New Commanders Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

The Washington Commanders are under pressure following a disappointing season. They have one of the league's oldest rosters, with few young players ascending. That makes this an even more pivotal draft for the franchise.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Commanders to do with the No. 7 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 7): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

The Washington Commanders already feature two of the NFL's most physical and attacking linebackers after signing Leo Chenal in free agency to join Frankie Luvu. However, both are far better working downhill and being used as aggressive blitzers or rushers.

Whereas, Ohio State's Sonny Styles is the most athletically gifted linebacker to ever enter the NFL ranks, which isn't hyperbole after posting a perfect relative athletic score at this year's NFL combine, according to Kent Lee Platte.

Styles is the ideal piece to play alongside Luvu and Chenal, allowing Dan Quinn to get really creative with his defensive scheme.

"The Commanders' defense could use a linebacker who can drop in coverage, and Luvu is about to enter a contract year anyway," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "Styles, who converted from safety, brings that and more to the nation's capital. He's a sure tackler, similar to the backer he'd be replacing, Bobby Wagner."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 7): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 7): RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 7): CB Mansoor Delame, LSU

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 7): CB Mansoor Delame, LSU

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 7): Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 7): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 7): LB Sonny Styles, Alabama

Summary

Head coach Dan Quinn can't have a repeat of last season, where injuries crippled this team. Injuries didn't solely wreck a porous defense that never found its rhythm, though. That makes it imperative for Washington to make sure its rock is in the middle of the field. Styles is the perfect fit for what it needs in defense.