Commanders Eyeing Two Ohio State Stars in 2026 NFL Draft

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. believes Washington should target Sonny Styles or Carnell Tate with their first-round pick.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:51pm

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ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes the Washington Commanders should target either Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles or wide receiver Carnell Tate with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Kiper suggests Styles would help bolster the Commanders' struggling defense, while Tate could provide a much-needed boost to the passing game opposite star receiver Terry McLaurin.

Why it matters

The Commanders are coming off a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025 and have a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Head coach Dan Quinn is under pressure to turn the team around in 2026, making the upcoming draft a critical part of the team's offseason rebuild.

The details

Kiper believes Styles would be the ideal fit for the Commanders, as the team struggled to stop the run in 2025 and is set to lose veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner in free agency. Pairing Styles with recent free agent addition Leo Chenal and returning starter Frankie Luvu would give the Commanders a formidable linebacker corps. If the Commanders don't go with Styles, Kiper suggests they could target Tate, Styles' Ohio State teammate, to provide more firepower in the passing game alongside Terry McLaurin.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Sonny Styles

A highly touted linebacker prospect from Ohio State University, projected as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver from Ohio State University, considered a potential first-round target for the Washington Commanders in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Terry McLaurin

The Washington Commanders' leading wide receiver, who is looking for more support in the passing game.

Bobby Wagner

A veteran linebacker who is set to leave the Washington Commanders in free agency.

Leo Chenal

A linebacker the Washington Commanders signed in free agency to help bolster their defense.

Frankie Luvu

A linebacker who is a returning starter for the Washington Commanders.

Dan Quinn

The head coach of the Washington Commanders, who is under pressure to turn the team around in 2026 after a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The Commanders couldn't stop anyone last season, and linebacker Bobby Wagner appears to be headed elsewhere as a free agent. Bringing in [Sonny] Styles — my No. 6 prospect regardless of position — to team up with Frankie Luvu and new addition Leo Chenal makes some sense.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN NFL Draft Analyst (clutchpoints.com)

“I could also see Washington going with a receiver here, perhaps Carnell Tate, Styles' teammate at Ohio State. The Commanders' offense is looking for more juice opposite top wideout Terry McLaurin.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN NFL Draft Analyst (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Commanders will have the opportunity to select either Sonny Styles or Carnell Tate with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for late April 2026.

The takeaway

The Washington Commanders have a lot of work to do this offseason to address the team's weaknesses on both offense and defense. Selecting either Sonny Styles or Carnell Tate in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft could be a significant step in the right direction as head coach Dan Quinn looks to turn the team around in a critical 2026 season.