Key Highlights
- Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison has been following the career of Ohio State senior Sonny Styles since high school.
- Sonny Styles is a 6-foot-5, 243-pound linebacker who converted from safety two years ago and has become a key player in dominant Buckeyes defenses.
- Harrison sees Styles as a total-package linebacker capable of running sideline to sideline, covering, and playing with physicality.
- Styles might go even higher than his father Lorenzo, who was a third-round pick for the Falcons and Rams from 1995-2000.
Steelers Scout Malik Harrison Watches Sonny Styles’ Development
Malik Harrison, a veteran linebacker with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been closely following his former Ohio State teammate since high school days. As part of an ongoing series by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Harrison shares his insights on a projected top prospect for next year’s NFL draft.
Sonny Styles: From Safety to Linebacker
Ohio State senior Sonny Styles is not getting as much buzz as fellow linebacker Arvell Reese but has been praised by Harrison. At 6-foot-5 and weighing 243 pounds, Styles converted from safety to linebacker two years ago and has become a tackling machine in the middle of dominant Buckeyes defenses ever since. His performance includes 100 tackles with two sacks last year, followed by 50 through nine games this season, along with his first college interception.
Leadership Role and Future Potential
Harrison highlights Styles’ potential as a leader on the field. “I think he’s into that leadership role now, having the green dot,” Harrison said. “Having that experience, leading this defense and having that green dot is an honor. The way that Ohio State prepares us, I feel like once he gets to this level, he’s gonna skyrocket even more.” His father, Lorenzo Styles, a former linebacker who played for the Falcons and Rams from 1995-2000, offers another connection to the NFL.
Steelers’ Approach to Draft
The Steelers aren’t likely to use a first-round pick on a linebacker seven years after Devin Bush, given that Bush did not pan out. However, Styles is seen as an intriguing field general and will likely impress plenty of front offices in the spring.
Conclusion
Potential for Rapid Rise
Sonny Styles’ career trajectory mirrors his father’s path into the NFL, raising expectations among scouts and analysts. With Harrison’s endorsement and his performance on the field, it seems that Ohio State senior Sonny Styles could make a significant impact in the upcoming NFL draft.
