The New York Giants' plans for the 2026 NFL Draft may have changed on a dime after the NFL Combine, as Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles forced his way into consideration with one of the best performances in recent history.
Styles' domination of the annual underwear Olympics has his stock soaring so high that Dane Brugler had the Giants picking him at No. 5 overall. Brugler added an interesting tidbit about Styles, as he claims that he has been so impressive to teams that they are breaking their stoic facades and openly applauding him.
"His interviews with NFL teams were “phenomenal,” according to a team source Brugler spoke to, "with one team even giving him a standing ovation at the end of a session." Styles is quickly breaking the positional mold and defining himself as an elite prospect.
Possible Giants NFL Draft pick Sonny Styles given standing ovation in meeting
No true inside linebacker has been selected in the top-five since Devin White way back in the 2019 NFL Draft, and none has been picked higher than No. 5 overall since the Seattle Seahawks took all-time bust Aaron Curry. Picking Styles this high would be a massive paradigm shift.
However, Styles is quickly proving to be a rare breed. At 6-5 and 244 pounds with a 40-yard dash that was faster than wide receiver teammate Carnell Tate, Styles has the exemplary film to back up the hype he has received for his athletic gifts.
Harbaugh's stated goal is seemingly to recreate his old Baltimore Ravens teams as quickly as possible. As such, Styles is competing with safety teammate Caleb Downs and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for Harbaugh and Joe Schoen's attention.
His teams have always had strong running games, which could lead him to pick Love. Safety play has always been important to the former defensive backs coach, which could make Downs more attractive. The linebacker position is still a weakness for this team, however, and Styles would be a huge Band-Aid after the expected release of Bobby Okereke.
The Giants would placate the fans who want them to add a wide receiver early in the Draft by way of their second-round pick, which was spent on Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard. With two new immediate starters, New York can start climbing back to respectability.