For the last month, the conversation around the New York Giants' first-round draft pick has centered around a select group of names. Players like Carnell Tate, Caleb Downs, and Jordyn Tyson.
It's time to throw a new name into the mix.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles put on a show at the NFL Combine, stunning coaches and scouts with a historic run of athletic testing. All eyes were on him, and he delivered. Off-ball linebackers don't typically get drafted in the top five, but the 21-year-old might have just convinced the Giants to throw normalcy out the window.
Sonny Styles just sent the Giants an undeniable message at the NFL Combine
Styles had some high expectations coming into the Combine. Still, he blew those expectations out of the water. To start, he measured in at 6'5" and 244 pounds with near-33-inch arms. Check, check, and check.
But it was the athletic testing that truly set the Ohio State prospect apart. His 43.5" vertical jump was the best mark ever at the Combine for a player of his size. His 11'2" broad jump easily ranked first among linebackers. Then, he followed it up with a ridiculous 4.46-second 40-yard dash. That number tied for first on the day, with only Arvell Reese meeting his level.
If Styles only brought his otherworldly athleticism to the table, he still wouldn't be worthy of a top-five draft pick. But his film is just as impressive as his agility. The linebacker almost never misses a tackle, using his massive frame to engulf ball carriers. As a former safety, his coverage skills are elite. He uses his speed to track down running backs from sideline to sideline. No draft prospect is perfect, but the former Buckeye is about as close as it gets.
The Giants aren't shy about picking the best player on their draft board, regardless of position. They didn't weigh positional value heavily when they drafted Saquon Barkley with the second pick, so why should they now? Styles is a rare athlete with impressive film at a position New York could stand to upgrade this offseason.
Behind a talented defensive line, Styles could help create a dominant defense in New York. While the Giants are expected to spend this offseason building around Jaxson Dart, it would be hard to pass up on the opportunity to draft such an elite defensive prospect. When draft night comes around, this Combine performance could loom large in Joe Schoen's mind.