When a Hall of Fame coach like Bill Cowher gives a rookie his stamp of approval, the football world takes notice. Cowher, a legendary linebacker-turned-coach who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a Super Bowl victory, knows defensive talent when he sees it. So when the Washington Commanders selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Cowher couldn't hide his excitement.

During The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular, live from Pittsburgh, Cowher joined McAfee and other analysts to break down each pick. When Styles' name was called, McAfee asked Cowher if the Buckeye standout would have been a "good Coach Cowher" type of player. Cowher's response was immediate and emphatic: "Sonny Styles? Oh, 100%."

Cowher elaborated on why Styles is such a perfect fit for the Commanders, praising his on-field intelligence and leadership. "Getting a guy that can operate your defense and make the adjustments, which he did for (Ohio State defensive coordinator) Matt Patricia," Cowher said. "He would actually just make adjustments on the field. This guy is a general, a quarterback on the defensive side of the ball. He's a great pickup for Dan Quinn."

What makes Styles so intriguing isn't just his athleticism—it's his football IQ and pedigree. His father played linebacker at Ohio State and won a Super Bowl in the NFL, so the game is in his blood. Plus, Styles has already been tested in an NFL-style defense under Patricia, a former NFL head coach and longtime defensive coordinator for Bill Belichick. That experience means he's not a project; he's ready to contribute from day one.

For Commanders fans, this pick signals a bright future. A versatile, intelligent linebacker who can call plays and adjust on the fly is exactly what a defense needs to thrive. And when a Hall of Famer like Cowher gives a ringing endorsement, it's a sign that Washington has found a gem.