Commanders LB Sonny Styles on why defensive scheme is perfect for him

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Last week, during OTAs, Washington Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. was very high on what he has seen thus far in rookie first-round selection LB Sonny Styles.

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"He's been everything we could ever think of, and it is still so early. It's amazing, I mean, if you look at Sonny, and you look up the definition of bad, tough, mean, perfect-looking football player, his picture comes up. We're very happy (with Styles), but it's still early."

On Tuesday, the first day of the mandatory minicamp, Styles spent a couple of minutes before the media, fielding their questions. Styles praised first-year defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.

"The way he teaches information is easy to digest," Styles said. One instantly thinks of Commanders' defenses looking out of position in 2024 and 2025. Was it a lack of player communication? Was it due to then-DC Joe Whitt Jr. not communicating clearly? Whitt was relieved of his duties, so the players have a new DC now in Jones. Of course, for now, everyone is praising Jones, even rookies like Styles.

Styles told the media on Tuesday that he likes Jones' style, his scheme. "If you like to run, hit, play fast...it's the perfect defense for you."

One thing noticeable was that Styles still sounded like a rookie. After all, he is, and when the game speeds up in the regular season, perhaps he won't think things are so cool then. "I just have fun with the game, talk a little crap, have fun, laugh, smile, but I'm still super focused".

But the other side of the coin is how highly Norton spoke of Styles' work ethic, "He studies, it's not like you just wake up and you're smart, he works at it, and he cares, and he's just all about improvement, all about being a perfectionist and being the very best player he can be."

Head coach Dan Quinn also spoke highly of Styles on Tuesday. "He's very in control... you can tell he's put the work in."

Former Redskins tight end Rick 'Doc' Walker might be smiling ear to ear when he sees what else Styles expressed on Tuesday. "Obviously, right now we don't have pads on. So once you get the pads on in camp, that's going to be a big point of emphasis, the physicality part of it." Walker always insists that anybody can look good in their shorts and T-shirts, but when the pads are on and real hitting takes place, that is when you start working at actual football.

Sounds like Styles is already aware of that major difference. Walker will be glad to hear it.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles on why defense is perfect for him

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