Sonny Styles Linked to Cowboys in Latest NFL Rumors, Latest on OSU LB's Pre-Draft Visits

Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles met with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport reported he will also visit the Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals.

Styles is the sixth overall player on Bleacher Report's 2026 big board, and he went to the Commanders at No. 7 in B/R's newest mock draft.

"The Commanders' defense could use a linebacker who can drop in coverage, and Luvu is about to enter a contract year anyway," B/R NFL scout Matt Holder said. "Styles, who converted from safety, brings that and more to the nation's capital. He's a sure tackler, similar to the backer he'd be replacing, Bobby Wagner."

After moving from safety to linebacker in 2024, Styles compiled 182 tackles, seven sacks, 17 tackles for loss and one interception.

The Cowboys might jump at the chance to take the OSU standout if he's still on the board.

Jack Sanborn, Logan Wilson and Kenneth Murray all hit free agency this offseason, and Dallas has yet to sign a linebacker. The team is presumably waiting to address the position until the draft and then backfill with what's left on the market.

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, they might be out of Styles' range with the 12th pick, and they may find it difficult to justify the cost of trading up when linebacker generally isn't considered a premium position.

The team can stand pat and pivot to another area if Styles is gone. The B/R mock has Dallas selecting Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy.

Whether Styles is there or not, the Cowboys front office has a lot of ways to improve what was one of the NFL's worst defenses in 2025.