Browns Draft profile: LB Sonny Styles would add strength to strength in CLE

Q: What impact would Sonny Styles have on the Cleveland Browns' defense?

Sonny Styles would enhance the Browns' defense by providing additional pass-rushing capabilities and improving their ability to contest passes and pressure the quarterback.

Q: How did the Cleveland Browns' defense perform last season?

The Cleveland Browns' defense was ranked #4 last season, largely due to Myles Garrett's record-breaking single-season sack performance.

Q: What qualities does the Browns need in a new linebacker?

The Browns need a linebacker who can effectively eat up space, contest passes, and demonstrate quick burst and acceleration to pressure the quarterback effectively.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 29: Jordan Marshall #23 of the Michigan Wolverines is tackled by Sonny Styles #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the third quarter at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns’ defense was ranked #4 last year. Their pass rush was basically limited to Myles Garrett breaking the single-season sack record. What if the team brought in another elite pass rusher?

The Browns need a guy who can eat up space, contest passes, and close on the ball quickly. This new guy will need to have a good burst and acceleration to create pressure quickly in the pocket.

Ohio State Buckeyes LB Sonny Styles’ real strength is his versatility to line up across the formation and his ability to drop into coverage in the pass game. He has good footwork and is extremely comfortable dropping into zone coverage while maintaining eyes on the quarterback. He is an excellent communicator and is constantly scanning the areas around him for crossers coming behind.

In the last two years, Styles had 82 and 100 tackles.

LB Sonny Styles

Draft projection: Round 1

Browns pick: #6

Specifics:

College: Ohio State

Height: 6’-5”

Weight: 244 pounds

40-time: 4.46

Career Tackles: 244

Career Forced Fumbles: 3

Career Sacks: 9

Interceptions: 1

**Career Tackles for Loss:**22.5

Career Pass Defenses: 9

Career games: 53

Accolades: National Champion, First Team All-American, Second Team All-Big 10

Positives:

Former star basketball player
Father played in the NFL
Very good in coverage
Sideline-to-sideline ability
Sharp pre-snap diagnosis
Can play any LB position
Good open-field tackler
Violent hands

Negatives:

Plays with tight hips
Can be faked out on play-action
Still learning gap integrity
Pass rush technique needs work
Vulnerable to cut blocks

Expert Draft Site Analysis

Sports Info Solutions

Styles is a steadily improving off-ball linebacker with exceptional athleticism, coverage skills, and toughness against the run who still has loads of potential to reach as he moves to the NFL. He has a massive yet lean frame, long arms, and an explosive lower half with tremendous burst and athleticism. After winning a state championship in football and basketball, he graduated high school early and enrolled a season earlier than planned at OSU. He is extremely tough and was awarded the prestigious “Block O” jersey this season, which signals his strengths as a leader and competitor.