Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is one of the most intriguing draft prospects in 2026, bringing versatility that NFL clubs crave in today's game.
The rangy linebacker, who made the transition from safety to the box during his time with the Buckeyes, excels against both the run and in coverage. He's been compared to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner with his ability to affect the middle of the defense. The other comp given to Style, because of his versatility, is Baltimore Ravens star safety Kyle Hamilton.
On Thursday, Styles was asked by about the comparisons with Hamilton.
"I think it just depends what coordinator you go to, what scheme you go to," he said. "You know, Kyle Hamilton is one of those guys that can do a lot all over the field. He's an amazing player. So, I'd love to be in a scheme where I can do multiple roles and help a defense win. I think what's nice about having a coordinator who's able to put you in so many different positions and utilize you in that way, it's helping the entire defense because you become more unpredictable when there's guys like that on your defense who can do so many different things."
The comparisons to Hamilton have led many to mock Styles to the New York Giants, who, with new coach John Harbaugh, could use a versatile playmaker in the middle of the defense.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Network put up a graphic of Styles' athletic profile next to Hamilton. It led to the Ravens star posting that he got "brutally framemogged" by the network.
Styles said Thursday he has a lot of work to do to get to Hamilton's level.
"It was just funny. All that texting stuff, it's all great and cool, but what matters is what you do on the field," he said. "He's put a lot on the field, so I got a lot of catching up to do."
The versatility Styles brings is something NFL clubs desire in the modern game. Players like Hamilton or Nick Emmanwori in Seattle can completely change how defenses play. The more positions a player can excel in, the more it allows coordinators to be more creative with their coverages and pressures.
Styles said that going from safety to linebacker will help him at the NFL level, as he has a different perspective and experience to draw from.
"Playing safety, I think that helped me understand the totality of a defense," he said. "I played free safety, strong safety, (and) nickel my first two years, and being able to see the game from that lens and then now take that and move to linebacker, I think it helped me see the entire picture versus only seeing part of it."
It's not often an off-ball linebacker is viewed as a top-five pick, but Styles' versatility could land him there next month.
