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yesterday

Dan Quinn Tells Rookie Sonny Styles to Unleash Aggression

The coach’s public permission for the No. 7 pick to gamble signals a plan to use Styles’ rare range to change Washington’s defensive approach.

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Jul 29, 2026; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles (52) participates in a drill on day one of training camp at BigBear.ai Performance Center at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Commanders drafted Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and have moved him into the starting inside linebacker role.
  • Multiple camp reports praised Styles’ blend of size, speed and physical play in both pass coverage and run defense during early August practices.
  • Quinn has publicly urged Styles to take more risks and trust his instincts, saying the rookie has “permission” to try plays that could create turnovers.
  • Coaches expect Styles to start next to either Leo Chenal or Frankie Luvu and are discussing schematic tweaks that use his range for more disguise and movement on defense.
  • Washington’s defense struggled in 2025, so the team sees Styles’ immediate impact as a way to improve run support and create more third‑down pressure this season.