I’ll keep it simple: Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles should be the New Orleans Saints’ selection at pick eight. The only question is if he’s going to be available. His rare mix of size, athleticism, technique, and leadership makes him arguably the top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Styles would be a day-one contributor in New Orleans and the successor to Demario Davis.
This isn’t discounting other top prospects. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, any of the premier receivers, and Ohio State safety Caleb Down are all fantastic players but wouldn’t have the same level of impact as Styles. He’s nearly a perfect prospect and would be a franchise cornerstone on Brandon Staley’s defense.
Linebacker isn’t viewed as a major need for the Saints; however, it has the potential to quickly rise up the rankings. The future around Demario Davis is uncertain, as he could explore free agency. Danny Stutsman and Isiah Stalbird are both young players with potential but still need development before becoming full-time starters. Because of this, it’s critical that the Saints find their long-term answer, which Styles would be.
Sonny Styles gives the Saints defense what they've been lacking for years
Styles put the national media on notice with his elite performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. This isn’t a surprise, because his frame and athleticism were evident on his tape. He measured in at 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, a picture-perfect frame for a linebacker. Then, Styles ran a blazing 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43.5-inch vertical jump (LeBron James reportedly had a 44” vertical in his prime), and broad jumped 11-foot-2 (tied for fourth all time among linebackers since 1999).
Styles' elite athleticism translates well to the field. He was formerly a safety before converting to linebacker ahead of the 2024 season, which is apparent in his mobility. He flies around the field, constantly making plays at every level. This makes Styles a threat against the run. He’s a heat-seeking missile, weaving through traffic to reach the ball carrier and blowing up the play.
Even if a lineman gets their hands on him, Styles effortlessly sheds blocks and continues onward. A 6-foot-6, 330-pound player in his path is just a minor inconvenience. Once he reaches the ball, the play is over. Styles is a sure tackler and only missed two tackles all season. This Saints have been subpar in this area in recent memory. Styles immediately bolster them as a tackling team.
Another aspect the Saints haven’t had on their defense in years is an excellent pass-coverage linebacker. Styles experience at safety helps him thrive in both man and zone coverage. In man, he can eliminate an opposing tight end or running back because of his size and speed. He’s just as impactful in zone. He has disciplined eyes, understands his assignment, and expertly takes away part of the field.
Styles is the leader the Saints defense needs in their new era
Styles' impact on the field is tremendous, but his leadership off the field is just as impressive. He was named a team captain at Ohio State in 2025 and was awarded the coveted number 0, which is awarded to the team’s top leader. The Buckeyes linebacker coach, James Lauriniatis, raved about the team captain's impact when he received the honor.
“Sonny is the ultimate pro,” Lauriniatis said. “He’s very intentional. From the day we decided to make the switch (to linebacker), he’s done nothing but work at it. He’s the leader of the entire team.”
The Saints had three main leaders on defense in 2024: Tyrann Mathieu, Demario Davis, and Cameron Jordan. Now, Mathieu is retired, Davis might not return to the Saints, and Jordan is entering the last few years of his career. This makes it necessary they find their defensive leader for the future, a role Styles would thrive in.
The only uncertainty around Styles is if he will be on the board at pick eight. Earlier in the offseason, this was nearly guaranteed. However, the tides have been turning towards him being selected earlier. Anything can happen, but this would be a crushing blow if he’s gone before the Saints’ selection. Regardless, he’s an outstanding player who will be extremely impactful on whatever uniform he’s in, just hopefully it’s the black and gold.
Overall, Sonny Styles is arguably the top prospect in the NFL Draft and would be a perfect fit for the Saints. His unique combination of size, athleticism, technique, and leadership makes him a dream prospect. He would be a home-run selection if he’s available at pick eight.