The New York Giants are heading into a pivotal offseason, and the message is clear: the defense needs a serious overhaul. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that ended with the dismissal of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, the organization is resetting under new head coach John Harbaugh. And if there’s one thing we know about Harbaugh-led teams, it’s that defense isn’t just a priority-it’s an identity.
With the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Giants are in prime position to land a cornerstone piece for that identity. And in the latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus, they do just that-selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, a hybrid defender with the kind of physical tools and football IQ that could anchor the Giants’ defense for years to come.
A Harbaugh-Type Defender
Styles fits the Harbaugh mold to a tee: tough, versatile, and instinctive. At 6’5”, 243 pounds, he’s got rare size for a linebacker, but what sets him apart is how fluidly he moves.
That’s no accident-Styles began his career as a five-star safety before transitioning to linebacker, and that background still shows up on tape. He can cover tight ends in man, drop into zone with range, and still come downhill with authority in the run game.
This isn’t just about traits, though. It’s about production.
Styles was the highest-graded tackler in college football in 2025, missing just 2.2% of his tackle attempts. For context, that’s a dramatic improvement from the 18.4% miss rate he posted in 2024, his first season playing closer to the line of scrimmage.
That kind of growth speaks volumes-not just about his physical development, but about his ability to process the game and adapt.
A Solution to the Giants' Run Defense Woes
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Giants were gashed on the ground last year. They gave up 2,470 rushing yards-an ugly number that underscored the unit’s lack of physicality and discipline.
That’s where Styles makes an immediate difference. He tallied 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and an interception in 2025, showing he’s not just a cleanup guy-he’s a playmaker.
What makes him even more valuable is his ability to operate in space. His 5.6% negatively graded play rate in coverage, according to PFF, is nearly identical to what Fred Warner posted at BYU.
That’s the kind of profile that gets defensive coordinators excited. For new DC Dennard Wilson, Styles could be the on-field general that brings his vision to life.
More Than Just a Stat Sheet
Styles isn’t just a stat monster-he’s a leader. A first-team All-American and vocal presence on a national championship-caliber Ohio State defense, he’s been described as a “coach on the field.”
That’s not just a cliché. He played under Matt Patricia in a pro-style system that mirrors much of what he’ll see in the NFL.
That kind of experience matters, especially for a team looking to flip the switch quickly under a new coaching regime.
By selecting Styles at No. 5, GM Joe Schoen would be giving Harbaugh a foundational piece.
A player who sets the tone in the locker room, communicates on the field, and-most importantly-delivers between the lines. With Styles in the fold, the Giants could finally solidify a front seven that’s lacked consistency for years.
Building the Right Way
The Giants still have work to do, especially on the offensive side of the ball as they continue to build around quarterback Jaxson Dart. But adding a player like Sonny Styles isn’t just about plugging a hole-it’s about setting a standard. He brings the kind of physicality and versatility that allows a defense to play fast, play smart, and play aggressive.
If the Giants want to reestablish themselves as a team that wins in the trenches and dictates terms on defense, Styles might be the best possible start. He’s not just a linebacker-he’s a tone-setter. And in the John Harbaugh era, that’s exactly what Big Blue needs.