Quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, edge rusher, and cornerback. These are the groups that are viewed as “premium positions” in the NFL. Teams who pick highly in the draft are expected to select one of these; however, sometimes a player is outstanding enough to transcend this thought process, which is the case for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. The New Orleans Saints would be a fool not to consider him at pick eight exclusively because of his position.
Styles is the highest graded player on numerous big boards, yet he’s sparsely getting selected within the top 10. The Saints may be criticized if they select him at eight, but it would be a fantastic pick. Fans would see linebacker and immediately be disappointed because it isn’t a running back or wide receiver; however, this may be the more impactful selection. Sometimes it’s worth it to select the best player available instead of filling a team need, especially if there’s depth at the position (WR).
That isn’t to say linebacker isn’t a major need. Demario Davis’ future with the team isn’t certain, as he was very noncommittal when he was interviewed on the Kay Adams show. It’s paramount the Saints find his successor, which is why drafting Styles would make so much sense.
Sonny Styles is the complete package at linebacker
The 6-foot-5, 243 pound former safety converted to linebacker has excellent movement skills, which enables him to impact the game on all three downs. Styles is one of the most athletic players in the country, frequently ranking within the top 10 of Feldman’s Freak list. He can match up against tight ends and running backs in coverage and flies around the field to make plays against the run.
Styles is the best tackler in college football. He only had two missed tackles in 2025, both coming in Ohio State’s College Football Playoff loss to Miami. It’s extremely rare for someone to escape his arms. This ability would be huge on the Saints defense, which has often struggled with tackles. Additionally, Styles excels at navigating through traffic to reach the backfield against the run. He would be the Saints best run defender as soon as he enters the building.
Sonny Styles projects as a high-impact NFL player the moment he steps on the field. There aren’t many weaknesses in his game, making it shocking that he’s not mocked in the top 10 more often. Sometimes it’s wise to disregard positional value and take the best player on the board, which the Saints should consider doing at pick eight.