Ohio State University is on the verge of ending a long NFL Draft drought, and it’s all thanks to linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. These two, shaped under linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, have blossomed into first-round prospects.
This matters because it’s been since 2016 that an Ohio State linebacker cracked the first round. Reese and Styles have that rare mix of athleticism and versatility that NFL teams can’t help but notice.
The Rise of Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles
Both Reese and Styles have earned All-America honors. NFL scouts are watching them closely for their unique skill sets.
Laurinaitis, who knows a thing or two about the job from his own All-American days, has been key in their development. He sets the bar high, reminding his players about the program’s storied history while pushing them to chase their own dreams.
Arvell Reese: The Hybrid Defender
Reese’s flexibility has fueled his ascent. He’s bounced between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker without missing a beat.
Last season, he racked up 6½ sacks in just eight games, showing off quickness that’s tough to teach. Reese even played defensive end as a freshman, which gives him a toolkit that NFL teams love.
Ryan Day, Ohio State’s head coach, keeps talking up Reese’s upside. NFL teams see him as someone who can handle both the edge and linebacker roles, and that’s a big reason he’s expected to go early.
Sonny Styles: The Versatile Playmaker
Styles took a different path, starting as a safety before moving to linebacker. He even got some snaps at nickel back along the way.
At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, with quick feet, he’s adapted fast to his new spot—especially when it comes to pass coverage. Laurinaitis has praised Styles for how quickly he picks up coverage schemes, which helps him play with real confidence.
Styles’ knack for adapting and his physical gifts have set him apart. At the NFL scouting combine, he clocked a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and soared for a 43½-inch vertical jump, numbers that just don’t come around often.
Breaking the Linebacker Draft Drought
Ohio State’s got a long tradition of sending stars to the NFL, but first-round linebackers have been scarce lately. Darron Lee was the last one, back in 2016.
Since then, eight Buckeye linebackers have gone between rounds two and five. Part of the reason? The NFL’s shifted, with teams chasing sack artists and shutdown corners instead.
But Reese and Styles might just turn that around. They can handle multiple roles and don’t need to come off the field, which is gold for NFL defenses.
Laurinaitis is quick to point out their athleticism and flexibility. He says they can cover tight ends, running backs, or even get after the quarterback—meaning fewer substitutions and more options for coaches.
The Impact of Combine Performances
The NFL scouting combine really boosted Reese and Styles’ draft stock. Both ran 4.46-second 40-yard dashes, the fastest among linebackers.
Styles’ 43½-inch vertical? That’s the best for a linebacker since 2005. Those numbers turned heads and made teams pay attention.
It helps, too, that they’re still young. Styles just turned 21 in November after four years with the Buckeyes, having graduated early from Pickerington Central.
Reese, who hits 21 in August, decided to declare for the draft instead of sticking around for another year. Laurinaitis thinks their best football is still ahead, and honestly, who’s going to argue with him?
Conclusion
The NFL Draft’s almost here, and honestly, it’s hard not to focus on Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. Watching their path from Ohio State to the pros, you can’t help but admire the grind, the adaptability, and just flat-out talent they’ve shown.
James Laurinaitis has been in their corner, guiding them through all the Buckeye linebacker lore. These guys aren’t just living up to tradition—they’re kind of rewriting it, which is wild when you think about all the legends who’ve come before.
Reese and Styles each bring something different to the table, and that versatility? It might finally end Ohio State’s linebacker draft drought. Who knows, maybe we’ll be talking about their NFL impact for years.
If you’re curious about their story or want the latest on the draft, check out the full article on The Columbus Dispatch.
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