Commanders Enter OTAs With Eyes on Jayden Daniels and Sonny Styles

The Washington Commanders return to the practice field next week with organized team activities beginning May 27, and there is already plenty of attention surrounding where this roster stands entering the summer.

In the latest episode of Commanders Daily, Bob Matthews looked ahead to the start of OTAs and highlighted two names that continue drawing attention as Washington moves deeper into the offseason: Jayden Daniels and rookie linebacker Sonny Styles.

The spotlight on Styles has started arriving before he has taken an NFL snap. ESPN analyst Mike Clay recently projected rookie statistical leaders and predicted Styles could finish atop the class in tackles this season with a projected 122.

Predictions in May only go so far, but Matthews pointed to something larger.

For years, Washington often lacked players viewed as emerging stars around the league. That perception has started to shift under Adam Peters. Instead of simply adding depth pieces, the front office has begun building around players expected to make real impacts.

Styles may be part of that group.

The conversation also turned back toward Daniels after comments from defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., who described a team that is eager to get back on the field and specifically pointed to the Commanders quarterback.

“Everybody’s hungry,” Wise said. “He’s phenomenal. He has that look in his eyes like he is ready to take over the league.”

The comments themselves are not groundbreaking in late May, but they reinforce something Washington hopes becomes a theme this season. Daniels is entering his second year not simply as a promising young quarterback, but as the clear face of the franchise and leader inside the locker room.

OTAs will not determine how the season unfolds, but they do provide the first real glimpse into where the next version of this team begins.

Watch the full Commander Daily episode below.