Should the Saints draft Sonny Styles?
The New Orleans Saints ended the regular season on a hot streak, winning four of their last five games. They were vastly improved on both sides of the ball, but especially defensively. The group fully bought into defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and is hoping to continue developing into 2026. Despite the success, certain positions' futures are uncertain because of aging and free agency. The primary concern for this is at linebacker, but fortunately for them, an easy fix awaits in Ohio State’s Sonny Styles Jr.
Demario Davis has been a franchise cornerstone ever since joining the Saints in 2018. He’s getting older, just turned 37 in January, but that isn’t the issue. Davis is an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, which wasn’t a concern a few weeks ago. However, in an interview with Kay Adams, he was asked about his future with the Saints, and didn’t commit to anything.
"I'm coming back to the NFL," Davis said. "I'm coming back to the NFL. And I'm excited about that. I am super excited about that. I keep training all the way through the Super Bowl so my body feels great. I'm just excited. I'm just excited for the offseason. We'll finish up these games watching them through the Super Bowl and then get into my offseason regimen. How that plays out, we shall see.”
Davis maneuvering around the question and not saying anything about the Saints is the key reason why drafting Sonny Styles at pick eight would be smart. He has the upside to not just match Davis’ performance, but surpass it eventually.
First off, it’s irrational to say that Styles will be a better player than a franchise great. However, he has all of the tools to become one of the best defenders in the NFL. Nothing is given in the NFL Draft, but he has one of the highest floors and ceilings out of all prospects.
The 6-foot-5, 243 pound linebacker pairs elite athleticism/movement skills with outstanding technique. He’s a former safety that converted to linebacker and it’s evident in coverage. Styles has the athleticism to guard tight ends/running backs in man coverage and is instinctual in zone. Combine this with his world-class tackling ability, not missing a tackle until Ohio State’s college football playoff loss, and he becomes a franchise cornerstone.
Styles is as versatile as a prospect can be. He can play anywhere on the field and is a triple threat: thriving in run defense, coverage, and as a pass rusher. Similarly to Davis, there are very few weaknesses in his game that a defense can exploit. He has a high IQ and is a film savant, knowing the opposing offense better than anyone on the field.
Although it’s still likely Demario Davis will return to the Saints, it isn’t certain. Because of this, drafting Sonny Styles would be wise in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even if he does return, Styles could develop and eventually take the reins when Davis retires. He’s a low-floor prospect and someone who could develop into a premier defender in the NFL.