Ohio State is making waves in the 2026 NFL Draft class with four prospects in the top 10. The New York Giants, holding the fifth overall pick, might have the luxury of choosing from three of these talents: safety Caleb Downs, edge defender Arvell Reese, linebacker Sonny Styles, and wide receiver Carnell Tate. So, who should the Giants pick?
Cole VanWeichen from SB Nation’s Ohio State site, Land Grant Holy Land, weighed in on the ‘Valentine’s Views’ podcast, and he’s all in on Styles.
“I’m taking Sonny Styles,” VanWeichen confidently stated. “He’s got Hall of Fame potential as an off-ball linebacker.
He might even tap into the versatility that people admire in Arvell Reese. But at his core, Styles is an All-Pro off-ball linebacker.”
Giants head coach John Harbaugh is on the hunt for a “gold jacket” player-someone with Hall of Fame potential. VanWeichen believes Styles fits that bill perfectly.
So, why Styles? Is it his athletic prowess, his development over two seasons, or his magnetic personality? VanWeichen thinks it’s the whole package.
“Styles has it all,” VanWeichen explained. “Arvell might go earlier because of his athletic traits and frame, but Styles matches him there.
Both are 6-4, 244 pounds, running a 4.47 40-yard dash. Styles even set a record with a 42-inch vertical jump for a linebacker.
He’s in the top three for linebacker testing at the combine. As a pure linebacker, he’s Hall of Fame material.”
Styles’ ability to fill multiple roles adds even more value.
“Like Arvell, Styles could play edge due to his frame. Plus, he started as a safety at Ohio State, giving him a strong coverage background,” VanWeichen noted.
“You can move him all over the field. As a pure off-ball linebacker, he’s Hall of Fame caliber.
He could also excel as a Pro Bowler and All-Pro in various roles, including edge rusher and nickel, similar to Kyle Hamilton.”
Mock drafts are echoing VanWeichen’s sentiment. In recent drafts, 45.7% have the Giants selecting Styles with their No. 5 pick.
Caleb Downs is another popular choice, appearing in 18.6% of mock drafts. Others like Carnell Tate, Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, and Miami's Francis Muaigoa also make appearances.
Here’s a snapshot of recent mock draft picks:
- USA Today (McKessy) and Athlon Sports (Easterling) both went with Sonny Styles.
- CBS’s Podell chose Carnell Tate.
- Pro Football Network’s Infante backed Styles.
- ESPN’s Yates opted for Caleb Downs.
The Giants have a big decision on their hands, and with talent like Styles, Reese, Downs, and Tate on the board, they can't go wrong. But if they’re aiming for a future Hall of Famer, Sonny Styles might just be their guy.