Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. isn't expected to be taken on either of the first two days of the 2026 NFL draft. Without a strong NFL Combine performance this past weekend, there was a chance that Styles wasn't going to be drafted at all.
As Cleveland.com's Stephen Means and Stefan Krajisnik relayed, though, not only will projected high first-round selection Sonny Styles' younger brother hear his name from Roger Goodell sometime between April 23 and April 25, there's a good chance he's still a relevant name in the NFL a decade from now.
“And was (Styles) always great in coverage? No. But I think there was a reason he continued to be out there on the field. And I do think when he wasn’t there, his presence was felt, that his absence was there because I thought he was very good in the run game," Means said.
“I would not be surprised if 10 years like Lorenzo Styles has a role on some team whether he’s a backup defensive back somewhere and a solid special teams guy,” Krajisnik said. “It’s going to be one of those things where they’re like ‘Man Lorenzo Styles is on his like second or third contract in the NFL.’”
Lorenzo Styles overcomes bad narrative from Miami game
Styles was quickly injured against the Miami Hurricanes in Ohio State's 24-14 loss in the Cotton Bowl Classic on New Year's Eve, so his impact on the game was somewhat muted. Heading into the game, many thought the Buckeyes' corner was going to be a liability against The U, though.
That Styles couldn't end the season on a high note, being replaced by freshman Devin Sanchez, with Jermaine Mathews moving into the nickel spot, is a shame. Luckily, he's changed the narrative this offseason at the perfect time.
Styles will have to earn his spot every offseason wherever he lands. With that said, the fact that he's got the confidence to stick with special teams means NFL teams may give him extended looks, rather than rush to cut him if his coverage doesn't translate to the pro level.