Sonny Styles Draft Grade | Round 1, Pick 7 | FanVerdicts

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Sentiment

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Fan Verdict

Sentiment Analysis

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #7 · Elite Prospect

Sonny Styles has emerged as the most versatile and impactful linebacker prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class following a dominant three-year career at Ohio State. Initially recruited as a safety, Styles successfully transitioned to linebacker as a sophomore and has become the defensive fulcrum for one of college football's elite units. His rare combination of sideline-to-sideline range, coverage ability, and run-stopping prowess makes him a prototypical modern NFL linebacker who can excel in any defensive scheme. Styles possesses exceptional football IQ and leadership qualities that have made him the unquestioned leader of Ohio State's defense, calling plays and making adjustments at the line of scrimmage with veteran poise despite his youth.

Strengths

+Exceptional range and pursuit speed allows him to make tackles from sideline to sideline, consistently tracking down ball carriers who appear to have the edge.

+Elite coverage skills for a linebacker, able to match up with slot receivers and tight ends in man coverage while showing natural feel in zone concepts.

+Outstanding football IQ and pre-snap recognition enables him to diagnose plays quickly and position teammates before the snap.

+Violent, technically sound tackler who rarely misses in the open field and consistently drives through contact to finish plays.

+Natural leader with exceptional communication skills, serving as the defensive quarterback and making real-time adjustments.

+Impressive pass rush ability when used as a blitzer, showing good timing and hand usage to defeat blocks and pressure quarterbacks.

+Versatility to play multiple linebacker positions and even drop back to safety in certain packages, making him extremely valuable for defensive coordinators.

+Strong hands and ball skills result in consistent pass breakups and interceptions when targeted in coverage.

+Excellent motor and conditioning allows him to maintain high performance level throughout four quarters without noticeable drop-off.

+Superior length and wingspan create natural leverage advantages when shedding blocks and disrupting passing lanes.

+Instinctive feel for route concepts and quarterback tendencies allows him to anticipate throws and make game-changing plays.

+Physical run defender who shows no hesitation attacking downhill and meeting ball carriers in the gap with authority.

Weaknesses

-Occasionally over-pursues in run defense, taking himself out of position on misdirection plays and allowing cutback lanes.

-Can be susceptible to pick plays and natural rubs when covering receivers in traffic due to his aggressive style.

-Sometimes struggles to disengage from larger offensive linemen when engaged at the second level, despite good technique.

-Tendency to bite on play-action fakes when playing robber coverage, occasionally leaving coverage responsibilities.

-Limited experience rushing the passer as a primary edge rusher may require development of more sophisticated pass rush moves.

-Can be overly aggressive in coverage, leading to unnecessary penalties on defenseless receiver situations.

-Needs to improve recognition of RPO concepts where he can be manipulated by offensive coordinators.

-Occasional lapses in gap discipline when trying to make the spectacular play rather than staying assignment sound.

NFL Comparison: Micah Parsons

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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