Sonny Styles

NFL Draft Profile: Sonny Styles

Position: LB / Hybrid | School: Ohio State | Class: Senior

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 243 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid (Box Safety/Linebacker)

College Career Summary

Sonny Styles arrived at Ohio State as a 5-star reclassified prospect, seeing the field as a 17-year-old in the Peach Bowl. His journey from a deep-lying safety to a versatile "big nickel" and finally a full-time linebacker in 2024–2025 has been a masterclass in modern defensive adaptation. Following a 2024 season where he tallied 100 tackles and 6 sacks, Styles became a First-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2025. Playing under Matt Patricia's defensive direction, he served as the "green dot" play-caller, spearheading the nation's #1 scoring defense. Styles finishes his career as a rare "positionless" defender with the frame of a defensive end and the movement skills of a centerfielder.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 51 (40+ Starts)

• Total Tackles: 225+ (80 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 21.0 (5.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 8.5 (0.5 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 2 (1 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 3 (1 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. No. 4 Texas	3 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Disciplined in coverage against elite speed; secure tackler.
vs. Grambling St.	2 Tkl	B	Played limited snaps; controlled his gaps in a blowout.
vs. Ohio	7 Tkl, 1 QBH	A-	Motor was on display; chased down a screen for a loss.
@ Washington	4 Tkl	B	Solid in space; effectively spied the QB in the second half.
vs. Minnesota	7 Tkl	B+	Heavy run-fit game; showed elite Strength vs. pulling guards.
@ Illinois	8 Tkl, 1 TFL	A-	Team Player. Sacrificed his stats to blow up lead blocks.
@ Wisconsin	2 Tkl, 1 INT	A	IQ. Baited the QB into a mid-range throw; great return.
vs. No. 1 Penn St.	4 Tkl	B+	Neutralized the TE; displayed NFL-level Coverage skills.
vs. UCLA	4 Tkl	B	Smooth transitions in zone; communicated shifts perfectly.
vs. Rutgers	3 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	B+	Used a late-blitz "long arm" move to split a double team.
@ Michigan	3 Tkl	A-	Leadership. Kept the defense calm in a hostile road win.
vs. No. 5 Indiana	7 Tkl, 1 QBH	C+	Worst Game. Struggled to disengage from quick-climbing OL.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Unicorn Frame: A legitimate 6'5" frame that has filled out to 243 lbs without losing its safety-level twitch. He is a mismatch-eraser for modern "super-TEs."

• Pro-Ready IQ: As a team captain and Leadership figure, he understands spacing and leverage better than any LB in this class. His Play Recognition on screens and draws is elite.

• Tackling Range: His Pursuit is sideline-to-sideline. He rarely misses in the open field, using his massive wingspan to wrap up ball carriers securely.

• Hybrid Flexibility: Can play MIKE, WILL, or walk out and cover the slot. He is the "Swiss Army Knife" of the 2026 class.

Weaknesses

• Point of Attack Violence: Occasionally "catches" blockers rather than delivering a blow. Needs to be more aggressive with his hands when stacking and shedding.

• Blitz Refinement: Despite his size, he lacks a deep pass-rush toolbox. Most of his pressures come from scheme rather than individual "wins" against O-line.

• Pad Level: Like many tall LBs, he can play too high, allowing smaller RBs to get under his pads and drive for extra yardage.

Scheme Fit: Ideal WILL Linebacker in a 4-2-5 or a Hybrid "Joker" defender in a 3-4.

NFL Comparison: Devin Lloyd (Jaguars) / Anthony Barr

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 18/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 93/100

Sonny Styles is the most technically advanced hybrid defender to enter the draft in years. While he doesn't have the 12-sack ceiling of a pure edge rusher, his value lies in his ability to stay on the field for all three downs in any package. In an NFL dominated by spread offenses, a 240lb player who can run a 4.5 and cover a slot receiver is worth his weight in gold. He is a day-one starter and a future "Green Dot" for an NFL franchise.

Draft Projection: 1st Round (Top 15 Pick)