The Kansas City Chiefs need linebacker help. The positions group struggled through several games this season and loses some of its top contributors to free agency in the next two years. The 2025 NFL draft doesn’t feature many quality linebackers, but some prospects offer developmental upside.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles needs another year to develop, which makes him the ideal draft and stash candidate for the Chiefs. Styles transitioned from safety to linebacker for the 2024 season. His block deconstruction skills and run fits lack consistency, but his raw athletic traits hint at significant long-term upside.
Styles, who turns 20 years old this month, plays with terrific closing speed. He’s an explosive athlete with the burst to fire through gaps and light up ball carriers. Styles turns into a human missile working downhill in the run game and uses his agility and bend to dip around blockers on his way to the ball.
Ohio State LB Sonny Styles (#6) is coming off of a fantastic game against Iowa… does a lot for the Buckeyes, plays WILL, SAM, overhang, on ball, blankets tight ends… everything.
Outstanding overall athlete with size (6042v, 239v). Versatility is extraordinary. pic.twitter.com/CknNcHdYPZ
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) October 9, 2024
Styles arrives with force. The pop he delivers on contact knocks running backs off their feet. The force of his hits jars the ball loose when he contacts tight ends at the catch point.
Styles needs to develop a better feel for coverages at his new position. He gains good depth in zone drops but suffers from lapses in man coverage against tight ends and running backs.
Ohio State welcomes Purdue to Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. CST. Only one ranked team remains on Ohio State’s schedule before the Big Ten Championship Game.
