Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
During the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, one name continues to draw excitement ahead of his on-field workouts. Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is one of the most highly-anticipated players of this class and one that the New Orleans Saints should be closely eyeing, especially if defensive leader Demario Davis departs on a voiding contract.
Off-ball linebacker isn’t usually donned with top-10 consideration. However, Styles is much more than that.
The 6-foot-5, 244-pound linebacker can indeed drop into coverage, but he also uses his impressive reach and length to get off of blocks to serve as a run stopper and pass rusher. Imagining him in Saints’ defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense doesn’t take much labor.
Styles finished the 2025 Buckeyes season with 82 combined tackles, 6.5 for a loss, a sack, an interception, three passes defended and a fumble recovered. He is also just one year removed from a six-sack season.
Sonny Styles run defense. Block destruction, lateral movement, instincts, and elite tackling form pic.twitter.com/kzQ322fsBW
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 5, 2026
If the Saints end up being in need of help along the second level, a free agent like Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker would be a worthwhile investment. But if the team can’t address the position in free agency and lose Davis, Styles could quickly become a valuable pursuit at No. 8 overall.
Though, the Washington Commanders who select No. 7 overall may present a challenge.
Off-ball linebackers aren’t viewed as premium investments. But chesspiece players that can make an impact in every phase of the system are always set to be in high demand. Styles is a perfect example of the latter.
