Commanders land blue-chip prospect in NFL insider’s latest first-round mock draft based on what league sources are saying

One NFL insider filled out a 2026 NFL mock draft based on what sources are saying around the league, and he has the Washington Commanders taking exactly who they’re hoping for at No. 7 overall.

Josh Taylor Washington Commanders News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is just about two weeks away, and NFL insiders are starting to finalize who they believe teams will take in the first round, including the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders hold the No. 7 overall pick, and they’re a big wildcard team in the top-10 of the first round. Their pick relies on who is taken before them in the first six picks, but they’ll have plenty of options when they’re on the clock.

One NFL insider believes they’ll take a top defender in his latest mock draft based on what sources are saying.

NFL insider Peter Schrager has the Washington Commanders taking LB Sonny Styles in the 2026 NFL mock draft.

The NFL Draft is one of the most unpredictable sporting events out there, but there’s always smoke growing around what teams will do as the draft gets closer. We’re coming down the final stretch, and NFL insider Peter Schrager did one of his only mock drafts with what he’s heard around the league.

He has the Washington Commanders addressing the defense and taking Ohio State LB Sonny Styles at No. 7 overall, which is the perfect pick for them if he falls.

The Commanders take Styles after Jeremiyah Love goes to the Tennessee Titans, with WR Carnell Tate, EDGE Rueben Bain Jr, and S Caleb Downs still on the board. Even with those players remaining, Styles would be an excellent pick, who would boost the defense.

Sonny Styles is the perfect prospect for the Washington Commanders

Schrager compared Styles to Fre Warner, whom Adam Peters is no stranger to. The Commanders added Leo Chenal in free agency, but the door is still wide open for adding Styles.

Expect the Commanders to use Chenal on the EDGE often, and you will see three linebackers on the field at once a lot. Styles blew up the scouting combine and finished with a 9.99 relative Athletic Score after measuring in at 6-5, 244 pounds with a 4.46 40-yard dash and a 43.5″ vertical.

Styles is more than just a LB; he’s a leader on the defense and an immediate green dot player who excels in coverage, where Washington has struggled. He’s also an elite tackler, who only missed two tackles in 2025, which didn’t happen until the postseason.

Styles is more than just another unicorn at LB in the draft; he’s not like Jamin Davis or Isaiah Simmons, but in fact, more like Fred Warner. The Washington Commanders have been high on him, and have a top-30 visit scheduled as well. Now, we wait to see if he falls to them at No. 7 overall.