After the shocking departure of Micah Parsons before the 2025 season, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled to fill the massive void left by such a star defensive player.
Losing a key player like Parsons, the team couldn’t maintain the same defensive dominance throughout the season, resulting in their absence from the playoffs.
It was clear that the Cowboys needed to add a linebacker to fill the significant gap left in their defensive lineup.
In order to address this issue, Dallas focused on finding a potential linebacker prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With picks #12 and #20 in the first round, the team has a prime opportunity to choose from some of the top defensive talents.
However, among the many prospects, one name has risen above the others: the linebacker from Ohio State.
This player is none other than Sonny Styles, who made a significant impact during his college career and is highly regarded by scouts.
After transitioning from safety to linebacker in 2024, Styles immediately made his presence felt with 100 tackles and 6 sacks, playing a key role in helping Ohio State win the national championship.
Although his numbers slightly dropped in 2025 with 82 tackles and 1 sack, Styles remains one of the top linebackers in this draft class.
With a height of 6-foot-3 and great mobility, Styles is the versatile linebacker that Dallas has been seeking to add to their defense.
His addition will greatly improve Dallas' ability to defend against passing situations, an area where they have struggled.
When the Cowboys invited Styles to their Top 30 visit, attention from the football world skyrocketed.
Through discussions during the visit, the team grew more confident in Styles' ability to fill the defensive void.
With his leadership helping Ohio State secure the national championship, Styles has proven he’s a worthy addition to the Cowboys.
Not only is he physically imposing, but his experience in big-game settings makes him a valuable asset for Dallas.
If the Cowboys decide to select Styles, they’ll gain a player who’s not just strong physically but also has the experience needed to make an impact in the NFL.
However, it won't be easy to land him if he doesn’t fall to pick #12, as many other teams are also targeting this highly skilled linebacker.
Given what the Cowboys have done so far, a trade-up could be the best option to ensure Styles joins the team for next season.
Dallas surely doesn’t want to miss out on this opportunity, as it could be a critical step toward bringing the team back to the top of the league.
The Cowboys’ defensive issues could finally be addressed, and the addition of Styles could provide a major boost to their growth in the future.
