Sonny Styles, No. 7 NFL Draft Pick, Models Game After Rookie Sensation Carson Schwesinger

Introduction

The 2026 NFL Draft saw the Washington Commanders make a significant investment in their defense, selecting Ohio State’s dynamic linebacker Sonny Styles with the seventh overall pick. In a move that signals a commitment to bolstering the middle of their defense, Styles immediately drew attention not just for his draft position, but for his candid admission about who he studies. During an interview with Kevin Clark, Styles revealed that he models his game after a former UCLA Bruin, Carson Schwesinger, who has rapidly become a benchmark for rookie linebackers in the league.

Key Details

• Sonny Styles, a highly touted linebacker from Ohio State, was selected 7th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.
• Styles stated he studies the game of former UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
• Carson Schwesinger was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2025 and plays for the Cleveland Browns.
• Styles mentioned Blake Cashman, Quay Walker, and Devin Lloyd as other linebackers he studies, in addition to Schwesinger.
• Styles recorded seven total tackles in Ohio State’s dominant 48-10 victory over UCLA last season.

Background

Carson Schwesinger’s journey to NFL stardom was not a straightforward one. After a distinguished college career at UCLA, where he established himself as a formidable presence, Schwesinger entered the professional ranks with high expectations. He landed with the Cleveland Browns, a team known for its strong defensive identity. In his rookie season of 2025, Schwesinger exceeded all projections, delivering an electrifying performance that earned him the prestigious Defensive Rookie of the Year award. His ability to make plays all over the field, coupled with his relentless motor and physical style, made him an instant fan favorite and a key contributor to the Browns’ defense.

Sonny Styles, on the other hand, comes to the NFL as one of the most anticipated prospects in recent memory. A physical specimen with exceptional athleticism and football IQ, Styles was a cornerstone of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ defense. His collegiate career was marked by consistent high-level play, culminating in a standout performance against UCLA last season, where he led his team with seven tackles in a decisive 48-10 win. The Commanders’ decision to draft him seventh overall underscores their belief in his potential to become an immediate impact player.

“With our DC coming from Minnesota, we've seen Blake (Cashman). You know, he's a great player. I think the way he moves around in zone, it's very fluid. He reads the quarterback really well. Underrated in the run game, I think he has a really good feel for, like, where the ball is going. Then you watch guys like Quay Walker, super physical, big guy. Devin Lloyd, super physical. Carson (Schwesinger) from the Browns, he's a high motor, like, super physical, always around the ball.”

Impact Analysis

Styles’ admiration for Schwesinger is more than just a nod to a fellow Bruin; it reflects a strategic approach to his own development. By studying Schwesinger’s tape, Styles is looking to emulate the very qualities that made the former UCLA standout a Defensive Rookie of the Year: high motor, physicality, and an uncanny ability to be around the ball. For the Commanders, this is a promising sign. A rookie linebacker who not only possesses elite physical tools but also actively seeks to learn from the league’s best can be a transformative force. Styles’ stated goal is to make an immediate impact, mirroring Schwesinger’s successful transition to the professional level. If he can translate his collegiate prowess and his studied techniques into NFL production, he could quickly become the defensive anchor the Commanders desperately need.

Broader Context

The trend of rookies making an immediate impact, particularly on defense, has been a significant storyline in the NFL. Schwesinger’s 2025 season exemplifies this, setting a new standard for what is expected from first-year players at the linebacker position. His success highlights the evolving athleticism and football intelligence entering the league. Styles, by naming Schwesinger among his inspirations, is aligning himself with this new wave of defensive playmakers. Furthermore, his mention of other elite linebackers like Blake Cashman, Quay Walker, and Devin Lloyd indicates a comprehensive approach to learning, drawing from a diverse set of skills and playstyles. This holistic study habit is crucial for a young player aiming to adapt quickly to the complex schemes and high-speed nature of the NFL.

Future Outlook

The upcoming NFL season will be a critical test for Sonny Styles. All eyes will be on him as he steps onto the field for the Commanders, not just to see his raw talent, but to observe how closely he embodies the traits he so admires in Carson Schwesinger. Can he replicate Schwesinger’s immediate success and become a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate himself? The Commanders’ defensive scheme, under a new coordinator potentially bringing influences from Minnesota (where Blake Cashman plays), will also play a role in how Styles is utilized. His ability to adapt to zone coverage, read quarterbacks, and excel in run support will be paramount. The foundation is set, and Styles has identified a clear blueprint for success. The challenge now lies in execution and consistent performance throughout his rookie campaign.

Conclusion

Sonny Styles’ declaration that he models his game after Carson Schwesinger is a compelling narrative thread woven into the fabric of the 2026 NFL Draft. It speaks to the influence of recent standout rookies and the proactive approach of top prospects in their development. As Styles prepares to embark on his NFL career with the Washington Commanders, the benchmark set by Schwesinger provides a tangible goal. The league will be watching closely to see if Styles can live up to his own stated aspirations and the high expectations that accompany his draft position, potentially ushering in a new era of dominant linebacker play for the Commanders.