Cowboys fans, it's time to face the music-Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is likely slipping through Dallas' fingers. At the 2026 NFL Combine, Styles showcased jaw-dropping athleticism with a 43.5-inch vertical leap and a blazing 4.46-second 40-yard dash.
His performance in positional drills was as smooth as Seabiscuit at the Derby. With a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), Styles now holds the record among linebackers since 1987.
Originally, Styles was the consensus pick for the Cowboys at No. 12. But after his combine showcase, he's expected to be snatched up within the top 10, possibly even as high as No. 5 by the Giants, who are in dire need of an off-ball linebacker.
While there's a slim chance Styles could still fall to Dallas, it's time for the Cowboys to pivot. The linebacker position, while important, is often easier to fill than others.
The free-agent market offers solid options, with Nakobe Dean catching Dallas' eye. Plus, DeMarvion Overshown is already on the roster, and Shemar James shows promise as a backup.
The 2026 draft class is rich with linebacker talent. If you managed to look past Styles during the combine, you’d have noticed impressive performances from Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech), Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh), and Anthony Hill Jr.
(Texas). Even C.J.
Allen, who skipped the drills, is a name to watch.
With Styles likely off the board early, the Cowboys could focus on other crucial positions like EDGE and cornerback. While it's tough to see Styles potentially join rivals like the Giants or Commanders, it could open doors for Dallas to snag talent like Reuben Bain Jr. or Caleb Downs at No. 12.
In the unpredictable world of the NFL draft, dreams of landing a top prospect can be elusive. But with the depth of this draft, the Cowboys have plenty of opportunities to strengthen their roster. Such is the rollercoaster ride of being an NFL fan.