Ohio State's Sonny Styles is making waves as the top choice for the New York Giants in this year's mock drafts. With 25 out of 54 mocks, or 46.3%, selecting him, Styles is clearly the standout candidate. His teammate, safety Caleb Downs, follows as the second most popular choice, appearing in 10 mock drafts, accounting for 18.5%.
Dane Brugler from The Athletic highlights Styles' potential, emphasizing his strong prospects in the draft: "As soon as [Fernando] Mendoza's name is called, it's time to keep an eye on Sonny Styles. I see him going top five, possibly to one of the New York teams."
Brugler praises Styles, saying, "Sonny Styles might be as close to bust-proof as you can get in this draft. His athletic testing, movement skills, and career trajectory all point to a player who consistently improves. Teams will see him as more than just an off-ball linebacker; he's something special."
Now, there's been some chatter comparing Styles to Isaiah Simmons, the Arizona Cardinals' No. 8 overall pick in 2020. Simmons was touted for his versatility but struggled to excel in any one position. His scouting report noted issues with instincts and consistency, which hindered his ability to settle into a specific role.
Styles, however, is a different story. His instincts set him apart.
Whether he's playing MIKE or WILL linebacker, Styles reads the game with precision. Watch him against Indiana, and you'll see how quickly he diagnoses plays and finds the ball.
His natural instincts are evident, making him more than just an athlete on the field.
While no player is truly "bust-proof," Styles seems to have what it takes to transcend that label. His combination of athleticism and football IQ makes him a compelling choice for any team looking to bolster their defense.
Here's a snapshot of recent mock drafts reflecting Styles' popularity:
- 3/19 NFL Media: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- 3/19 The Athletic: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- 3/18 CBS: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- 3/17 USA Today: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- 3/17 ESPN: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- 3/16 FOX: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- 3/14 NY Post: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- 3/12 Draft Countdown: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- 3/11 Pro Football Focus: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
With the draft approaching, all eyes are on Styles to see if he can live up to the hype and become a cornerstone for the Giants or another lucky franchise.