Sonny Styles
21-Year-Old
2025 Defense Stats
TCKL
0
SACKS
0.0
INT
0
FF
0
TD
0
2026 Projections
2026 Fantasy Outlook
There's always some risk in ranking a rookie this high, but it's difficult to foresee a path for Styles to have an unproductive first season as a pro. The Commanders selected him seventh overall, and he projects to fill a well-rounded skillset. Scouting reports suggest Styles is a smart player who is capable of making proper reads, he should excel in coverage as a former safety, and his elite-level athleticism allows him to excel against the run. Washington remade much of its defense, including its linebacker corps, and Styles is likely to pair with Leo Chenal to patrol the intermediate area of the field. Frankie Luvu remains on the roster, but his performance dipped significantly in 2025, and Styles should have little problem surpassing him on the depth chart. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a four-year, $37.21 million contract with the Commanders in May of 2026.
Lands with Commanders
The Commanders selected Styles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, seventh overall.
ANALYSIS
Styles (6-foot-5, 244 pounds) is a remarkable athlete even by Ohio State standards, boasting a frame massive by linebacker standards yet the easy, gliding athleticism of a cornerback (4.46-second 40-yard dash, 43.5-inch vertical jump). He might be a slight tweener in that he looks like a brute yet plays a game closer to a finesse style type, but there is almost certainly plenty of ways Styles can help the Washington defense. Styles has a history of playing both safety and linebacker, which highlights his rare upside in coverage especially. The versatile defender can probably offer the Commanders quality reps from linebacker, rover and even nickel corner spots.
Styles (6-foot-5, 244 pounds) is a remarkable athlete even by Ohio State standards, boasting a frame massive by linebacker standards yet the easy, gliding athleticism of a cornerback (4.46-second 40-yard dash, 43.5-inch vertical jump). He might be a slight tweener in that he looks like a brute yet plays a game closer to a finesse style type, but there is almost certainly plenty of ways Styles can help the Washington defense. Styles has a history of playing both safety and linebacker, which highlights his rare upside in coverage especially. The versatile defender can probably offer the Commanders quality reps from linebacker, rover and even nickel corner spots.
NFL Stats
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
Commanders 2025 LB Snap DistributionLoading Weekly Snap Counts...
2025 Sonny Styles Split Stats
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Measurables Review
View College Player Page
How do Sonny Styles' measurables compare to other linebackers?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 5"Weight
243 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.46 secShuttle Time
4.26 secCone Drill
7.09 secVertical Jump
43.5 inBroad Jump
134 inBench Press
0 repsHand Length
10.00 inArm Length
32.88 in
Latest Fantasy Rumors
Set to captain defense in DC
Styles has been wearing the green dot for the Commanders' defense this offseason, John Keim of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Selected seventh overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Styles has stepped right in and taken on a leadership role for the Washington defense, with the linebacker being the one to relay plays to the unit. Given his size, speed, athleticism and the likelihood he could be on the field in all situations, Styles should be viewed as an early favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Selected seventh overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Styles has stepped right in and taken on a leadership role for the Washington defense, with the linebacker being the one to relay plays to the unit. Given his size, speed, athleticism and the likelihood he could be on the field in all situations, Styles should be viewed as an early favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.