All eyes are set on Sonny Styles as the NFL Combine kicks off tomorrow. With a lineup featuring top-tier defensive tackles, edge rushers, and linebackers, Styles is poised to deliver some of the most impressive testing numbers in his position group.
While players like Vell Reese and Caleb Downs are already making waves-especially if Reese commits fully as an edge rusher-Styles stands out as a particularly intriguing prospect. Originally a safety, Styles has transitioned to linebacker and is projected to be a top-half first-round pick.
Some mock drafts even place him as high as fifth. ESPN's Mel Kiper has Styles going seventh overall to the Commanders, and his colleague Field Yates suggests Styles could climb even higher.
Ohio State's Sonny Styles boasts a rare combination of range, size, and athleticism. In 2025, he was charged with just two missed tackles, showcasing his growth and reliability on the field.
Field Yates remarked on Styles' unique stature, noting, "If you compare him to every safety in the league, he stands out. Maybe only Kyle Hamilton comes close in terms of body stature.
But even among linebackers, he remains a standout. His transformation from safety just two seasons ago to a linebacker who looks like a cyborg is remarkable."
Styles' physical attributes are undeniable, with size and length that catch the eye. His athletic profile is exceptional, but it's his technical development that truly excites analysts.
In 2024, his first year as a full-time linebacker, Styles struggled with 17 missed tackles. However, he made significant strides, reducing that number to just two in 2025, ranking third in tackle percentage across FBS.
These stats highlight Styles' potential for further growth. Already a standout in coverage and a powerful tackler, his athleticism is a game-changer. The team that drafts Styles is securing a franchise-caliber talent on defense.