Giants Eyeing Sonny Styles: A Game-Changing Pick at No. 5?
As the 2026 NFL Draft looms just 22 days away, the New York Giants find themselves in a fascinating position. With their draft boards nearly finalized, the buzz surrounding their potential picks is reaching a fever pitch.
Enter Bruce Feldman from The Athletic, whose latest mock draft has caught the attention of Giants fans and analysts alike. Feldman, renowned for his annual Freaks List, brings a unique perspective by blending insights from both college and NFL circles.
The Giants’ Potential Pick: Sonny Styles
At the heart of the discussion is Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, projected to go fifth overall to the Giants. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 244 pounds, Styles is a physical marvel.
His impressive combine numbers-running a 4.46 40-yard dash, with a 43 1/2-inch vertical and an 11-2 broad jump-underline his athletic prowess. A co-captain at Ohio State, Styles has shown leadership and grit, making 82 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2025.
Why Styles Fits the Giants
Styles is not just a linebacker; he's a versatile defensive weapon. His background as a safety allows him to roam the field with ease, offering the Giants a multi-dimensional player capable of impacting various facets of the game. Whether he's covering tight ends, dropping into deeper zones, or blitzing from different alignments, Styles brings a unique skill set that could redefine the role of an off-ball linebacker.
Expert Insights
Coaches have praised Styles for his size and athleticism. A Big Ten running backs coach noted, "They just stuck Sonny in the middle and let him roam.
He was really good and he can fly." Meanwhile, a Big Ten offensive coordinator marveled at his physical attributes, saying, "He’s a beautiful athlete, like he was created in a lab."
Styles’ Potential Impact
While some question his level of "violence" on the field, Styles is lauded for his tackling efficiency, boasting a remarkable 2.2% missed tackle rate. His ability to occasionally rush the passer adds another layer to his game, making him a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) and Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) candidate if he reaches his ceiling.
Strategic Considerations for the Giants
Selecting Styles would be a luxury pick for the Giants, given their defensive struggles last season. However, the depth of offensive talent in this draft allows them the flexibility to bolster their defense without neglecting offensive needs. With potential offensive starters available later in the draft, the Giants could address their need for an X receiver or strengthen their offensive line in subsequent rounds.
In conclusion, Sonny Styles represents a tantalizing option for the Giants at No. 5.
His combination of size, speed, and versatility could provide the Giants with a transformative presence on defense, while their strategic draft position allows them to address key offensive needs as well. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on how the Giants navigate this pivotal moment.