Panthers set sights on Sonny Styles as a transformative linebacker for 2026 draft
The Carolina Panthers are currently immersed in the final stretch of the NFL season. Yet, within the scouting department, there’s a forward-looking vision as they begin to set their sights on the 2026 NFL Draft. A recent mock draft by Sports Illustrated contributor Daniel Flick has the Panthers selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the 15th overall pick.
The Need for Defensive Reinforcement
The Panthers are facing a pivotal moment defensively. Starting linebacker Christian Rozeboom is on a one-year contract, prompting the organization to consider a more robust presence in the middle of their defense, regardless of Rozeboom’s future in Carolina. Flick highlights Styles as a compelling prospect, noting his impressive physical attributes: “At 6’4″ and 243 pounds, he’s big and incredibly athletic—he transitioned from safety to linebacker in the spring of 2024, and he’s surprisingly ahead of the curve with blitzes and block deconstruction.”
Styles possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and skill, positioning him as a potential early starter. His ongoing adjustment to the linebacker position suggests a ceiling of untapped potential, making him an intriguing option for the Panthers.
Legacy of Linebacker Greatness
The Panthers have a storied history of selecting impactful linebackers, exemplified by the likes of Luke Kuechly and Shaq Thompson. These players helped shape the franchise’s defense for nearly a decade. However, since Kuechly’s retirement and Thompson’s departure to the Buffalo Bills, the Panthers have struggled to find a linebacker of similar caliber. Styles has the potential to fill that legacy and emerge as the next great linebacker in the franchise’s history.
A Champion in the Making
As a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Styles has already experienced the thrill of championship glory, contributing to the team’s national title run last year. He is currently vying for another championship opportunity in the College Football Playoff. The Panthers’ draft position will be crucial in determining if they can secure Styles; should they finish in the first half of the draft due to a disappointing season, he could easily rise to the top of their radar.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Panthers are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a critical NFC South matchup this week. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 PM ET at Bank of America Stadium. Fans can catch the action on FOX or stream the game via the FOX One app. While the focus remains on the present, the potential for future stars like Sonny Styles looms large on the horizon for Carolina.
