"How fast can this kid be good?"
That is the first question Rich Eisen had Wednesday, regarding the 2026 Washington Commanders. The 'kid' to whom Eisen was referring? Sonny Styles.
Yes, the Commanders did draft Styles with the No. 7 overall selection in this year's NFL Draft. Yet, isn't going from college to the NFL a big step? You say, but he was drafted seventh overall. Yes, he was. But wasn't he also playing at Ohio State last year, where their 11 men on defense were noticeably better than their opponents at least 10 out of the 12 games they play each regular season?
Sometimes fans of the NFL completely forget that these rookies coming into the NFL in the high rounds got there, facing a majority of players throughout their college season who are not going to make it into the NFL. For example, only a few games did a stud pass rusher go against an offensive tackle that is going to make it in the NFL.
So, Eisen wants to know how fast Sonny Styles can be good? Well, that is going to depend on some variables. How good are the players going to be in front of Styles on the Commanders' defensive line? As an inside linebacker, Styles doesn't want any part of having NFL guards charging out and getting into his body. He needs some up-front players taking up a center and guard from time to time, allowing Styles to roam and close against the running game.
#draft #fast #overall
That is the first question Rich Eisen had Wednesday, regarding the 2026 Washington Commanders. The 'kid' to whom Eisen was referring? Sonny Styles.
Yes, the Commanders did draft Styles with the No. 7 overall selection in this year's NFL Draft. Yet, isn't going from college to the NFL a big step? You say, but he was drafted seventh overall. Yes, he was. But wasn't he also playing at Ohio State last year, where their 11 men on defense were noticeably better than their opponents at least 10 out of the 12 games they play each regular season?
Sometimes fans of the NFL completely forget that these rookies coming into the NFL in the high rounds got there, facing a majority of players throughout their college season who are not going to make it into the NFL. For example, only a few games did a stud pass rusher go against an offensive tackle that is going to make it in the NFL.
So, Eisen wants to know how fast Sonny Styles can be good? Well, that is going to depend on some variables. How good are the players going to be in front of Styles on the Commanders' defensive line? As an inside linebacker, Styles doesn't want any part of having NFL guards charging out and getting into his body. He needs some up-front players taking up a center and guard from time to time, allowing Styles to roam and close against the running game.
#draft #fast #overall
1 month ago
