Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles was tabbed a favorite in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation by one outlet
With the 2026 NFL Draft nearly one week old, the Washington Commanders have drawn rave reviews across the rookie class with several picks arriving with a chance to fill some of the remaining needs in 2026. Yet a pair of rookies were also included in the Rookie of the Year conversation after ESPN released its list of favorites and longshots.
Linebacker Sonny Styles was one of the five favorites listed by ESPN for Defensive Rookie of the Year alongside New York Jets edge rusher David Bailey, New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane and Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
Both general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn raved about Styles fit and potential under defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. Quinn noted on the Rich Eisen Show that Styles will be one of the guys capable of wearing the 'green dot' in practice with the potential of taking on that role, though the defense has another athletic option in former Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal. Yet Styles, who has drawn comparisons to linebacker Fred Warner, has a chance to be that impact piece in 2026 in the Commanders defense.
"Riddling out whether Styles can get 100% of the snaps in Week 1, with Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal also on the depth chart, is the key to defining just how strong of a candidate he is. But the blend of tackle production and pass coverage might be too much for voters to ignore," ESPN wrote."
Wide receiver Antonio Williams, the team's lone selection on day two of the NFL Draft, was among the 'longer shots' for Offensive Rookie of the Year, one of two wide receivers in the group alongside Cleveland Browns second round pick Denzel Boston.
Williams arrives as an ideal scheme fit with the Ben Johnson-inspired offensive under first year offensive coordinator David Blough giving the Clemson product comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown. ESPN tabbed Williams as "one of my favorite players in this class" with all eyes on a chance to become an instant impact in DC.
"Williams has some Amon-Ra St. Brown to his game since he's as tough as nails, willing to win downfield throws through contact and slippery in his routes. I would not be surprised if he starts getting more targets than [Terry] McLaurin by season's end," ESPN wrote.