The selection of defensive players for the New Orleans Saints this year was few and far in between, and Lorenzo Styles Jr. made the exclusive club. He figures to start as a special teamer, like most late fifth round picks, but there's room for him to compete for the STAR role.
A safety from Ohio State, Styles Jr. was initially projected to be a sixth-round pick at the highest. However, after the offseason he had, including an eye-popping combine, his stock rose to that of a fifth-round pick. Something must be there, and Brandon Staley must think that he can help him succeed in New Orleans.
Styles Jr. might not be the safety from the school that some expected; however, those people should still be excited about the selection. He should be able to eat in Staley's defense, and the Saints' defensive coordinator has been wanting a player like him for a while, after all. What's more, he might be a replacement for someone the team lost in free agency.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. is oddly reminiscent of former Saints All Pro JT Gray
Lorenzo Styles Jr. might not have as much production in his career as most five-year seniors have; however, he really took off in that regard last season. Styles Jr. posted a career-high tackle rate, and that was with upgraded responsibilities.
Styles Jr.'s skill set also makes him a perfect candidate for one of the most crucial roles on the team: the STAR role. The position is a mix of corner and safety, and that's exactly how Styles split his time in his final season. It's the same role Alontae Taylor had with the Saints last season.
Similarities to former Saints don't stop there for Styles Jr. either. He's also got striking similarities to former safety and gunner J.T. Gray. Not only do the two share similarities in height and weight, but they both show the speed required for the gunner position. It's something that earned Gray a lot of money in New Orleans, and if Styles Jr. plays his cards right, it could for him as well.
Special teams could potentially be Styles Jr.'s real superpower. He's only returned 5 kickoffs in his career, but one of them went for a touchdown. He also averaged over 30 yards per return in his final season at Notre Dame. The experience is limited, but the potential is apparent
Last season, he even had Ohio State's first 100-yard kick return touchdown in the past 15 years. An elite player who still needs some development, Styles Jr. should find a home in New Orleans, whether it's on special teams or defense.
STYLES KICK RETURN TOUCHDOWN TO THE 🏠@OhioStateFB
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2025
📺:NBC pic.twitter.com/n2n2mmHQQu
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