The Washington Commanders held the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As we now know, the Commanders found their new defensive leader, selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Before Washington went on the clock, there were a couple of mild surprises in the top five.
What were they? Let's take a look at what the other six teams did in front of the Commanders, before Styles heard his name called. 1. The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana.
The plan is for Kirk Cousins to start the season while mentoring/tutoring Mendoza. Mendoza couldn't ask for a better teacher or supporter in Cousins. Cousins knows he is in his last year(s) and his mature enough to accept his role with the Raiders2.
The New York Jets chose David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech. A first-team All-American, Bailey led the NCAA in sacks (14.5) last season. NFL Network just reported it is the first time the Jets have drafted a defensive player this high (second overall.
Interestingly, his top 30 visit had been canceled in recent weeks, but the Jets tonight take Bailey anyway.3. The Arizona Cardinals decided to ignore all the talk about player value, drafting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. He rushed for 1300 yards averaging 6.9 a carry last season for the Fighting Irish.
Love just became the first running back selected in the top five since the 2018 draft (Saquon Barkley to the NYG ).The Cardinals are really hurting at quarterback. They released Kyler Murray and backup Jacoby Brissett is not happy currently with the Cardinals.4. The Tennessee Titans just pulled a big surprise, grabbing WR Carnell Tate.
This is clearly an attempt to directly help QB Cam Ward chosen first last year. Tate has been considered the best and safest receiver in this draft. Tate had been widely mocked to the Commanders in the last two weeks.5.
The New York Giants made their pick, and Rich Eisen just announced the Chiefs have passed the Commanders, trading with the Browns up to No. 6. This means the Commanders will not be trading down with the Chiefs. The Giants select Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State.
The Giants already have an abundance of pass rushers.6. The Kansas City Chiefs gave up the 74th and 148th choices to move up from No. 9 to No. 6. and just now selected CB Mansoor Delane (LSU) the top corner in the draft. The Commanders now cannot get the top receiver (Tate) or corner (Delane).7.
The Washington Commanders have just had Sonny Styles fall into their lap! He ran a 4.46 40, weighing 244 pounds! He led Ohio State in tackles last season.
GM Adam Peters declared the team needed to get younger and faster. This pick certainly does that! Remember, Styles began at Ohio State as a safety.
He then transitioned to linebacker. He is going to get even better. DC Daronte Jones must be very happy tonight, with Styles helping with his attacking defense.
The Commanders just got the most athletic linebacker in this draft.The Commanders select LB Sonny Styles with the 7th pick pic.twitter.com/6tvvMA6O5x— Artoftheleague 🖌️ (@artoftheleague) April 24, 2026Well, Washington just got a player I never thought was going to be there available at No. 7. No wonder the Commanders' draft room in Ashburn was very excited. Styles just told Laura Rutledge on camera that he had told HC Dan Quinn he hoped to see him in a few weeks. He will indeed see Quinn soon, and he also just mentioned that he is looking forward to becoming part of "the brotherhood".This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: What led up to Sonny Styles' selection?