Lorenzo Styles NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for New Orleans Saints S

The New Orleans Saints selected Ohio State S Lorenzo Styles with the No. 172 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Lorenzo Styles took a big step forward as a defender at Ohio State after making the transition from wide receiver to defensive back. An opportunity to learn from defensive coordinator Matt Patricia allowed him to play fast and showcased untapped potential in the secondary.

A former 4-star receiver recruit to Notre Dame and transfer in 2023, Styles hasn't done much in terms of ball production during the last two seasons, but he did start as the nickel for the Buckeyes last fall. His athletic upside is intriguing, and he brings kick return capabilities to an NFL roster.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Highlights

Lorenzo Styles Highlights

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Where He Wins

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— Styles is an explosive, downhill mover with improving drive technique through tackles. He flashes quick hands when rushing the passer as a blitzer.

— The former Buckeye has safety and nickel flexibility and showcases good zone feel underneath the defense.

— He returned a kick for a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins, which adds special teams value.

Areas of Improvement

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— Styles is an inexperienced defender after switching positions during the 2023 season. Route-recognition is still developing.

— He carries routes into zones too far, out-leveraging himself and giving up space he should be covering.

— Lacks natural defensive instincts to create turnovers and take away throwing options. He struggles with ball skills as well.

— The former wide receiver also struggles to consistently wrap up and tackle, while overrunning tackling angles in the open field.

—His reactive play-speed helps in man coverage, but he struggles to stay connected because of lateral hip tightness.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 6.1 (Developmental Prospect - Fifth Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: S Tysheem Johnson, Oregon (6.1 in 2025), S Jaylen Key, Alabama (6.2 in 2024), S Jordan Howden, Minnesota (6.1 in 2023)

OVERALL RANK: 218

POSITION RANK: S21

PRO COMPARISON: Chris Culliver

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'0½"
Weight: 194
Hand Size: 9½"
Arm Length: 31⅝"
Wingspan: N/A

40-yard dash: 4.27
10-yard split: 1.49
Vertical: 39
Broad: N/A
3 cone: N/A
Shuttle: N/A
Bench: N/A