Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The summarization of the New Orleans Saints’ NFL Draft Day 3 from general manager Mickey Loomis was spot-on.
“We wanted to add speed to our team, which we did,” he said. “You know, one thing, I think we drafted a heck of a relay team.”
Indeed they did, drafting three players that ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash time or faster and another with 4.49-second speed. But the paramount example of adding that element to the team is fifth-round defensive back out of Ohio State Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Styles ran an eye-popping 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine while nursing a labrum injury, for which he would later have surgery. The Buckeyes defender knows well how much of an asset his speed is and looks forward to bringing to the Saints, particularly when asked about the potential to compete for the team’s STAR/slot role.
“You’re going to see the 4.2 (speed) show up there,” he said. “Have a good disguise. They won’t be able to see me coming. So, I feel like it’s going to be another element to help the defense out.”
A converted wide receiver, Styles has a lot of desirable traits that could be valuable on the defensive side of the ball, but his impact won’t be limited to just one area. His speed and athleticism are likely to lead him to a special teams role as well. He could be looked at as a potential returner, along with fellow specialist and sixth-round pick Barion Brown, and could also be tapped to help out in punt and kick coverage.
His quickness is undeniably tempting in the return game. Last year, he returned a kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown, the first kick return score for Ohio State in 15 years.
LORENZO STYLES JR. 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣-YD KICK RETURN TO THE 🏠 @OhioStateFB
📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/wzV7I2YaEh
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 16, 2025
“The first time I got back there, I was probably way too deep,” he said of the return. “(I) wasn’t supposed to take it out. I knew if I touched the ball, I was taken to the end zone. So, I’m really excited for the NFL and how important that is in field position, especially in the NFL game now.”
The Saints have the potential to have two of the most explosive return specialist options in the league with Styles and Brown, re=instituting a long-lasting history of excellent special teams production.
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