Commanders’ Sonny Styles Named ‘Heir’ to NFL’s ‘Best’

Washington Commanders' rookie Sonny Styles has already been named the "heir" to the NFL's "best" linebacker.

By James Dudko · Heavy

Published: Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 11:13 AM

Key Things to Know

Analysts Nate Tice and Domonique Foxworth named Commanders rookie Sonny Styles the heir to 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.
Foxworth highlighted Styles' rare ability for a rookie to diagnose play-action passes and consistently avoid getting fooled.
Pro Football Focus credits Styles with 13 run stops, six pressures, and a forced fumble this season.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Analysts Nate Tice and Domonique Foxworth have named Washington Commanders rookie linebacker Sonny Styles the heir to San Francisco 49ers star Fred Warner. Speaking on "The Domonique Foxworth Show," both analysts highlighted the 21-year-old's advanced mental processing against play action, noting that Styles rarely gets fooled despite being in his first NFL season.

Styles has recorded 13 run stops, six pressures, and a forced fumble according to Pro Football Focus, though he has also registered eight missed tackles. His strong play stands out as a bright spot for a struggling Washington defense that currently ranks 29th in points allowed under coordinator Daronte Jones.

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Commanders’ Sonny Styles Named ‘Heir’ to NFL’s ‘Best’

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