Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn talks about whether rookie linebacker Sonny Styles will materialize into a 'green dot' linebacker in 2026
The Washington Commanders first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft added the the possible long-term piece of foundation of the defense with linebacker Sonny Styles becoming the third Buckeye drafted last week.
The added athleticism that the 6-foot-5 linebacker adds to a unit that also added former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker rLeon Chenal was the type of selection that alters the outlook of what could become under first year defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. Head coach Dan Quinn sees Styles being that impact piece where the coaches can lean on that versatility to play a number of ways.
"He has such unique traits to him, so we'll play a lot of zone where we'll have vision to the QB and you can imagine this type of speed, his type of length to be able to close to the ball," Quinn said on the Rich Eisen show on Thursday. "Although he hasn't blitzed a ton at Ohio State, [Arvell] Reese was there as well and so the fact that we're going to also send this guy as a blitzer. I think it's that kind of versatility, where we'll align him, how we can do that."
The added element that Styles adds is his transition from safety to linebacker ahead of the 2024 season, a move that scouts have pointed to as one that adds to his arsenal as an asset in pass coverage. Quinn pointed to that again as reason why Styles can be a plus in coverage.
"He's got the football acumen because of his time at safety that the coverage part of his game is in tact. To see him unleashed in some new ways, that's going to be something I very much look forward to being a part of," he added.
Yet the big question will be whether Styles materializes into the 'green dot' linebacker on defense as many have viewed. Quinn noted "we'll certainty consider that" with a chance for Styles do that in practice alongside "a number of guys" as he transitions from college to NFL. The good news is Styles had that experience as a Buckeye as Quinn reiterated, "he is definitely capable of that."
Styles also ranked 12th in ESPN's draft rankings this week, one of three Commanders included, while others have pointed to the Commanders linebacker as a "future Fred Warner" with optimism surrounding his immediate impact.
"He's the type of player that can definitely do that."