NFL Draft 2026 – Yearbook Scouting Report
Sonny Styles – Ohio State
Draft Insiders’ Yearbook – Scouting Reports – over 250 Reports – available now
Sonny Styles #6 – 6-5, 244 Ohio State – Sp. 4.46
NFL Comparison: Fred Warner Rating 93
Elite athlete completed his career with an incredible performance at the NFL Combine. Earned All-American and Big Ten first team honors in 2025 showcasing well-developed and well-rounded talent in the process. Former safety is the complete off linebacker with rare size, speed and change of directions skills for the position. More than 40 starts in 53 games outgrew the safety role and moved closer to the line. Ripped frame with quickness and speed for a fulltime defender. Rangy athlete with keen instincts to diagnose quickly with the powerful burst to the ball to finish. Plays an aggressive game with the Mike mentality to line up a defense along with the physical skills to be an early three down starter. Good blitzer with savvy timing and the burst to contribute there, though still raw in that role. In coverage, shows very good COD and route recognition to use his length, speed and quickness. Made 9 sacks, 1 interception and 9 PBUs over his career, matching up with backs and tight ends. Well-rounded and prepared prospect with skill set to line up at a several positions and scheme diverse. Best suited for an off-backer role where his quick diagnostic skills and burst allow him to consistently run to the ball. NFL ready defender and early starting grade with sideline-to-sideline speed and diagnostic skills. Throwback defender and team leader to become a core piece on a unit. Needs to recognize the inside runs quicker to defeat blocking angles. Versatile to play inside in either scheme, and also outside in the 4-3 set at both Will and Sam. Ideal for sub packages. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6050, 244 lbs., with 32 7/8” arms and 10” hands. Ran a blazing 4.45 time with a 1.56 ten yard split and added a 43.5” VL, an 11’2” BJ and a 7.08 three cone drill. It was an amazing workout which separated him from other prospects. Plays up to that speed with the quick initial burst to beat blocking angles and flow to the ball. Maxes out at 245 lbs. should be his ideal weight. Savvy and well prepared to adjust quickly to the NFL game. Brings fire to a unit and early full-time starter. Top 5 prospect and future Pro Bowler.
Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 5
