Commanders need Sonny Styles to make immediate impact

“How fast can this kid be good?”

That is the first question Rich Eisen had Wednesday, regarding the 2026 Washington Commanders. The ‘kid’ to whom Eisen was referring? Sonny Styles.

Yes, the Commanders did draft Styles with the No. 7 overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft. Yet, isn’t going from college to the NFL a big step? You say, but he was drafted seventh overall. Yes, he was. But wasn’t he also playing at Ohio State last year, where their 11 men on defense were noticeably better than their opponents at least 10 out of the 12 games they play each regular season?

Dan Quinn: “We want to arrive violently and make our opponents feel us”

Sonny Styles: #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/9QZ9YDdoQj

— Full Command (@FullCommandShow) April 27, 2026

Sometimes fans of the NFL completely forget that these rookies coming into the NFL in the high rounds got there, facing a majority of players throughout their college season who are not going to make it into the NFL. For example, only a few games did a stud pass rusher go against an offensive tackle that is going to make it in the NFL.

So, Eisen wants to know how fast Sonny Styles can be good? Well, that is going to depend on some variables. How good are the players going to be in front of Styles on the Commanders’ defensive line? As an inside linebacker, Styles doesn’t want any part of having NFL guards charging out and getting into his body. He needs some up-front players taking up a center and guard from time to time, allowing Styles to roam and close against the running game.

Yes, the Commanders drafted Styles seventh, and yes, NFL teams usually have the head coach and general manager heavily supporting “their guy” drafted high. The owner has forked out big money for a first-round choice, so the GM and head coach are going to provide ‘their guy’ every opportunity they can to prove to the owner that player was worth the high pick and the big bucks.

Now consider the Commanders at inside linebacker. Wouldn’t Dan Quinn want to start Leo Chenal, newly signed from the Chiefs? GM Adam Peters and Quinn have already signed LB Frankie Luvu two offseasons ago. So, will they want to start Luvu or Styles, Week 1? See, it’s not that simple every year with rookies.

What other linebackers are currently listed on the roster for the inside? Jordan Magee, Ale Kaho, Kain Medrano and Nick Bellore. So, the preseason will have uncertainty regarding Styles. How much will they play him in the preseason? We have no idea at this point. We will all have to watch and learn what the plans are for Styles from Dan Quinn and new DC Daronte Jones.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders need Sonny Styles to make immediate impact