The Washington Commanders didn't waste a second when they were on the clock at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. With just six picks total and no selection again until the third round, General Manager Adam Peters knew he had to make it count. When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles as the pick, Commanders fans let out a collective breath—followed by a roar of excitement.

Styles isn't your typical linebacker, and that's exactly what made some critics hesitate. He started his college career as a safety before transitioning to linebacker, a move that gave some coaches and executives pause. But one of the most respected voices in NFL analysis, Greg Cosell, has a message for anyone doubting this pick.

"His athletic testing was kind of ridiculous," Cosell said on a podcast. "I mean, the guy is 6'5", 244 pounds at the combine. Ran a 4.40, had a 43.5-inch vertical, and an 11'2" broad jump. That's top four in the last 30 years at the Combine."

Cosell didn't stop there. "And you have to remember one thing—he's only played stack linebacker for two years. He went to Ohio State as a safety, and he just kept getting better. I watched him last summer, and after I watched him, I reached out to a good friend of mine who scouts the Big Ten. I said, 'Hey, I just watched Sonny Styles, and this guy is ridiculous.' The scout said, 'Oh yeah, he sure is.' Then I watched him this year, and he was even better. You could see the comfort level had grown."

Cosell also pointed out that Styles played in a Matt Patricia defense at Ohio State, meaning he's already been coached by an NFL mind. For a team like Washington, looking to build a physical, fast defense, Styles looks like the perfect fit. If you're a Commanders fan, it's time to get excited—this rookie might just be the steal of the first round.