NFL Draft Watch: Why Sonny Styles Is the Defensive Anchor Every Team Needs
Sonny Styles isn’t sneaking up on NFL scouts anymore. The Ohio State linebacker-who once arrived in Columbus as a safety-has officially entered the national spotlight as one of the most complete defensive prospects in this year’s draft class. And if you’ve been paying attention to the Buckeyes over the past couple seasons, this breakout was only a matter of time.
Styles made the position switch early in his college career, moving down into the box where his size, instincts, and physicality could shine. By the time he became a full-time starter as a junior on Ohio State’s national championship-winning squad, it was clear: linebacker was where he belonged.
Teaming up with Cody Simon, Styles became the heartbeat of the Buckeyes’ defense. He finished the 2024 season with 100 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and five pass breakups-numbers that don’t just look good on paper, but jump off the film. His impact was felt on every level of the field, whether he was blowing up a run at the line of scrimmage or dropping into coverage and taking away passing lanes.
He could’ve jumped to the NFL after that season-and probably still would’ve been a Day 2 pick-but Styles made the call to return for his senior year. That decision paid off.
In 2025, Styles took his game to another level. He evolved into a true three-down linebacker, the kind of player who doesn’t come off the field and doesn’t take plays off.
He led, commanded, and elevated the defense around him. And he did it with the poise and polish of a future pro.
Now, with the draft process heating up, he’s drawing serious buzz. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently weighed in, saying:
“Sign me up for Ohio St LB Sonny Styles! Perfect for today’s NFL.
6'4 3/8, 237 LB, former safety with outstanding instincts, range, and physicality. Gives me Fred Warner vibes.
The game vs Indiana is a highlight tape.”
That’s not just lip service. Styles’ tape backs it up. His size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for offenses-big enough to take on blocks and shed them, fast enough to chase down plays sideline to sideline, and smart enough to diagnose what’s coming before the ball is even snapped.
While his running mate Arvell Reese grabbed headlines throughout the season with splash plays and viral highlights, Styles was the steady force who kept the engine running. Week in and week out, he delivered consistent, high-level performance-the kind that makes defensive coordinators sleep better at night.
What separates Styles isn’t just the physical tools-though he has plenty. It’s the way he plays the game. He’s a technician with a physical edge, a leader with a high football IQ, and a player who’s only scratching the surface of what he can become.
Projected to go in the mid-teens of the draft, Styles might not hear his name called in the top 10. But that could be a blessing in disguise.
Landing with a more established team could put him in a position to contribute immediately-and thrive. In a league that’s constantly searching for versatile defenders who can do it all, Styles fits the mold perfectly.
He’s the kind of player who can walk into an NFL locker room and make an impact on Day 1. And with his work ethic and mindset, he’s built to be a foundational piece for years to come.
Bottom line: Sonny Styles doesn’t just make your defense better-he changes the identity of it.