Dan Quinn delivers lofty praise for Commanders rookie Sonny Styles

Sonny Styles takes on larger role with Frankie Luvu out

Washington selected Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after his career at Ohio State. He played safety before moving to linebacker in college, giving him experience learning different defensive assignments before he arrived in the NFL.

Styles has seven combined tackles and a sack through his first two games. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, he drove through running back Saquon Barkley to bring down quarterback Jalen Hurts. The play showed the physical ability the Commanders valued in the draft process. His work directing teammates has given Quinn reason to praise a different part of his game.

The Commanders ruled Luvu out Friday for their home opener. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, safety Nick Cross and guard Sam Cosmi will also miss the game. Washington confirmed that Styles wore the green dot against the Dallas Cowboys and that Quinn remains confident in him as the team’s primary on-field play-caller.

Styles will receive calls from defensive coordinator Daronte Jones against Seattle. His job extends beyond repeating them. He must help teammates get aligned and communicate adjustments as the Seahawks change formations or personnel. Those duties leave little room for hesitation, particularly for a player preparing for only his third NFL game.

The 0-2 Commanders return to Northwest Stadium on Sunday after road losses to the Eagles and Cowboys. Against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, Styles will direct the defensive calls as Washington tries to avoid an 0-3 start.