Sonny Styles 2026 NFL mock draft: latest prediction for Ohio State Linebacker

The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching fast and league scouts are solidifying their big boards. Linebacker Sonny Styles could be among the players who hear their name called early in Pittsburgh this week when the NFL welcomes its newest class of rookies.

USA TODAY Sports has all the latest on where the prospect out of Ohio State may land.

Here's how USA TODAY's latest mock draft currently projects draft day will play out for the former college star.

Sonny Styles 2026 NFL Draft prediction: Pick No. 7 overall, Washington Commanders

Nate Davis' Fit Analysis:

Getting another wide receiver for QB Jayden Daniels here has to be tempting. But it's one of the few deep positions in this draft, and there are still some veteran options that could be obtained to play opposite WR1 Terry McLaurin, who's coming off his worst pro season. As for Styles? He's widely compared to Fred Warner, whom GM Adam Peters helped bring to San Francisco. Yet, in addition to being a cerebral player, Styles is a luminary athlete who could assume the role in the middle of Washington's defense given ILB Bobby Wagner has not re-signed and neither recently signed Leo Chenal nor Frankie Luvu, who's under contract for one more year, seem like ideal fits to fill his void.

Ayrton Ostly's Big Board Rank: No. 5

Styles entered the year as the top linebacker in the class before Reese overtook him. Still, Styles has impressive size and elite athleticism in his 6-foot-5 and 244-pound frame. He's a young prospect and already diagnoses plays effectively. Given his age and elite traits, he could become a perennial Pro Bowler with some development. His scouting combine performance cemented his status as a premiere talent in this class.

See the full big board here