yard dash — tied for the fastest among linebackers, with a 1.56-second 10-yard split also tied for the top mark at his position.  When was the last time you saw a 6’5”, 244-pound man MOVE LIKE THAT?
In his final two seasons at Ohio State, Styles piled up 182 tackles (17 for loss), seven sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and eight pass breakups.  The production is UNDENIABLE.
DAN QUINN’S SECRET WEAPON
Head coach Dan Quinn is HYPED — and rightfully so. Quinn called Styles “rare,” saying: “This type of linebacker — the athletic traits, the speed, the size, the length — it’s not an every-year player. I’m a developmental coach — I can’t wait to coach him.” 
Analysts are already comparing Styles to Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, saying Washington “needed to find an alpha on defense” and that Styles should prove to be that immediately.  ALPHA ENERGY. IMMEDIATELY.
His selection also made NFL Draft history — it marked the first time two linebackers from the same school were drafted within the top 10 picks , with Ohio State teammate Arvell Reese going No. 5 to the Giants.
THE BIG PICTURE FOR WASHINGTON
After a brutal 2025 season derailed by injuries, the Commanders are REBUILDING with a vengeance. GM Adam Peters said: “We didn’t think he was going to be there. We thought there was a low chance, but it was an easy pick when he was there and we were on the clock.”  That’s called WINNING the lottery, folks.
No player in Thursday night’s first round might have wanted to be picked by a team more than Styles wanted to be chosen by Washington.  When a top-7 talent WANTS to be your guy? That’s a dynasty in the making.
We break down Styles’ film, his fit in Daronte Jones’ new defensive scheme, his potential impact on Day 1, his NFL comparables, and what his arrival means for the Commanders heading into 2026.
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