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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 29: Jordan Marshall #23 of the Michigan Wolverines is tackled by Sonny Styles #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Browns’ defense was ranked #4 last year. Their pass rush was basically limited to Myles Garrett breaking the single-season sack record. What if the team brought in another elite pass rusher?
The Browns need a guy who can eat up space, contest passes, and close on the ball quickly. This new guy will need to have a good burst and acceleration to create pressure quickly in the pocket.
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Ohio State Buckeyes LB Sonny Styles’ real strength is his versatility to line up across the formation and his ability to drop into coverage in the pass game. He has good footwork and is extremely comfortable dropping into zone coverage while maintaining eyes on the quarterback. He is an excellent communicator and is constantly scanning the areas around him for crossers coming behind.
In the last two years, Styles had 82 and 100 tackles.
LB Sonny Styles
Draft projection: Round 1
Browns pick: #6
Specifics:
Interceptions: 1
Career Tackles for Loss: 22.5
Career Pass Defenses: 9
Accolades: National Champion, First Team All-American, Second Team All-Big 10
Positives:
- Former star basketball player
- Father played in the NFL
- Very good in coverage
- Sideline-to-sideline ability
- Sharp pre-snap diagnosis
- Can play any LB position
- Good open-field tackler
- Violent hands
Negatives:
- Plays with tight hips
- Can be faked out on play-action
- Still learning gap integrity
- Pass rush technique needs work
- Vulnerable to cut blocks
Expert Draft Site Analysis
Styles is a steadily improving off-ball linebacker with exceptional athleticism, coverage skills, and toughness against the run who still has loads of potential to reach as he moves to the NFL. He has a massive yet lean frame, long arms, and an explosive lower half with tremendous burst and athleticism. After winning a state championship in football and basketball, he graduated high school early and enrolled a season earlier than planned at OSU. He is extremely tough and was awarded the prestigious “Block O” jersey this season, which signals his strengths as a leader and competitor.
