Should the Saints select Sonny Styles in the first round of the NFL Draft?
The New Orleans Saints have been frequently connected to an offensive playmaker in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, arguably the best prospect for the Saints isn’t on offense, instead being Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. CBS NFL Draft analyst Josh Edwards saw this and mocked Styles to the Saints in a recent article. Fans may not agree with this selection, but it would be an ideal fit for their defense and be the successor to Demario Davis.
Linebacker isn’t the biggest need for the Saints, but it’s quickly rising up the rankings with the insecurity about the future of the position. Davis has been a cornerstone for the Saints ever since signing in 2018; however, he’s aging quickly and was noncommittal to remaining with the team this offseason in an interview with Kay Adams. Edwards echoed these thoughts in his article.
“Some will finish this process with Sonny Styles Jr. among the top five overall prospects -- perhaps even No. 1. His father played for the rival Falcons, and his brother, Lorenzo, is a cornerback in this draft class,” Edwards wrote. “Demario Davis is both 37 years old and open to departing the Saints in free agency. Styles steps in as his replacement.”
Edwards mentions how Styles is a consensus top-five prospect and would be a perfect replacement for Davis. He’s an explosive athlete, is dominant against the run, and is impressive in pass coverage. Styles’ is highly regarded among analysts because there isn’t a hole in his game.
The 6-foot-5, 243-pound player was formerly a safety before he converted to linebacker. This is evident in his movement skills as he’s as fluid as any player in the class. He flies across the field to stop the run and can match up against every position in coverage.
Styles is the best tackler in the class. The former Buckeye didn’t have a missed tackle in 2025 until Ohio State’s College Football Playoff loss to Miami. This makes him a monster against the run as he can expertly navigate through traffic to make a play.
He’s elite against the run, but is just as spectacular in coverage. Styles shines in man coverage and has outstanding instincts in zone. The Saints haven’t had a true coverage linebacker in years and would instantly elevate their defense.
Overall, fans may be shocked if the Saints select Sonny Styles in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but it would be a perfect pick. He would be a suitable replacement for Demario Davis and would be a franchise cornerstone on defense.