Most realistic landing spots for Sonny Styles after historic Combine performance
After a standout performance at the Combine, LB Sonny Styles out of Ohio State looks primed to go in the top ten. Here’s where he could land in April.
After Thursday night, Sonny Styles left no doubt about his status as a first-round pick when the NFL Draft comes in April. The question now is just how high the linebacker out of Ohio State is going.
Sonny Styles: Where could he end up in the NFL?
The 6′5″, 244-pound linebacker delivered one of the most complete athletic performances in modern combine history at the NFL Scouting Combine, running 4.46 in the 40 with a 43.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-2 broad jump.
.@OhioStateFB LB Sonny Styles putting up insane numbers already:
— NFL (@NFL) February 26, 2026
- 11'2" broad jump (T-4th all-time among LBs)
- 43.5" vertical jump (best all-time among LBs)
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/3Nshgb2Dyb
He’s long, explosive, and fluid in space. And he might be the rare linebacker who can match up with tight ends one snap and rush the passer the next. So where does he fit best in the NFL? Here are five teams that make the most sense.
1. New York Giants - No. 5 overall
The Giants’ defense, particularly their front seven, has struggled against the run in recent seasons. Styles’ blend of speed and physicality checks the boxes as they desperately need a modern, adaptable linebacker to improve run defense and coverage. He could be the anchor that head coach John Harbaugh needs for his linebacker unit scheme.
Why it makes sense:
- Immediate positional need in run defense
- Top-10 pick gives them opportunity to take impact defender
- Styles’ leadership and instincts match their defensive build philosophy
2. Washington Commanders - No. 7 overall
Washington’s linebacker group is aging and in transition, notably with longtime veteran Bobby Wagner nearing the end of his career. If he’s available at No. 7, he would make sense for the Commanders given their need to inject youth and dynamism into the middle.
Why it makes sense:
- Clear positional need at linebacker
- Styles’ versatility (coverage + run support) fits their defensive coordinator’s scheme
- Could become a foundational piece alongside defensive rebuild
3. Cincinnati Bengals - No. 10 overall
If Styles somehow slips to No. 10, Cincinnati makes strong narrative sense. The Bengals’ defense struggled to get consistent play from the second level last season, and adding an athletic, playmaking linebacker like Styles would immediately upgrade both run defense and pass coverage. Projections have even placed him in this spot in some mocks.
Why it makes sense:
- Need for a true off-ball linebacker to help a middling defense
- Can pair Styles with strong DL talents for immediate impact
- Could elevate overall defensive unit quickly
4. Dallas Cowboys - No. 12 overall (Late top-10/Trade potential)
It’s slightly outside the top 10 proper, but multiple mocks have linked Styles to Dallas either at No. 10 (if a trade occurs) or just outside it, thanks to the Cowboys’ lack of linebacker depth and defense issues last season. Their defense posted one of the worst yards-allowed numbers in the league, making Styles a logical corrective fit.
Why it makes sense:
- Cowboys lack true playmaking second-level linebacker
- Styles’ skill set plugs a glaring roster gap
- They’ve met with top defensive prospects, signaling interest
5. New Orleans Saints - No. 8 overall
While the Saints may target a variety of positions in the top 10, they’ve been linked to Styles as a dream target if he’s still on the board. New Orleans’ defense has been searching for explosive difference-makers, and Styles fits the athletic mold Saints evaluators admire.
Why it makes sense:
- Defenses in the Saints’ division (NFC) demand versatile linebackers
- Styles brings leadership and instincts to a unit in need of identity
- Could be a top-10 decision if they prioritize defense
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