Sonny Styles Reacts to Joining Commanders, Dan Quinn's Defense with No. 7 NFL Draft Pick

Former Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles recalled his conversation with Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn after the team selected him with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night.

"I'm excited to be a part of the organization," Styles said in an interview following the selection (0:11 mark). "Coach Quinn, Mr. Peters, the whole staff, I love everyone there. I remember I was there a few weeks ago, I told coach Quinn hopefully I'll be back soon. He said, 'We'll see.' So I'm super happy."

Though the landing spot was a surprise for some, it wasn't for Styles himself:

Styles wrapped up a 2025 season with the Buckeyes in which he recorded 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three passes defended, one sack and one interception in 14 games.

He showcased his impressive athleticism at the scouting combine, ranking No. 1 among all linebackers with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash as well as a 43.5-inch vertical jump.

Styles was listed as the No. 2 linebacker and No. 6 overall player in the 2026 draft class on the April 6 big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder highlighted the 21-year-old's coverage skills in his scouting report.

"Sonny Styles is an impressive athlete with the necessary skills to be an excellent coverage linebacker in the NFL and a top-tier backer in the 2026 NFL draft class," Holder wrote.

Styles will now look to stand out in the Commanders' defense as they attempt to build upon their 5-12 record next season.