Giants Select Linebacker Sonny Styles in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Versatile Ohio State defender could help rebuild Big Blue's defense

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:51am

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In a 2026 NFL mock draft, the New York Giants select linebacker Sonny Styles with the 5th overall pick. Styles is a 6'5", 245-pound athletic freak who started at safety for Ohio State before switching to linebacker, giving him a unique blend of size, speed, and coverage skills. While he still has room to develop at the position, his high upside and ability to play multiple roles make him an attractive option for a Giants team looking to rebuild its defense.

Why it matters

The Giants have long been known for their tough, physical defenses, but that identity has faded in recent years. Selecting Styles could help them regain that defensive identity and provide a versatile playmaker to build around for the future.

The details

Styles is an impressive physical specimen, running a 4.46 40-yard dash at 6'5" and 245 pounds. His background as a safety gives him excellent coverage skills and the ability to play multiple linebacker positions. While he only has two years of experience at linebacker, his intelligence, athleticism, and potential make him an intriguing prospect for the Giants to develop.

  • Sonny Styles played linebacker at Ohio State for the past two seasons after starting his career as a safety.

The players

Sonny Styles

A 6'5", 245-pound linebacker prospect from Ohio State who has impressive size, speed, and coverage skills after transitioning from safety.

New York Giants

A historic NFL franchise that has struggled in recent years but is looking to rebuild its defense around young, versatile playmakers like Sonny Styles.

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What they’re saying

“Sonny Styles is the perfect prototype of what you look for in a defensive player: 6'5' 245 lbs, 4.46 40 time, and overall athletic freak.”

— Brandon Lee Gowton, Writer

What’s next

The Giants will look to continue bolstering their offensive line and skill position players in the draft, but landing a versatile defensive playmaker like Sonny Styles with the 5th overall pick could be a key building block for their future.

The takeaway

The selection of Sonny Styles represents the Giants' effort to recapture their defensive identity and build a well-rounded, athletic unit capable of making plays all over the field. His unique blend of size, speed, and coverage skills make him an intriguing prospect with high upside.