The Dallas Cowboys have two first-round picks at No.12 and No.20. Going by their needs for the 2026 NFL Draft, they have to target a linebacker. For an ESPN analyst, the former Ohio State Buckeyes player is the ideal fit for Brian Schottenheimer's program.

ESPN Analyst Louis Riddick sees Sonny Styles ticking off all the boxes to hold the Cowboys' reins

"He's made for big roles, for big moments, on big-time football teams, like the Dallas Cowboys. I just think he'd be a superstar in that uniform in particular", he said on the April 15th episode of ESPN’s Get Up podcast.

Riddick sees Styles as the one with the mentality and skill set to handle pressure. According to ESPN analyst Mel Kiper's rankings, Styles is the No.1 linebacker.

With a 43½-inch vertical, Styles recorded the best mark by an off-ball linebacker since 2003 in the NFL combine, trailing only Cameron Wake’s 45½-inch jump in 2005.

He paired that with a 4.46 40-yard dash, an 11'2" broad jump, and a strong showing in drills.

During the Buckeyes' face-off against the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship, he delivered a season-high 12 tackles. But why Dallas?

Offensively, they stayed productive last season, with Dak Prescott returning from injury to lead a top-10 unit. George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb formed a unique pair. Still, their struggling defense overpowered every success.

Dallas surrendered 30.1 points per game under coordinator Matt Eberflus, finishing last in the league in scoring defense.

In the Cowboys’ new-look defense under Christian Parker, versatility is a big plus. And Styles checks every box, being able to revamp the defense.

His background as a safety at Ohio State gives him an edge most linebackers don’t have. He moves effortlessly in coverage, can shadow tight ends, and handles deep responsibilities.

Kiper projects the Cowboys to trade up with the Cleveland Browns for the No. 6 pick to secure Styles in his mock draft.

“We've all wondered whether the Cowboys would use both of their first-round picks on defense this month, but this trade up the board might have a greater impact, even if it means sacrificing one of those Day 1 selections," he said.

But the competition will not be easy for the Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys to Face Pressure as Sonny Styles Is the LB Every Team Wants

As per reports, the New York Jets are "incredibly high" on Styles. Despite their desperate need for an edge rusher, the Jets have an edge over the Cowboys with their No.2 pick.

ESPN's Peter Schrager released a new mock draft that shows the Washington Commanders as the Cowboys' tough competitor.

“I believe Washington is going to go defense; it gave up 6.0 yards per play in 2025, tied for third worst,” Schrager wrote. “Styles shows a lot of the same traits that Fred Warner has displayed in San Francisco, and GM Adam Peters — who came from San Francisco — knows what Warner has meant for the 49ers all these years." 

In addition, the New York Giants, who have the No.5 pick in the draft, could turn out to be one of the biggest roadblocks to the Dallas Cowboys.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar