Sonny Styles: 'sonny styles' wows with 43.5-inch vertical, GMFB reacts
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, sonny styles drew attention for a 43. 5-inch vertical and a busy media presence. The combine spawned early praise and critique: analysts and morning-show panelists dissected Day 1, while Styles himself talked candidly about areas he needs to improve and recent interviews.
Sonny Styles at Combine
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, an Ohio native, was a focal point on Day 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The prospect logged a 43. 5-inch vertical, and his workout fed into broader conversations about how drills translate to the field. Tom Pelissero offered an assessment mere hours before things got started with workouts and drills, and the early practice and testing prompted panelists to reveal what stood out from Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
GMFB reactions and takes
'GMFB' reacted to Styles' combine performance and to multiple storylines at the combine. Kyle Brandt highlighted how combine performance can help players move up on draft boards. The program also broke down how combine drills translate to the field and tested recall memory tied to certain numbers and lesser-known NFL facts. Panelists shared their thoughts on quarterback Anthony Richardson and noted that the Indianapolis Colts mutually agree to seek a trade. They also examined Miami Hurricane EDGE Rueben Bain Jr's combine measurements and highlighted which NFL free agents they find most worthy of a new destination this offseason.
Specialist showcase and guests
During the third annual NFL Specialist Showcase at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Mike Garafolo got into the mix himself, "for better or for wose. " Former NFL offensive lineman Terron Armstead appeared early and broke down his combine workout from 2013 and prospects participating in 2026. The show shared which players they can't wait to see and got appearances from Daniel Jeremiah and Rich Eisen to break down what lies ahead over the next four days in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Styles on interviews and improvement
On Wednesday morning at the NFL combine, Styles held court with a horde of reporters and made clear he wants to discuss the parts of his game that need work. "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, " he admitted. Styles said, "I want to show them I'm an intelligent football player. Like, I'm not just a guy out there running and hitting. That's part of the game too, but you got to be a smart football player, especially in the NFL, and then be able to talk about it. " He added, "I think I can be a lot more effective in zone coverage as I keep working that part of my game. I think I've shown I can feel routes and things like that. But not a lot of ball disruption, especially this past year. And I think with my athleticism, if I keep working on that, I should be a threat. " He also acknowledged technique details: "I think me being a taller linebacker and turn the film on certain plays, good or bad, you can see my pad level is starting to rise a little high. So it's something I always have to be conscious and aware of, and I know it shows up when I'm watching film. " The prospect also spoke about interviewing with Dan Morgan and about improving his own game.
Background, tape and endorsements
Conversation around Styles is broad. Evaluators call him one of, if not the best, off‑ball linebackers in this draft. His stat line from last season was cited often: 83 tackles, 1. 0 sack, a fumble forced, an interception, and three passes defensed. Analysts note his start as a safety aided his transition to linebacker and allowed him to remain disruptive in coverage. His lineage was noted: he is the son of former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles, Sr. His experience calling plays for a national championship‑winning Buckeyes team was cited as further preparation for the next level, and his draft report points out his ability to diagnose plays, shed blockers, and play with near‑perfect tackling form.
Coaching, size and role versatility
Styles' switch from safety to linebacker was driven by Ohio State coaches. When the Buckeyes asked him to change position, his linebackers coach, James Laurinaitis, who played eight years in the NFL, reportedly knew what the position could be for Styles. Styles detailed the message he received: "The thing is, he gave me confidence, and when I first switched from safety to linebacker, " Styles shared. "Coach sent me a text. He said, 'Hey man, you're going to be a first‑round linebacker. ' And he kind of sent me that text before I even technically believed it. " The player listed his frame at 6‑5, 243 pounds and emphasized versatility: he believes he can play the Mike, Will, or Sam at a high level and is comfortable calling plays. "I think I can do all three at a high level. I think I'm a very athletic player, and I think that shows up in my game, " he said. "I feel comfortable calling plays. I think the comfortability level just comes with spending time. If I know what I'm doing and everyone else knows what I'm doing, there's no stress with it. " He added that building trust with teammates on the defensive line and in the room is key: "So, just coming in the building, earning the trust of the guys in front of me. You've got to make sure the defensive line in front of you trusts (and) earning the trust of the guys in the room, earning the trust"
Don't let Styles fool you; he remains an enticing prospect who—by all accounts—won't make it out of the first round. Off the field at the combine, the Arizona Cardinals raised more than $2M for the special needs community, another notable development tied to the event.
Over the next four days in Indianapolis, Indiana, Styles' testing, interviews and tape review will all continue to shape where he lands on draft boards and how teams evaluate his blend of athleticism, instincts and polish.
