Feb. 9, 2026, 6:47 a.m. ET
Sonny Styles began his career at Ohio State as a safety before moving to linebacker in 2024. From there, he emerged as one of college football’s most dynamic defensive players.
After a prolific career with the Buckeyes that included All-American honors in 2025, Styles is set to be one of the first defensive players off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That makes him a logical option for the Miami Dolphins, a team in desperate need of defensive players to become cornerstone pieces in new head coach Jeff Hafley’s unit.
So should the Dolphins consider Styles with the No. 11 selection?
Position: LBHeight: 6’4Weight: 243 poundsExpert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Fit for Miami
The Dolphins already have an outstanding linebacker in Jordyn Brooks, who earned First-Team All-Pro honors after leading the league in tackles. Adding Styles at his side could make the middle of the Miami defense a formidable spot.
The No. 11 slot may be a bit early for an off-ball linebacker, but the skill set of Styles could be tailor-made for Hafley and his staff. His athleticism would provide the Dolphins with the versatility to disguise coverages and blitzes, making life difficult for opposing offenses.
Bottom line
The Dolphins have needs at several positions with a reset of the roster and team identity already underway. Styles has the range, versatility, athleticism, and smarts to be a safe pick to kick off new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan’s tenure.
Should the Dolphins make him the No. 11 pick, it would be a solid way for Sullivan and Hafley to begin their build of a new look Miami team, as Styles has plenty of potential to be a star in the NFL.