Several Big Ten coaches raved about Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, whom The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman projected to the New York Giants at No. 5 in his most recent NFL mock draft.
Styles, who earned All-American honors this past season, has been frequently linked to the Giants throughout the pre-draft process. Feldman praised Styles as “freaky,” citing his 4.46 40-yard dash time as a 6-foot-5, 244-pound linebacker.
“He’s a beautiful athlete, like he was created in a lab,” a Big Ten offensive coordinator told Feldman. “I just can’t believe he was a safety, but you see that frame and that closing speed, it’s impressive, man.”
Added a Big Ten running backs coach: “On the film, he’s massive. They just stuck Sonny in the middle and let him roam.”
Although both coaches referenced Buckeyes teammate Arvell Reese in evaluating Styles, it is worth noting that Reese is an edge rusher. Styles is a former safety who converted to linebacker during his time in Columbus.
Sonny Styles remains a popular name for the Giants in recent mock drafts
Feldman isn’t the first analyst to suggest the Giants take Styles at No. 5, and he almost certainly won’t be the last. NFL Media’s Mike Band wrote in a March 27 mock draft that the Giants should target Styles given head coach John Harbaugh’s history with impact middle linebackers, including Ray Lewis and Roquan Smith.
Styles recorded 82 tackles, including 6 ½ for a loss, and an interception in 14 games this past season. If drafted, Styles would likely compete with Micah McFadden for linebacker snaps alongside veteran Tremaine Edmunds, who signed a three-year, $36 million contract last month.
The NFL Mock Draft Database has compiled 165 mock drafts over the last month, and the Giants selected Styles in 64 of those drafts. Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs is next with 32 appearances. We must note, though, that only some of those mock drafts came from beat reporters or from those, like Feldman, who are deeply involved in covering the NFL or college football.
Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate has also been mentioned as a possible option, even with the growing speculation that the Giants will sign former Pro Bowl receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Tate and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa tied for third with 20 respective appearances in those mock drafts.
The Giants have not drafted an Ohio State player since using a 2016 first-round pick on Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple.