ESPN sets a high bar for Sonny Styles’ rookie year that would help Commanders defense take a major step forward in 2026
A lot of people think Sonny Styles will immediately help the Commanders defense thanks to his abilities and future usage under Daronte Jones.
Sonny Styles is considered to be one of the most promising rookies from the 2026 draft class. Especially when theorizing his future role in the Washington Commanders defense.
Count ESPN’s Mike Clay as a believer. The senior writer recently put out 2026 regular season projections for all of the top rookies at their respective positions and he has Styles’ inaugural season in top-6 territory when it comes to the amount of tackles he’ll rack up.
Clay projects 123 total tackles for Styles in 2026 and went into context as to why this kind of production would rank among some of the best rookie linebacker seasons of all-time:
“Shaquille Leonard’s 163 tackles in 2018 are the most by a rookie over the past decade, though he is one of only four rookies (all picked in the first two rounds) to reach 125 during the span. In fact, zero rookies reached 100 tackles in 2023 or 2024 prior to three (Carson Schwesinger, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter) hitting that total in 2025.
“Styles’ projection is a big one, as 122 would be sixth most among rookies over the past decade. The large number isn’t by accident, as the No. 7 overall pick is expected to replace Bobby Wagner as a near-every-down player in the middle of Washington’s defense.” – Mike Clay, ESPN
This kind of production would be vital for the Commanders’ defensive turnaround
The Commanders defense really needs Styles to hit the ground running. This kind of production would exemplify that. For instance, 123 tackles would’ve tied Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun for 24th among all linebackers, last year.
That doesn’t even include the other potential splash plays like interceptions, forced fumbles, sacks, tackles for loss, and other stats. It’s safe to assume a season where a player records 123 tackles makes other plays on the ball, a well.
Regardless, it’s clear plenty of people believe in Styles and he can be the centerpiece of the Commanders defense for years to come.