The New York Giants are one of the true wild cards in the 2026 NFL Draft. Due to their holes at linebacker, right guard, running back, and wide receiver, it's hard for even the most experienced of mock draft prognosticators to figure out what direction John Harbaugh and Joe Schoen will go with the No. 5 pick.
Linebacker has been a popular pick for many mock drafters out there despite the addition of Tremaine Edmunds in the offseason. Ohio State's Sonny Styles, fresh off one of the best NFL Combine performances anyone at the position has ever had, has been linked to New York quite often.
The latest rumors from Jordan Reid of ESPN claim that New York is taking a very hard look at Styles in the draft, as the only player that could fit the recent parameter made public is the former Buckeyes standout.
Talking to league sources, the Giants wouldn't be shy about drafting an off-ball linebacker at No. 5, making Styles a real possibility," Reid said. "New coach John Harbaugh has always considered the middle linebacker spot to be important, and Styles fits the mold of what Harbaugh has loved in players such as Roquan Smith."
Giants rumored to have interest in Ohio State LB Sonny Styles
Styles may not always play with the same level of power and aggression that someone his size should play with, but that is a minor complaint when looking at one of the greatest inside linebacker prospects since Smith came out of Georgia. Styles would start instantly on the Giants' defense.
It's one thing to be a 6-5, 244-pound ballistic missile who flies all over the field and makes plays, but it's another to be the best coverage linebacker in the Draft. Styles is perfectly adapted to star next to Edmunds for years to come at the epicenter of Harbaugh's defense.
It's been almost a decade since an inside linebacker was picked as high as No. 5 overall, and the lack of highly-paid players at that position would immediately put Styles into the upper echelon of performers at that position. Would the Giants be willing to swallow a pill like this?
Given what a unique talent and elite producer Styles has shown to be, even on an Ohio State defense that had Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese next to him, the Giants shouldn't think twice about picking him if he is there at No. 5. He likely will be.