The name that has NFL teams buzzing right now is Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. This follows an eye-popping performance at the NFL Combine, which has Styles skyrocketing up draft boards in a way few foresaw before the event.
Calling him an “athletic freak” doesn’t do him justice. Styles posted a blazing 4.46 in the 40-yard dash, paired with a 43.5-inch vertical and an 11-foot-2 broad jump, all of which firmly back up what’s seen on film. Before the combine, his draft range was uncertain, with projections varying from the top 10 to the back end of the first round. Now, it seems unlikely he will slip outside the top 10.
New York Giants
The New York Giants are in an interesting position when it comes to whether they should draft this elite prospect or not.
Fan reactions would likely be split if this pick were to happen. On the one hand, many would be thrilled to add the kind of player Styles brings, with his elite traits that will instantly elevate the front seven.
On the other hand, some would argue that the team should prioritize adding more talent to its offense around young franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart as he enters his second season. In the end, fans wouldn’t be upset with the player himself, but rather about the areas of need they feel the team should address.
Head coach John Harbaugh understands the value of elite defense, having built some of the most dominant units during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. That philosophy will always work and could carry over here as he enters his first season in New York.
The defensive line already looks locked in on the edges with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, plus Dexter Lawrence will continue anchoring the middle. Now imagine Styles roaming behind them, free to diagnose, attack, and create chaos.
That’s the kind of defense that could quickly push the Giants back into playoff contention.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are in desperate need of defensive help, and Styles could be the perfect answer, especially if he’s still on the board at No. 7.
Last season, Washington posted a PFSN NFL Defensive Impact score of 64.8, ranking 30th in the league. That’s simply not sustainable for a team trying to compete after exceeding expectations in 2024. To come crashing back down last year was disappointing, to say the least.
Head coach Dan Quinn comes from a defensive background, so fixing that side of the ball will undoubtedly be a priority.
Plugging Styles into the middle of that defense could have an immediate ripple effect on other players as well. He’s an incredibly athletic and instinctive player with a knack for finding the football in different ways. Whether it’s flowing sideline-to-sideline, making tough tackles, blitzing effectively to get after the QB, or making plays in coverage, Styles brings versatility that defensive coordinators covet.
He wouldn’t just help; he could be the reason that unit turns it all the way around and becomes great in one offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals might represent Styles’ draft floor at No. 10.
Like Washington, Cincinnati has major defensive needs. If Styles were to slide this far, the Bengals should sprint to the podium.
Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow has every reason to be frustrated after last season. Despite having one of the league’s most explosive offenses year after year, the team hasn’t consistently translated that into wins, mainly because the defense underperforms.
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The front office knows it can’t afford to waste Burrow’s prime, nor should it. Reinforcements are coming, and drafting Styles would make a big statement toward actually fixing that unit.
If PFSN consensus big board’s No. 2 overall prospect somehow falls into their lap at No. 10, passing on him simply wouldn’t make sense. He offers the kind of defensive playmaking ability that could help balance the roster and push Cincinnati back into true contention.
