Barbara J. Perenic/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints may have just landed another slot defender option and special teams superstar in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
With the No. 172 overall selection, the Saints have drafted Ohio State safety Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Styles clocked a blazing fast 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine this offseason and has experience as both a slot corner and return specialist. He’s also been an outstanding special teams coverage player on punt and kick units.
THE STYLES BROTHERS ARE FLYING.@OhioStateFB S Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Sonny Styles’ brother just ran a 4.28u.
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/S2S6BUXF2h— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2026
Styles is the older brother of Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, who was selected No. 7 overall in this year’s NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.
The elder Styles re-opens the Ohio State to New Orleans pipeline, bringing some serious speed and athleticism to the team with a chance to make a real impact as a returner once healthy.
Following the Combine, the defender had labrum surgery, which will potentially keep him sidelined until near the beginning of the preseason. With that, he may not be ready to go as early as Week 1, but could have a Rashid Shaheed-like special teams debut partway through the year.
What’s even more impressive about Lorenzo Styles 4.27 40 is he’s working out today not even close to 100% healthy.
He will undergo labrum surgery next week, an issue he played through in 2025.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 27, 2026
He had 30 total tackles last season including 1.5 for a loss, three passes defended and a 100-yard kick return touchdown.
New Orleans is scheduled to be back on the close at No. 190 overall in the sixth round.
