Chiefs 2026 scouting report: Ohio State Buckeyes LB Sonny Styles

The Kansas City Chiefs lack premier talent on defense. Chris Jones and Trent McDuffie are big names, but Jones’ age is starting to show. McDuffie, who is at his peak as a nickel, plays predominantly on the outside to cover the team’s lack of depth at cornerback. The Chiefs need to add more star talent through the 2026 NFL draft.

Styles is one of the most physically imposing linebackers in the 2026 class. Standing 6'4", 243 lbs. with long arms, he possesses the built-in-a-lab physique teams love. His impressive movement skills and speed only further improve his chances of becoming a high-impact starter early in his career.

Styles started his college career as a defensive back and needed time to grow into his role at linebacker. His instincts and processing speed weren’t at the level of a top prospect last year. However, this year he is leading pre-snap defensive adjustments and is quickly diagnosing and fitting run plays. His instincts and natural feel for the game are on a new level.

Styles uses his length and timing to land the first punch against climbing linemen. He drops his pad level to win the leverage battle, prying up offensive linemen to make their blocks easier to shed. Styles needs to learn more hand counters to improve the technical elements of his block deconstruction. He is quick and agile enough to dodge blockers in space while still maintaining his line to the football.

Styles moves freely in coverage, quickly gaining depth and swiveling his hips to adjust to routes. His speed helps him carry seam routes downfield or chase down crossing routes. Styles’ range makes him a significant addition against both the run and pass attacks. There’s still room for him to become more effective in zones, but his instincts at the top of the stem indicate great potential in coverage.

Styles is a math-changing defender with the physical tools and developing football IQ to make the players around him better.

Ohio State finishes its regular season with a road game against No. 15 Michigan on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. CT. Losing to the Wolverines last year proved to be the wake up call Ohio State needed to get serious and dominate the College Football Playoff. A similar loss this year seems unlikely.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL draft scouting report: Ohio State Buckeyes LB Sonny Styles