Saints Land Freak Athlete LB in Round 1 of NFL Mock Draft

Ohio State's Sonny Styles projected to be New Orleans' first-round pick

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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In a recent NFL mock draft, the New Orleans Saints are predicted to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the 8th overall pick. Styles, typically projected to be selected in the 12th to 20th range, is considered a freak athlete with incredible instincts who could be an immediate impact player for the Saints' defense.

Why it matters

The Saints are looking to build around their promising young quarterback Tyler Shough, and landing a top defensive talent like Styles in the first round could help solidify their defense and provide a strong foundation for the team's future.

The details

Sonny Styles is the son of a former Falcons player and the brother of a cornerback in this year's draft class. He was the leader of a stout Ohio State defense that featured other top prospects. Styles is expected to excel at the NFL Combine with his physical tools, potentially boosting his draft stock even higher.

  • Styles had an incredible 2025 season at Ohio State.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Sonny Styles

An Ohio State linebacker projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability.

Tyler Shough

The New Orleans Saints' promising young quarterback who emerged as a potential franchise signal-caller in 2025.

Demario Davis

The 37-year-old Saints linebacker who is open to departing the team in free agency, potentially opening the door for Styles to step in as his replacement.

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What they’re saying

“Some will finish this process with Sonny Styles Jr. among the top five overall prospects -- perhaps even No. 1. His father played for the rival Falcons, and his brother, Lorenzo, is a cornerback in this draft class. Demario Davis is both 37 years old and open to departing the Saints in free agency. Styles steps in as his replacement.”

— Josh Edwards, CBS Sports Mock Draft Analyst (CBS Sports)

What’s next

Styles is expected to impress at the NFL Combine, which could further boost his draft stock and solidify his status as a top-10 pick.

The takeaway

The Saints' selection of Sonny Styles in the first round would be a bold move, but it could pay dividends in building a formidable defense around the team's promising young quarterback. Styles' exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability make him a potential game-changer for the Saints' rebuild.