Sonny Styles: Beyond the Hype, A Player Driven by Self-Improvement

INDIANAPOLIS – It’s easy to find countless individuals singing the praises of Sonny Styles. Tune into sports talk shows, browse sports radio, or examine mock drafts, and the Ohio State linebacker’s name will inevitably dominate the conversation. Analysts consistently rank him as one of, if not the best, off-ball linebackers available in this year’s draft. They’ll point to his impressive stats – 83 tackles, 1.0 sack, a forced fumble, an interception, and three passes defended last season – but the story of Sonny Styles goes much deeper.

Experts highlight his unique transition from safety to linebacker, allowing him to maintain disruptive coverage skills. They discuss his lineage as the son of former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles, Sr., and how his experience calling plays for a national championship-winning Buckeyes team has prepared him for the next level. Draft reports emphasize his ability to diagnose plays, shed blockers, and execute tackles with near-perfect form. However, Sonny Styles is eager to discuss a different aspect of his game: the areas where he’s striving for growth.

Acknowledging Areas for Development

“A lot of teams, I think they want to know, or at least I want to show them that I’m aware of what I need to get better at,” Styles admitted during a press conference at the NFL Combine. “I want to demonstrate that I’m an intelligent football player. I’m not just someone who runs and hits; that’s important, but you have to be smart, especially in the NFL, and be able to articulate your understanding of the game.”

Styles specifically identified zone coverage as an area for improvement. “I think I can be a lot more effective in zone as I continue to refine that part of my game. I’ve shown I can read routes, but I want to increase ball disruption, particularly this past year. With my athleticism, I believe I can become a real threat in that area.”

He also acknowledged a technical aspect of his game. “Being a taller linebacker, when you review film, you can sometimes see my pad level rising a bit. It’s something I’m constantly aware of and working to correct.”

A First-Round Prospect with a Growth Mindset

Despite his willingness to openly discuss his weaknesses, Styles remains a highly sought-after prospect, widely projected to be selected in the first round. His linebackers coach at Ohio State, James Laurinaitis (an eight-year NFL veteran), recognized his potential from the moment Styles switched positions. “The thing is, he gave me confidence,” Styles shared. “When I first switched from safety to linebacker, Coach sent me a text saying, ‘Hey man, you’re going to be a first-round linebacker.’ He sent that before I even fully believed it myself.”

Styles is confident in his versatility, capable of playing all three linebacker positions – Mike, Will, or Sam – and comfortable calling plays. “I think I can excel at all three at a high level. I’m a very athletic player, and that shows on the field. I’m comfortable leading the defense, and that comes with experience and trust. You need to earn the trust of the defensive line and your fellow linebackers to effectively command the defense.”

Impressing NFL Personnel

His self-awareness and commitment to improvement are what truly set him apart. This mindset is what helped shape Styles into a potential first-round pick, driven to maximize his potential. Former linebacker and current Carolina Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan certainly appreciated this approach during their meeting at the Combine.

“It was interesting,” Styles smiled, reflecting on his conversation with Morgan. “You could tell he played the game. He asked insightful questions about eye progression and other key aspects of linebacker play. It was a great experience, and I felt the meeting went really well.”

Sonny Styles offers a compelling package – talent, versatility, and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement. He’s a player who is already near the top of his game, and determined to continue growing. “No matter where I’m drafted, I believe I can make a difference. My goal is to find my role and become a champion in that role, and that requires consistency and hard work every day.”

Read more about the NFL Combine from the Carolina Panthers official website.