![\"Sonny](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sonny-Styles-1-e1775586425560.jpg\")
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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles during a September 25, 2025 game against the University of Washington. <\/p>\n
The Washington Commanders<\/a> added significant pieces to their defense. ESPN analyst Peter Schrager believes that the franchise needs to add at least one more premier piece. He suggests that the team needs to draft<\/a> Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL<\/a> Draft.<\/p>\n \u201d I believe Washington is going to go defense; it gave up 6.0 yards per play in 2025, tied for third worst.\u201d<\/p>\n The facts remain on the side of a defensive selection. Additionally, allowing 26.5 points<\/a> per game will not win many games, unless the team scores 27. Asking for a four-touchdown per game effort looks like a monumental ask. As a result, the defense holds the majority of the burden. \u2018<\/p>\n GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles chases Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza during 2025 Big Ten championship.<\/p>\n The NFC East features two high-powered offenses: the Dallas Cowboys<\/a> and Philadelphia Eagles. Moreover, a team like the Eagles boasts a defense that excels against both the run and pass. While they can win high-scoring contests, they prefer to win trench battles.<\/p>\n Sonny Styles is Fred Warner \ud83d\ude33<\/p>\n pic.twitter.com\/ExWF7JKu9p<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) March 29, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js<\/a><\/p>\n Styles\u2019 Play Echoes All-Pro Standout Linebacker<\/p>\n Schrager believes Styles\u2019 play mirrors Fred Warner, explaining:<\/p>\n \u201cStyles shows a lot of the same traits that Fred Warner has displayed in San Francisco, and GM Adam Peters \u2014 who came from San Francisco \u2014 knows what Warner has meant for the 49ers<\/a> all these years. \u201d<\/p>\n Now, in all honesty, hyperbole remains an integral part of the draft process. Warner, considered by many, is the best inside\/middle linebacker in the NFL. In eight seasons, 948 tackles<\/a>, ten interceptions, 17 forced fumbles. Plus, he\u2019s missed only 8.6% of his tackles. In essence, Warner plays the position with the ability to shoot gaps in the run game and trail targets in pass coverage. Not to mention, when he attempts to jar the ball loose, the football finds the ground.<\/p>\n On top of that, Peters built his entire resume<\/a> on scouting. When Denver made their Super Bowl run, Peters built the young parts<\/a> of the roster. For example, while everyone knows what Von Miller brought to the table, a player like linebacker Danny Trevathan, who made a living on the inside, excelled. Peters chose Trevathan<\/a> in the sixth round. In return, Trevathan\u2019s best season occurred in that Super Bowl season.<\/p>\n Sonny Styles run defense. Block destruction, lateral movement, instincts, and elite tackling form pic.twitter.com\/kzQ322fsBW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js<\/a><\/p>\n Traits Need to Match Production<\/p>\n The Commanders do not need tools or measurements. Instead, they need a linebacker who can be a complete package, a player who is versatile<\/a>. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones wants the position to run the defense, but also be one of the bigger playmakers. Washington spent $100 million on Odafe Oweh<\/a>, an athlete in his own right.<\/p>\n However, he will be held to the same expectations as Styles. No matter how fast they run or how many bench press reps they can do, it does not matter. Instead, the scheme and performance are the only metric that actually matters.<\/p>\n The major intangible that lands in Styles\u2019 favor is his ability to stay hip-to-hip, given that he was a former safety. As a safety, Styles learned the nuance of coverage. For example, decision-making processes, such as whether to undercut a pass or play over the top. Within a small decision, the outcome of a drive could occur. If he decides wrong, the drive continues. Furthermore, flashing the ability to cover multiple positions.<\/p>\n GettyOhio State linebacker Sonny Styles tackles Michigan quarterback Davis Warren during 2024 game.<\/p>\n Peters can change the complexion of the Commanders\u2019 defense with Styles. Can they fit him into the scheme where he will thrive?<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tTerrance Biggs<\/a> Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
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\nHe is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n