Is Sonny Styles the Best Player in the 2026 NFL Draft? Scouts Think So

Ohio State is once again set to be heavily represented in the first round of the NFL draft, with elite prospects across multiple premium positions, and some NFL evaluators believe linebacker Sonny Styles might be the best of all of them.

There has been some hand-wringing over precisely how high Styles will go, in that linebackers have been somewhat devalued in recent years and inside linebackers in particular, like the running backs they chase around near the line of scrimmage, have taken a plunge versus other positions in how they are rated and how they are compensated. 

Styles is an exception to that, however, and his ability to wreak havoc on the edge as a ball-chasing pass rusher has many teams viewing him as a true X-factor in this draft and someone who can toggle between positions to help a team win on running downs and passing downs.

He Won’t Go First-Overall, But Should He?

“He’s the best player in this draft for me,” said one NFL general manager who will have no chance whatsoever to actually draft the prized prospect. “

If you know how to fully unlock him, and get the most out of him, he can take your defense to the next level.”

Another longtime evaluator said: “Take him as high as you can and just treat him like (Packers All Pro defender) Micah Parsons. Move him around and let him hunt matchups. That’s the comp.

There is some debate as to whether Styles or his college teammate, edge rusher Arvell Reese, is the best pure defensive prospect in this draft, and whether they should go second overall. 

“It depends what you are looking for,” the GM said. 

“Reese is a pure 3-4 OLB (outside linebacker), and Styles I want to play him on the strong side and get him overtop the tight end when I can, when he’s not a part of my spine (as an inside linebacker). I love them both. I think maybe you can do a little more with Styles.”

Yet another longtime evaluator told me the decision on what he would do with the second-overall pick was simple. 

“Styles is the best football player in this draft. I’m taking Styles.” 

At this point, both Reese and Styles are likely to go in the top five.