The NFL world is in Indianapolis for the annual scouting combine. Like the other 31 teams, the Dallas Cowboys are getting an in-person look at the top prospects in the league, and several players have already put on an absolute show to raise their 2026 NFL draft stock.
Linebackers and edge rushers took center stage on Thursday, and the biggest winner was Sonny Styles. The Ohio State product blew all testing out of the water and likely solidified himself as a top-10 pick.
With that being said, if America's Team wants to bring Styles to the Lone Star State in April, the Cowboys will likely have to trade up to secure him.
Cowboys Will Likely Need to Trade Up to Draft Sonny Styles
Styles ranked as the top LB in several categories, including 40-yard dash (4.46), vertical jump (43.5"), and broad jump (11'2"). He also logged a 10.00 RAS score and ranks 1st among 3,215 linebackers between 1987 and 2026. To add more fuel, Styles was listed at 6'5", 244 pounds, so putting up those kinds of numbers is jaw-dropping.
In ESPN analyst Mel Kiper's first mock draft, Styles went to Dallas at No. 12 before moving the Buckeyes' defender up to No. 7 to the Washington Commanders in his second mock draft. It wouldn't be surprising if Styles goes that high in future mock drafts after his combine showing.
Even The Athletic's Dane Brugler expressed that if Styles were to fall to No. 12, he wouldn't be there at 13 (h/t @DLLS_Cowboys).
The Cowboys have a massive hole at linebacker and will be a priority for the team. Logan Wilson, Kenneth Murray Jr., and Jack Sanborn are set to hit free agency. But the entire room needs a revamp, and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker will lead the charge.
What Styles would bring to Dallas would be next level. In his collegiate career with the Buckeyes, he had 244 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, nine pass deflections, and nine sacks. He can shed blocks in the run game with ease and has the awareness to quickly assess a play.
Styles can also be sound in pass coverage, with plus-man cover ability. He played safety before converting to linebacker, and you can see the athleticism pop out on film. He was a player with a lot of excitement going into the combine and didn't disappoint.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, if they want to add him to their defense, they'll have to move up from 12 into the top 10. The New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints could all be options to snag the 21-year-old gem ahead of Dallas.
The Cowboys had a formal meeting with Styles in Indy, so there's certainly interest there. But now that his outing at the combine on Thursday pushed him into another tier, owner/general manager Jerry Jones will likely have to find ways to move up the draft board to ensure he's in a Dallas uniform this fall.