Dan Quinn gets real about Sonny Styles’ future with the Commanders and reveals the plan for his development
It’s obvious Dan Quinn is stoked to have Sonny Styles on the Commanders roster. Quinn recently commented on the first-rounder’s ceiling and the plan for his development during the offseason.
Knowing Dan Quinn, it’s safe to bet his mind is on overdrive when it comes to his plan(s) for Washington Commanders rookie linebacker Sonny Styles.
Styles is the perfect fit for the second level of Daronte Jones’ defense. As discussed in the past, Styles can do it all. He can defend the run, blitz, cover, tackle, and he has excellent instincts and athleticism. Styles is the all-around package every defensive mind wants at the linebacker position.
Quinn knows the sky is the limit for Styles and said as much when spoke with reporters on the first day of Commanders rookie minicamp.
“There [are] no limits on what I think he can become,” said Quinn. “But I’m gonna let the whole process, you know, really play all the way through, because there’s a lot to go over.”
Like any rookie, there’s an adjustment period. Even for a player as talented as Styles. Like Dan Quinn, and many pundits said, Sonny Styles’ future with the Commanders is brighter than just about any other first-rounder from the 2026 NFL Draft.
And Quinn and Jones, being the coaches they are, know how to get Styles to his ceiling.
Dan Quinn lays out the offseason plan for Sonny Styles
“I think the first part of it, man, is, let’s get the fundamentals down,” said Quinn. “The two inside linebacker spots have similarities, but there’s also some nuances. During the course of the spring and training camp, we’ll work him and some other guys at both of the spots.
“There’s a lot that he can do, and like all the players, we are going to try to do the best we can to put them in a spot, to really allow them to do their thing, you know, at full speed, [and] at a high level. A lot of times, that takes all the way in through camp, as well.”
It makes total sense to have Styles learn both inside linebacker spots. That would make him even more of an asset to the defense and would allow him to stay on the field for 100% of snaps, which is what a lot of top linebackers play.
The more Styles is ingrained into the defense, the better it is for everyone involved. Especially if other linebackers are learning both spots, too. It gives Jones unlimited, interchangeable options that include guys with different skill sets.
I mean, that’s what Mike Macdonald does up in Seattle. He moves his guys around in order to combat different offensive matchups. Having a player in Styles, who can move around and keep a defense “fluid” is a huge need in today’s NFL.
Dan Quinn knows the sky is the limit for Sonny Styles and it’s great to hear he has a sensible plan in place that will help him reach the stars.