Ex-Raiders GM Mike Mayock gives strong stance on Sonny Styles compared to Ohio State stars Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs

FORMER Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock believes one Ohio State draft prospect stands out from the rest.

Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, and Caleb Downs are the three Ohio State defensive stars who are consensus top 10 2026 NFL Draft prospects.

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Then-Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock talks during warmups before a 2021 gameCredit: Getty

Ohio State star linebacker Sonny Styles seen during a 2025 gameCredit: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese runs the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine in FebruaryCredit: AP

Reese has been expected to be picked with the No. 2 pick by the New York Jets, as the 21-year-old is believed to be a high-ceiling project due to his potential as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker abilities.

Downs has been tipped to be in the backend of the top 10 as he plays the safety position that teams regularly devalue in the draft.

But Styles has been predicted to be a top-five selection thanks to his stellar season as an off-ball linebacker and impressive showing at the Scouting Combine last month.

The U.S. Sun spoke with Mayock in an exclusive interview thanks to Betway.

Mayock believes not only that Styles is better than Reese and Downs, but that he “is the future of off-the-ball linebackers.”

“If I had to pick one out of the three, it would be Styles because of demonstrated ability to play the position he’s going to play, and significant upside,” Mayock said.

“This kid is the future of off-the-ball linebackers.”

Styles’ physique is something that continues to amaze Mayock.

“I was talking to an NFL defensive coordinator the other day, and he said, ‘Mike, have you stood next to this kid?’” Mayock said.

“He’s 6’5”, he’s 245 pounds, he’s cut up, and you watch him move – he’s a freaky mover.

“This kid is so impressive as a kid and an athlete.”

Styles participating in a drill at the scouting combineCredit: Reuters

The football tape of Styles has evolved in his three years at Ohio State, according to Mayock.

“In Styles’ first year [of tape] I watched, he was a boundary safety in a dime. Last year, they moved him to off-the-ball linebacker, and there was some hesitancy about when to come downhill, how to disengage, play action,” Mayock said.

“You saw a lot of good things, but you didn’t see a dominant player.

“You saw a kid learning how to play the game.”

Styles tackles Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard in the 2025 CFP national championship gameCredit: Reuters

Fast forward to the 2025 season, and Styles showcased his speed, tackling ability, and versatility.

“This year, I threw on the tape, and I was shocked. It was so good, and so much fun to watch,” Mayock said. “There’s no hesitancy anymore. He’s now a grown man.

“He comes downhill, he can disengage with heavy hands, he’s great in the pass game, he’s really good in the run game.

“And the cool thing is he’s such a good athlete, you could use him in your sub package as a joker.

“He could stand up in the A-gap and blitz. You could put him on the edge.

“You can move him all around the front. He can play zone, he can play man as a former safety.”

Like Downs, Styles does play a non-premium position.

But Styles’ potential and wide-ranging abilities make him arguably the cleanest of these Ohio State prospects.

“So I think he’s got all the upside in the world, plus a high floor because I’ve seen him do the things they’re going to ask him to do,” Mayock said.

The U.S. Sun has predicted Styles to land with the New York Giants, who sit with the No. 5 pick.