2026 NFL Draft Prospect Profile - LB Sonny Styles

Player Description

Name: Sonny Styles

School: Ohio State

Position: Linebacker (Off-ball)

Class: Senior

Height: 6'5

Weight: 243 lbs

Draft Projection: Early to Mid Day 1

Strengths:

• Explosive, high‑end athlete with elite burst

• Shows impressive functional strength and play‑to‑play toughness

• Displays a high football IQ with strong processing skills

• Quick to diagnose pre‑snap looks and adjust accordingly

• Possesses elite closing speed and outstanding sideline‑to‑sideline range

• Utilizes size and length efficiently to stack and take on blocks

• Heavy‑handed defender who disrupts blockers climbing to the second level

• Offers versatile alignment—comfortable on the line, in space, or in coverage

• Has the foot speed to carry receivers down the seam or through the middle of the field

• Capable run supporter who fills gaps with discipline and physicality

• Fluid mover in open space, aided by a strong safety background

Weaknesses:

In many respects, Styles remains a developmental prospect, especially considering he transitioned from safety just over two years ago. His physical tools and competitive temperament are evident, but his game still requires refinement before he can be trusted as a consistent contributor at the next level.

As a tackler, Styles has significant room for improvement. He can be prone to taking inefficient angles, which leads to missed opportunities and prevents him from finishing plays he’s in position to make. When he does engage, his pad level often rises too high, allowing ball carriers to drive him backward. Against NFL‑caliber running backs with superior power and contact balance, this issue could become even more pronounced.

When triggering downhill, Styles struggles to redirect due to stiff hips and limited lateral fluidity. Combined with inconsistent tackling fundamentals, these movement limitations have resulted in too many missed playmaking chances on tape. Cleaning up his footwork and improving his ability to sink and transition will be essential for his long‑term projection.

As a blitzer, Styles does not yet show the same natural instincts he flashes in coverage. He tends to arrive out of control, failing to throttle down or establish a stable base to finish the play. Developing better timing, pacing, and strike mechanics will be critical if he hopes to evolve into a more complete, versatile defender who can impact the game on all three downs.