Commanders Receive Strong Message Amid Sonny Styles Concerns

The Washington Commanders selected Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the rookie linebacker has already generated some questions following his first two preseason appearances. However, preseason performances should be viewed with some perspective, especially this early in a player’s development.

The real evaluation will begin once the regular season starts. Styles and the Commanders will open the season on September 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles, giving him an immediate opportunity to show how he handles NFL competition. If difficulties continue into the regular season, the concerns surrounding his performance will carry more weight.

For now, 106.7 The Fan’s JP Finlay urged fans not to make sweeping judgments based on a limited preseason sample.

Finlay argued that Styles’ exact role could change depending on the defensive alignment, but the Commanders are primarily looking for consistency rather than highlight-reel plays from their young linebacker.

Styles spent four seasons at Ohio State, appearing in 53 games and recording 142 solo tackles, 97 assisted tackles, nine sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception. He will now attempt to carry that production over to the professional level.

Fred Warner Provides a Potential Blueprint

Finlay also pointed to San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner’s rookie season as an example of the type of production Washington could hope to get from Styles.

Warner played all 16 games as a rookie and recorded 124 tackles. For Styles, staying healthy and consistently being around the football could be more important than producing spectacular plays during a limited number of preseason snaps.

The expectation is that Styles can develop into a dependable three-down linebacker who regularly contributes in the tackle department while also making occasional plays in coverage and creating turnovers.

That could mean passes defended, forced fumbles and other impact plays will come naturally as he becomes more comfortable in the Commanders’ defense.

What Washington Is Seeing From Styles

Washington Post reporter Tashan Reed recently provided additional insight into Styles’ development during an appearance on “NFL Spotlight With Ari Meirov.”

According to Reed, Styles has been moving around during training camp and has received reps at both Mike and Will linebacker. He and Frankie Luvu are expected to see significant playing time when Washington uses a nickel package featuring two linebackers.

Reed also pointed out why Washington was willing to select Styles seventh overall. His combination of size, athleticism and speed gives him a physical profile that is difficult to find.

Those traits could be especially valuable in pass coverage, an area where the Commanders have reportedly struggled in recent seasons.

Ultimately, Styles’ preseason performance should be viewed as part of a larger development process. His versatility, athletic ability and college production give Washington plenty to work with, but the true test will come when the regular season begins and he has to consistently perform in meaningful games.