Mel Kiper’s New Mock Sends Sonny Styles to Commanders at No. 7
The projection reflects Washington’s urgency to reinforce its run defense after a 5-12 season.
Overview
- ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft projects Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles to Washington with the No. 7 pick.
- Kiper cites the team’s 2025 defensive struggles and the likelihood of Bobby Wagner departing as reasons to target a linebacker.
- Styles is framed as a fit alongside Frankie Luvu and free-agent addition Leo Chenal to stabilize the second level.
- Kiper highlights Styles’ profile with 77 tackles last season and a 43½-inch vertical at the combine as indicators of his upside.
- An alternative scenario in the mock has Washington considering Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate, while RB Jeremiyah Love is off the board at No. 4 to the Titans.