Through the first seven weeks of the NFL season, there are few rookies who have had as much of an impact as Washington Commanders rookie linebacker Sonny Styles. In fact, according to ESPN, Styles is tied for the best rookie in the NFL with New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese. Here is what ESPN had to say about Styles:
“Styles' speed is what made him a top-10 pick, and he has put it on full display this season. In Washington's only win, he went stride for stride with Seattle running back Jadarian Price to break up a deep pass. Later in the third quarter, he caught up with tight end Eric Saubert and stripped the ball at the goal line -- though Saubert recovered it for a touchdown. (He also had his only interception in that game.)
Styles even
made a strong debut, trucking Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on his way to sacking quarterback Jalen Hurts. Styles has 13 tackles in Washington's past two games, which suggests he's only improving as his rookie year continues. -- Kahler”
So far this season, Styles is Washington’s leading tackler with 46 tackles. He is also tied for the second-most tackles for loss on the Commanders. Right now, selecting Styles is looking like one of the smartest picks of the entire 2026 NFL Draft. This pick is even more important after Daron Payne’s foot injury.
Washington is taking on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. They played the Eagles in the season opener. In that game, he recorded his only sack so far this season.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders LB Sonny Styles ranked No. 1 rookie in the NFL by ESPN
