FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Sonny Styles
Sonny Styles (LB – Ohio State)
6-foot-5 | 243 Pounds
Background
Sonny Styles is an Ohio native and five-star recruit who played sparingly in 2022 before spending the following season as a starting safety/nickel cornerback for the Buckeyes, with an even mix of high, slot and box work. Posted 53-4.5-2.0 that year, then converted to linebacker and enjoyed his most statistically productive season in 2024 with a line of 100-10.5-6.5. This past season, Styles totaled 82-6.5-1.0 with an interception.
Positives
Styles was a productive three-year starter with experience at both linebacker and defensive back for one of college football’s top programs. One of the tallest, longest linebackers you’ll see. Predominantly lines up on the weak side, often shaded over an opposing slot receiver. However, Styles plays the run a lot more physically and powerfully than usual for a Will linebacker, and looks really good between the tackles.
Plays with square shoulders and good knee bend, with solid recognition skills and a decisive style of play. Downhill player who’s not afraid to work through blockers to get to the ball, with an impressive anchor and surprising power in his hands to shed. Has an impressive closing burst, with his excellent length, giving him a wide tackling radius. Really made strides in the overall reliability of his tackling this past season, missing just 2.2% of his tackle attempts, per Pro Football Focus (PFF) — an elite figure. That number was 18.4% in 2024.
The Ohio State linebacker plays with attitude and can also deliver shots to set the tone. Has a background at defensive back, which is evident in his strong, versatile coverage skills and high-end range. Maintains good sight lines in coverage. Overall awareness and positioning are strong. Uses his hands to disrupt route timing when working in shallow zones. Long-strider who looks comfortable carrying receivers down the seams and into deep zones. Has an ideal physical/athletic profile to work in man coverage against tight ends. Enjoyed success as a blitzer, especially in 2024.
Negatives
Can occasionally be a bit too fast to pull the trigger and work downhill, when a bit more patience would have helped. At times, Styles looks like he’s relying on brute force to work through blocks and could stand to improve his technique a bit.
Styles brings speed and intensity, but hand usage as a blitzer is still a work in progress. Has only one career interception. Played safety before, but is probably too big to be viewed as a true hybrid; will almost certainly be used as a linebacker in the pros.
Summary
A fascinating prospect in that he converted from defensive back to linebacker. However, Styles brings a highly physical and powerful style of play to the linebacker position, stepping into the hole, taking on and fighting through blocks, and providing reliable tackling.
Styles looks very comfortable executing a range of coverage assignments, with excellent awareness, positioning and range on passing downs. Those traits should make him an easy first-round pick. Would be best on a creative, multiple front to showcase the versatility he offers.
Projection: Round 1
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