Sonny Styles viewed as a ‘perfect’ fit for New York Giants

Feb. 27, 2026, 11:00 a.m. ET

Those close to New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh view Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles as a “perfect fit” for the team’s defense.

Styles ranks among the top linebackers in the 2026 NFL draft class. The 21-year-old delivered a historic performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, leading all linebackers in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.46 seconds. His vertical jump of 43.5 inches marked the highest by a linebacker since 1999.

In 2025, Styles recorded one sack, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and three passes defensed for Ohio State. He also earned first-team All-American honors.

With his impressive résumé and elite physical tools, Styles is a strong candidate for the Giants to consider with the No. 5 overall pick.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that former colleagues who worked under Harbaugh are enthusiastic about the idea of Styles joining the Giants in 2026.

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The Giants’ current linebacker corps features Bobby Okereke and Darius Muasau on the inside, along with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter on the edge.

With Micah McFadden and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles scheduled to hit free agency in March, Styles represents a prime option to bolster the unit if he remains available when New York selects at No. 5.