Commanders Should Pat Themselves on the Back for Sonny Styles Pick

The Washington Commanders had a tough 2025 season, but the upside is that their struggles mainly had to do with injuries. If this team can stay healthy in 2026, they’ll have a very different outcome, a better one.

During the offseason, the Commanders locked in some key players, and now, their moves are getting props.

In a recent article, Mike Sando of The Athletic names his favorite moves for each NFL franchise during the league’s offseason. “With most major NFL offseason moves complete, it’s a good time to single out a favorite move for each team,” he states in the piece.

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He gives the team praise for “replacing Bobby Wagner with the next Bobby Wagner.”

“Wagner is headed for the Hall of Fame when eligible, while first-round pick Sonny Styles is just starting out,” he states in the piece. “But all indications suggest Styles possesses the talent and leadership to pick up where Wagner left off as the Commanders' defensive leader - if not right now, then quickly.”

He adds: “If you’re looking for a less-obvious move in Washington, adding Tim Settle from Houston in free agency on a deal worth $7.8 million per year should strengthen the run defense right away.”

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Styles is the kind of draft pick that will pay off for years. His college playing showed that he’s more mature than his age represents, and he should also be able to start very soon in the NFL. The Styles selection is really one that could help shape the future of the Commanders.

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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 12:12 PM.