The Washington Commanders rank in the bottom five in passing yards allowed (255) and points allowed (29.8) per game so far in the 2026 NFL season, but 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak is not taking their defense lightly.
One major reason for that is Commanders rookie linebacker Sonny Styles, whom Kubiak said reminded him of star San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner when asked if Styles stood out on tape.
“He’s already a heck of a player,” Kubiak said of Styles. “The athleticism is what jumps out. The length for his size, his speed, his athleticism, playing that inside linebacker role. He can kind of do it all. He can rush. He can blitz. He can cover. He’s long. He’s going to get his hands on balls.
“The guy’s a heck of a player. He’s going to be a bright player. Reminds me a little bit of Fred in that way. Just the athleticism, the range, and you know he’s a good player.”
Styles was the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL draft after a record-setting NFL combine performance, where he posted a 43-1/2 inch vertical jump and 11-foot-2 inch broad jump, both the top marks for linebackers.
The Ohio State standout immediately has made an impact in the NFL. Styles’ 33 tackles ranks second on the Commanders, and he also has recorded an interception, a sack and a forced fumble through five weeks.
Warner, meanwhile, has looked as good as ever after returning from a dislocated and broken ankle sustained in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. The four-time First-team All-Pro sits fourth in the NFL with 50 total tackles and is tied for the league lead with three forced fumbles so far.
The 49ers look to improve to 6-0 for just the second time in the Kyle Shanahan era when they take on Washington on Monday night, and the battle between Styles and Warner could be one to watch.
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