When reflecting on the 2025 season, one thing was for sure: the Commanders' defense simply wasn’t good enough. Statistically, the unit ranked dead last, surrendered 26.5 points per game, and couldn’t get off the field. Ranking 31st in takeaways, they forced a meager 15 turnovers all year.

Washington looked outmatched and slow. It came as no surprise when Adam Peters and Dan Quinn aggressively overhauled the unit, signing five projected defensive starters—including linebacker Leo Chenal and pass rusher Odafe Oweh. But the true crown jewel arrived when Washington invested their highest 2026 draft capital into Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall.

While pre-draft fan hype gravitated toward offensive stars like Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate, Washington didn’t hesitate when the elite athletic standout of the NFL Combine fell to them. Being a top-10 pick brings instant cachet and high expectations—especially at a supposed "non-premium" position like off-ball linebacker.

But Styles has the collegiate pedigree and athletic profile to disrupt that stigma. At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, Styles set the NFL world on fire with a historic 43.5-inch vertical and a blazing 4.46 40-yard dash. Therefore, he may be the anomaly at the position who can reshape a defense.

To frame what realistic expectations look like for Washington’s new defensive centerpiece, let's look at the blueprint of recent top-10 off-ball linebackers.

Over the last decade, NFL front offices have almost exclusively used top-10 picks for quarterbacks, receivers, tackles, and edge rushers. In fact, from 2016 through 2026, only four true off-ball linebackers were drafted in the top 10.

Looking at how the other three prospects fared in year one reveals a stark reality: even for elite blue-chip talents, the rookie learning curve is incredibly steep.

Is Styles any different? He arrived in Columbus as a five-star safety prospect and spent his final two collegiate seasons moving closer and closer to the line of scrimmage. This background means he should project as a "plus" defender in coverage early on, providing a distinct advantage over his predecessors. Isaiah Simmons was a converted safety as well, but Arizona completely mishandled his development.

Ideally, Dan Quinn and Daronte Jones can provide a safe runway for Styles during his rookie season by simplifying his role. This should allow him to play fast, maximize his elite athletic traits, and naturally grow into a true run defender. The encouraging takeaway is that despite only recently transitioning to the second level, the lights were never too bright for him—even at a powerhouse, big-time program like Ohio State.

If you are looking for a reason why Styles can shine early, it lies in his elite defensive discipline and remarkable analytical profile at Ohio State.

Last season, Styles earned a stellar 88.0 overall PFF defensive grade (ranking 17th out of 809 qualified college linebackers). Unlike past prospects who lacked versatility, Styles excelled as an elite coverage defender, posting an 87.4 PFF coverage grade and holding opposing quarterbacks to a 75.8 passer rating when targeted.

In addition, he registered the lowest missed-tackle rate in the nation, proving that he has the ability to be an excellent run defender at the pro level.

Styles enters the pros as a highly refined coverage linebacker and an ascending run defender. After battling an 18.4% missed-tackle rate during his first full year at linebacker in 2024, he dramatically corrected his weaknesses, missing just two tackles in 2025 and none in the regular season. What's impressive is that Styles is only 21 years old and has ample room for growth.

Perhaps the biggest competitive advantage Styles has is his new head coach. When Dan Quinn was the defensive coordinator in Dallas, he received a similarly unique, ultra-athletic chess piece in Micah Parsons (who just missed this list by going 12th overall in 2021).

Quinn didn't box Parsons into a traditional role; he built a scheme that amplified his strengths. In 2021, Parsons was constantly moved across the formation—stunting inside, dropping into zone, and rushing off the edge to generate 13 sacks.

Expect Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to build a modern, multiple defense around Styles. With proven veterans Frankie Luvu and newly signed Leo Chenal in the room, Styles won't be forced to carry the defensive interior entirely by himself. This layout gives Quinn the luxury to flex him out to match up with dynamic tight ends, blow up screens, and blitz from creative angles.

Heading into next season, I am keeping my eye on three markers:

A realistic rookie season for Sonny Styles would have him flirting with the 100-tackle mark while also providing splash plays near and behind the line of scrimmage. This projection takes into account Roquan Smith's historical usage and how often I expect Styles to be on the field.

I give Styles the advantage in interceptions and pass breakups due to his athletic profile and his experience reading quarterbacks and passing concepts from the secondary.

Therefore, a good stat line for Styles would look like this:

Sonny Styles possesses the rare, unteachable physical traits of a modern defensive superstar. There is every reason to believe he is going to absolute lock down the middle of the field in zone coverage and give Washington a legitimate weapon to completely erase opposing tight ends. 

Still, we have to afford him some grace early on.  The safety-to-linebacker transition in the NFL comes with a mandatory rookie tax. Expect a few missed tackles as he adjusts to the blazing speed of the professional game, and don't be surprised if he initially struggles sorting through the sheer size and strength of climbing NFL offensive linemen in September.

This is a natural part of the learning curve. If he can weather those early growing pains and protect the seam, Washington will officially have its defensive crown jewel for the next decade.

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