Imagine being an early believer in a rising star, only to watch them fly under the radar while others steal the spotlight. That’s exactly what’s happening with Sonny Styles, a name you might not hear enough in NFL draft conversations—but should. And this is the part most people miss: while all eyes are on Arvell Reese, Styles is quietly positioning himself as the top linebacker in this class, according to one NFL decision-maker we spoke with at the Combine. But here's where it gets controversial... could Styles’ size, speed, and experience make him a better pick than the more hyped prospects? Let’s dive in.
This week, our team was at the NFL Combine in Indy, and while player interviews were on the agenda, the real magic happened in the hallways and sidelines. Talking to insiders is where the Combine truly comes alive, and one conversation stood out. An NFL decision-maker shared their unfiltered thoughts on Styles, Ohio State’s standout linebacker. “Sonny Styles should be getting more talk,” they said. “He’s the top Buckeye on our board. If we were drafting higher, we’d be doing everything we can to get him.”
Here’s the bold take: while Arvell Reese is undoubtedly a talent, Styles brings more to the table. He’s bigger, likely faster, and has a wealth of experience that sets him apart. “I think he’s going to be the top linebacker from this class,” the insider added. And Styles did nothing to disprove this during his standout workout or while effortlessly connecting with fans—a trait that doesn’t go unnoticed in today’s player-driven league.
But here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Are we underestimating Sonny Styles because we’re too focused on the flashy names? Or is there something we’re missing in the hype around other players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Also in today’s update: Could we see a Sunday reprise of Styles’ dominance? And what’s the deal with the early Bjork backer connection? For Bucknuts subscribers, follow this link to read today’s full Boarding House (https://247sports.com/college/ohio-state/board/120/contents/early-friday-boarding-house--275845443/). Not a subscriber? Click here to grab an annual membership deal (https://247sports.com/college/ohio-state/join/?source=JOIN) and stay ahead of the curve.
