Styles to the Dolphins might be a dream, but Tunsil once fell to the Phins
There are draft prospects who fill needs — and then there are prospects who feel like they could change the trajectory of a franchise. For many Dolphins fans watching this class unfold, Ohio State’s Sonny Styles sits firmly in that second category. While nothing in the NFL is guaranteed, at 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Styles delivered one of the most jaw-dropping combine performances in recent memory.
Styles will likely be gone before Dolphins select with their 11th Overall pick, but offseason is a time of hope and dreams.
Styles has Superman Physical Tools
Styles combine resume was historic: 4.46 forty-yard dash with a 10-yards split of 1.56 seconds, which was tied for the top spot. His 43.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-2 broad jump confirmed what the film suggests: explosive lower-body power paired with elite closing speed. The athletic profile has drawn lofty comparisons and, fairly or not, vaulted him into the top tier of defensive prospects in this draft.
For Miami, the appeal is obvious. Styles projects as a hybrid defender — a safety by background who has transitioned into a linebacker role. That versatility fits the modern NFL and would pair beautifully with Jordan Brooks in the middle of the Dolphins’ defense. Styles flashes physicality when attacking downhill, shows natural coverage instincts in space, and plays with the kind of speed that shrinks throwing windows.
There are areas to refine. His blitzing technique can be overly straight-line, and like many hybrid defenders, he’ll need a transition period at the next level. But the tools are undeniable. He stacks and sheds with strong hands, takes pride in film study, and plays with both athleticism and awareness. Those are traits worth betting on.
The problem? After that combine, you can bet with the best pay per head that it may be wishful thinking to expect him to be available at No. 11.
If the Dream Dies Who Is Next Up?
Miami must weigh that reality against other pressing needs. Offensive line remains a major discussion point, particularly at guard and tackle. Spending a premium pick on a guard is a philosophical debate: guards matter, but tackles are harder to find and often more valuable long term. If we spend a 1st Round pick on a guard this season, then we’ll have to go high again at Right Tackle when Austin Jackson is cut next offseason. That’s a lot of capital on the offensive line when you factor in two 2nds and a 3rd for Patrick Paul and Jonah Savaiinaea. Also, there are talented interior linemen in this class, and if new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan is the right guy, he should find one a little less talented, but much cheaper in the later rounds.
But I love the offensive line and we must fix it, so I won’t hate it if we pick a guard with the 11th Overall.
Secondary help is also on the table. Prospects like Mansoor Delane bring high football IQ and zone awareness that would stabilize the back end. Others, such as Caleb Downs or edge rusher Ruben Bain Jr., offer intriguing upside at different positions of need. Each presents a logical case if Styles is off the board.
Still, Styles feels different. He represents not just a need filled, but a potential defensive centerpiece — a tone-setting, do-it-all linebacker capable of elevating the unit. In a division that is getting more physical by the year, adding a player with that blend of size, speed, and instincts would send a message.
Phins Will Have Plenty of Other Excellent Options IF Style is Gone
