Former NFL linebacker Ryan Shazier had high praise for one of the Washington Commanders' rookies, pointing to his instant impact potential
The Washington Commanders made the defense the focus with its first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after turning to former Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, who drew immediate feedback from day one of rookie minicamp.
Shortly after inking his contract, the 6-foot-5, 244-pound rookie made it easy to spot on the field where he routinely found himself around the ball like his days as a Buckeye. While it's early, it's the type of feedback that has offered continued optimism for what the Commanders defense could materialize into in 2026 after an abysmal showing in 2025. Yet the addition of Styles in DC also caught the eye of another former NFL linebacker.
Former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier called Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles "one of the safest picks" in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his consistency. In a league that values potential, Styles proved to be a consistent piece for the Buckeyes defense with Shazier noting he's the guy who "is supposed to be there, and he’s there every time" in an exclusive interview with Casino Guru News.
The question for Styles has been how soon he becomes the green dot linebacker in Daronte Jones' defense with Leo Chenal an experienced option, though head coach Dan Quinn noted Styles is one of the players capable of drawing that tag in practices. Yet it's been clear that Styles reinforces what was once a weakness into a strength this offseason after the front office put a premium on upgrading both the talent and depth across the front seven.
As for possible expectations in year one, the rookie drew comparisons to 49ers linebacker Fred Warner during the draft process, a comparison that Shazier noted is understandable due to his experience at safety "and he's good in coverage."
"Obviously Sonny didn’t have a whole lot of interceptions, but he’s in the right area at the right time. Darrelle Revis didn’t get a lot of interceptions, but he was always where he needed to be. I feel like that’s the same thing with Sonny," Shazier added.
"He’s big, he’s long, he’s rangy. In the run game he doesn’t miss any tackles. In the pass game he covers really well. He’s always square and always in the right position. If you do get a comparison, that’s the one you want heading into the NFL. That’s amazing."
All eyes will soon be on how the former Ohio State captain immerses himself as the leader of the Commanders defense with defensive coordinator Daronte Jones laying the groundwork for installs.
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