With Demario Davis aging, the Saints eye Sonny Styles. This versatile, explosive defender could be the future of their defense at pick #8.
For a decade, the New Orleans Saints’ defense has been defined by Cam Jordan and Demario Davis. But as the legendary linebacker enters the twilight of a Hall-of-Fame-caliber career at 37, the Saints find themselves at a crossroads. Coming off a turbulent 6-11 season in 2025, the franchise finally has its offensive anchor in Tyler Shough. Now, to truly accelerate this "retool on the fly," New Orleans must secure its next defensive pillar.
With the rebuild underway in the offseason, strategically gathering the pieces to plan to dominate in 2026 is high priority, especially with going younger.
Putting together a big offseason for the Saints begins with the NFL draft in a few weeks. If the Saints want to prove they are finally heading in the right direction, they have to be very strategic with a selection that makes sense at pick No. 8, and they should look at Sonny Styles.
The Top Tier Prospect
In modern NFL scouting, the term "top tier" is overused, but for Styles, it fits like a well-worn jersey. Standing 6'4" and weighing 243 pounds, Styles began his Ohio State career as a five-star safety before transitioning to linebacker. This evolution has created a defensive weapon that looks like a pass rusher but covers like a defensive back.
In 2025, Styles was a First-team All-American, racking up 82 tackles and showcasing the "freakish" athleticism that PFF and Daniel Jeremiah have vaulted into the top 10 of their 2026 boards. For a Saints defense that ranked 30th in total yards allowed last season, adding a player with this range isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity.
The Perfect Passing of the Torch
The most compelling argument for drafting Styles is the mentorship opportunity. Demario Davis has been the "soul" of the Saints, but Father Time is undefeated. Styles could be the heir to the throne and have the torch passed to him.
- The Fit: Styles thrives in a 4-2-5 hybrid system, exactly the kind of modern look New Orleans utilizes.
- The Learning Curve: Analysts suggest Styles’ biggest growth area is his "trigger" in reading complex NFL offenses. Who better to teach the nuances of the Mike position than Davis?
- The Versatility: Styles can erase tight ends in the seam and track down elusive NFC South backs like Bijan Robinson in space—areas where the Saints' aging interior struggled in 2025.
Building Around the New Core
The Saints’ 2025 draft class was a rare "home run." Landing tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and QB Tyler Shough provided the offensive blueprint. By selecting Styles in 2026, the front office would be signaling a shift from "patching holes" to "building a foundation."
"Some will finish this process with Sonny Styles Jr. among the top five overall prospects—perhaps even No. 1." — Gennaro Filice, NFL.com
Drafting a linebacker at No. 8 might feel rich to some, but Styles isn't just a linebacker. He is a schematic "eraser" who allows defensive coordinators to be creative. In a division that is currently wide open, a game-changer of his caliber could be the difference between another "mediocre" finish and a return to January football.