2026 Make the Case

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Make the Case: Defense with the 5th pick?

Mar 18, 2026 at 02:30 PM

Matt Citak

Managing Editor, Giants.com

"Make the Case" is officially back on Giants.com for the 2026 NFL Draft.

In this series, we look at projections provided by analysts and then ask you, the fans, to weigh in on what the Giants should do in the draft.

To get things started, let's take a look at the latest predictions from two of the biggest draft analysts out there - ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

Kiper's Pick

Pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Height: 6-feet | Weight: 206 pounds

2025 Stats: 14 games, 68 total tackles (45 solo), one sack, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two interceptions

Accolades: 2x Unanimous All-American (2024,2025), Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2025), 2x Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year (2024,2025), Jim Thorpe Award (2025), Lott Trophy (2025), 2x First-Team All-Big Ten (2024, 2025), CFP National Champion (2024), Second-Team All-American (2023), SEC Freshman of the Year (2023), First-Team All-SEC (2023)

"He's a complete football player, and New York should have no hesitation in taking him here (highest draft slot for a safety since Eric Berry in 2010)."

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs celebrates sacking the Akron quarterback during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs, bottom, tackles Ohio running back Adonis Williams during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Marshalll QB Braylon Braxton (1) is upended by Ohio State's Caleb Downs (2) during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

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Ohio State's Caleb Downs (2) in action against Marshall during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Nebraska during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Northwestern wide receiver A.J. Henning catches a pass from quarterback Jack Lausch as Ohio State safety Caleb Downs during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Wrigley Field on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, middle, runs against Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, left, and safety Sonny Styles (6) during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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Ohio State safety Caleb Downs (2) walks the field during warm ups before of an NCAA college football game against Washington , Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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Ohio State safety Caleb Downs (2) stands on the field for the start of a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (2) walks the field prior to an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (2) tackles Illinois wide receiver Collin Dixon (17) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates a stop against Middle Tennessee during the first half an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates a stop against Middle Tennessee during the first half an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) sets up for a play against Middle Tennessee during the first half an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State wide receiver Creed Whittemore (85) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. Alabama won 40-17. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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Alabama defensive back Kristian Story (4), defensive back Caleb Downs (2) and linebacker Trezmen Marshall (17) tackle Middle Tennessee wide receiver Holden Willis (83) during the second half an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) hits Mississippi wide receiver Dayton Wade (19) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) and linebacker Chris Braswell (41) celebrate a fumble recovery during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) forces a fumble from Texas wide receiver Isaiah Neyor (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) sets up for a kickoff against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) tackles Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) gets set against Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs, right, knocks away a pass intended for Mississippi State wide receiver Creed Whittemore during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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Alabama head coach Nick Saban talks with Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) as the team warms up before Alabama's A-Day NCAA college football scrimmage, Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) runs back an interception against Mississippi State safety Marcus Banks (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. Alabama won 40-17. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) is tackled by Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

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LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball as Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) runs after scooping up a fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) sets up for a play against Auburn during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

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Georgia running back Daijun Edwards (30) runs the ball against Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game in Atlanta, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

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Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs (2) tackles Alabama running back Jase McClellan (2) Georgia running back Kendall Milton (2)during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game in Atlanta, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (34) poses for a portrait at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (34) watches other participants at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (34) watches other participants at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs (34) watches other participants at the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)

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Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs answers questions during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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Jeremiah's Pick

Pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 244 pounds

2025 Stats: 14 games, 82 total tackles (46 solo), one sack, 6.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one interception, three passes defensed

Accolades: First-Team All-American (2025), First-Team All-Big Ten (2025), Second-Team All-Big Ten (2024), CFP National Champion (2024)

"Styles would be a monster playing behind the Giants' dynamic front line."

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Ohio State's Sonny Styles celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Wisconsin Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (0) runs through warm ups before an NCAA college football game against Washington, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Ohio during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (0) wraps up Illinois tight end Jordan Anderson (23) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Craig Pessman)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Ohio during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against UCLA during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against UCLA during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against UCLA during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles rushes in during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Miami Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Rutgers during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles waits for a play during the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Ohio State and Miami Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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Ohio State defensive back Sonny Styles plays during their NCAA college football Spring game Saturday, April 15, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against UCLA during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State defensive back Sonny Styles plays during their NCAA college football Spring game Saturday, April 15, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State defensive back Sonny Styles plays during their NCAA college football Spring game Saturday, April 15, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Michigan running back Blake Corum is tackled by Ohio State safety Sonny Styles at the goal line during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

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Ohio State defensive back Sonny Styles, right, breaks up a pass intended for Maryland receiver Jeshaun Jones during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton, left, tries to get away from Ohio State defensive back Sonny Styles during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is tackled by Ohio State safety Sonny Styles during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

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Michigan receiver Semaj Morgan (82) is tackled by Ohio State safety Sonny Styles (6) and defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is tackled by Ohio State safety Sonny Styles during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

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Ohio State's Sonny Styles (6) is seen pre-game against Marshall before an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

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Ohio State defensive back Sonny Styles plays against Iowa during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State defensive back Sonny Styles plays against Iowa during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State defensive back Sonny Styles plays against Purdue during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

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Ohio State safety Sonny Styles (6) and defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. sack Northwestern quarterback Jack Lausch during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Wrigley Field on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Ohio State safety Sonny Styles (6) sacks and forces Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) to fumble, which Texas recovered, during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is sacked by Ohio State safety Sonny Styles during second half of the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

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Ohio State safety Sonny Styles (6) sacks Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) during the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (25) speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (25) speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (25) participates in the Broad Jump at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for NFL)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (25) goes through drills and testing at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (25) gets ready to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)