Sonny Styles dominates NFL Combine, emerges as perfect fit for Cowboys

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Sonny Styles, the Ohio State defender, arrived at the 2026 NFL Combine already respected for his versatility and leadership. However, he left Indianapolis looking like one of the most physically gifted defenders in the entire class, dominating the athletic testing phase in a way that few linebackers ever have. For the Dallas Cowboys, who hold the 12th overall pick and are in need of defensive help, Styles suddenly looks like the kind of player capable of transforming their defense overnight.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 7-9-1 season in 2025, with their defense struggling mightily under former coordinator Matt Eberflus. With new defensive coordinator Christian Parker set to implement a scheme that emphasizes positionless defenders, Styles' rare blend of size, speed, intelligence, and versatility makes him an ideal fit to anchor the Cowboys' defense and help them return to championship contention.

The details

Styles thrived at Ohio State in 2025, recording 83 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and three pass breakups while showcasing elite sideline-to-sideline range. At the Combine, he produced historic athletic numbers, including a 43.5-inch vertical jump that shattered the all-time record for the position and an 11-foot-2 broad jump that reinforced his explosive lower-body power. Scouts are calling Styles a 'unicorn' prospect, with a Relative Athletic Score of 10.0 - the highest possible rating.

• Styles dominated the athletic testing phase at the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
• The Cowboys hold the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What’s next

The Cowboys will have to decide whether to select Styles with the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as he has emerged as a potential blue-chip prospect who could come off the board much earlier than expected following his dominant Combine performance.