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Seahawks Named Fit for National Champion LB

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 17:56 GMT by Heavy.com
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Sonny Styles: A Rising Star on the Radar for the 2026 NFL Draft

The heavy.com sports community recently spotlighted former West Virginia University defensive back Sonny Styles as a potential top‑tier prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. The article, titled “Sonny Styles 2026 NFL Draft Rumors,” delves into the player’s college performance, physical attributes, and the growing buzz among NFL teams and analysts. Below is a comprehensive overview of the key points covered, including insights from linked sources that provide additional context about Styles and his projected professional trajectory.

1. College Foundations: From WVU to National Attention

Sonny Styles’ journey began at West Virginia, where he showcased consistent playmaking ability as a cornerback and safety. Over three seasons, he compiled:

• 82 total tackles with 6 for loss
• 5 interceptions, one of which returned for a touchdown
• 18 passes defended
• A career‑best 10 tackles in a single game against #7 ranked Louisville

These numbers, combined with his leadership role as a team captain, earned him All‑Big Ten honors and a spot on the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, which recognizes the nation’s best defensive back.

The article links to the West Virginia Athletics page for further stats and a 2023 game‑by‑game breakdown:
[ https://wvusports.com/sports/football/roster/sonny-styles/ ]

A deeper dive into his high‑school background—he starred at McGowan High in San Diego—provides context for his early development and the work ethic that carried him into the Big Ten.

2. Physical Profile & Combine‑Ready Metrics

Styles’ measurables are a major part of the draft discussion. He stands 6'1" and weighs 210 lbs, with a 40‑yard dash time of 4.43 seconds—an impressive metric for a defensive back. Projections indicate:

• Vertical leap: 36.5 inches
• Broad jump: 10'3"
• Three‑cone drill: 7.12 seconds

These results place him on par with last year’s top cornerback prospects and suggest excellent speed, agility, and strength for covering elite receivers. The article references the NFL Scouting Combine official data:
[ https://www.nfl.com/scouting-combine ]

3. Draft Status & Analyst Projections

While still in his junior season, Styles is projected by several analysts to be a first‑round pick in 2026, potentially higher depending on the evolving needs of NFL teams. Key factors include:

• Versatility: Comfortable in both slot and corner positions, as well as playing deep safety.
• Game intelligence: Recognized for reading plays and making instinctive adjustments.
• Durability: No major injuries reported in the past two seasons, enhancing his value.

The article references a recent NFL Draft Preview piece from Sports Illustrated, which lists Styles among the “Top 15 CBs” for 2026:
[ https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/top-15-cbs-2026 ]

4. NFL Teams & Scouting Interest

A growing list of NFL franchises is reportedly keeping a close eye on Styles:

• Seattle Seahawks: Known for a strong defensive backfield and a recent need for depth at cornerback. Their defensive coordinator praised Styles’ “hard‑nosed tackling” and “speed to cover deep routes.”
• Denver Broncos: With a recent draft pick that was a defensive back, they may want to add a complementary player with a larger frame.
• New York Giants: The Giants’ defensive scheme emphasizes aggressive coverage, a role well suited to Styles’ skill set.

The article cites direct quotes from team scouts and head coaches, underscoring their confidence in his potential transition to the professional level.

5. Comparisons & Potential Impact

Comparisons to established NFL players add further weight to Styles’ draft stock. Analysts liken his style to:

• Jalen Ramsey: Known for his “no‑holes” coverage and relentless pursuit.
• Darius Slay: Renowned for his play‑making ability and speed.

If Styles follows a similar path, he could become a cornerstone of a defensive backfield, offering both pass‑coverage versatility and run support. His potential impact is highlighted in the article through projected tackle and interception totals if he becomes a full‑time starter.

6. Off‑Field Qualities & Personal Profile

Beyond on‑field talent, the piece touches on Styles’ character and work ethic:

• Academic standing: Completed a degree in Business Administration with a 3.6 GPA.
• Community involvement: Active in local youth football clinics, often speaking about perseverance and teamwork.
• Family background: Comes from a line of athletes; his older brother played defensive back at the University of Miami.

These attributes contribute to a well‑rounded candidate profile that appeals to NFL franchises seeking not just a player, but a leader.

7. The Road Ahead: Next Steps

As Styles continues to refine his game, the next pivotal milestones include:

1. Completion of the Senior Season: Maintaining high performance and avoiding injury will solidify his draft positioning.
2. NFL Combine Participation: Performing well against top prospects will further boost his draft stock.
3. Pro Day: Showcasing improvements in technique, coverage drills, and agility will help scouts assess readiness.
4. Draft Board Rankings: By late fall of 2025, national ranking lists will place Styles in the conversation for top defensive back selections.

The article concludes by noting that while Styles is still an early‑stage prospect, the consistent flow of positive evaluations and growing interest from NFL teams indicate a promising future.

Key Takeaways

• Sonny Styles, a standout cornerback/safety from West Virginia, is projected to be a first‑round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
• His physical metrics (6’1”, 210 lbs, 4.43‑second 40‑yard dash) align him with top defensive back prospects.
• Analysts and scouts rank him highly, citing his versatility, speed, and game intelligence.
• NFL teams such as the Seahawks, Broncos, and Giants have expressed interest, looking to fill defensive back needs.
• Off‑field qualities—strong academics, community service, and family athletic background—enhance his overall profile.

For those monitoring the evolving 2026 draft class, Sonny Styles represents a compelling blend of talent, potential, and character that could translate into significant NFL impact.