The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh next April, a city where the Bucs found success this preseason with a last-second field goal to defeat the Steelers. Before next April, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft.
NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein recently released the latest 2026 NFL mock draft of the cycle. Within it, the Bucs were attached to Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. The defender with NFL bloodlines has proven to be the most underrated player on the Buckeyes’ defense over the last two seasons.
Zierlein explains the Styles pick, writing, “Styles is a safety-turned-linebacker who can run, fill his run fits and offer plus cover talent. He’s frequently compared to Fred Warner, which is about as big a compliment as you can get as an off-ball ‘backer.”
The Bucs need someone athletic in the middle of their defense, especially with the looming retirement of Lavonte David hanging over the team. Styles would be the perfect fit for Todd Bowles’ defense and would allow this unit to play up to its potential once again.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers land Big Ten linebacker in latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
