The Seattle Seahawks have not selected a linebacker on the first two days of the NFL Draft since Mike Macdonald became head coach in 2024. While the Seahawks aren’t likely to need a high-profiled linebacker in the draft next spring, Bleacher Report proposed the possibility anyway Saturday.
The BR NFL Draft scouting department named the Seahawks a fit for Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
“Linebacker isn’t a pressing need for Seattle with Ernest Jones in the fold. But the defense is struggling to figure out the spot next to Jones, giving Drake Thomas and Tyrice Knight a handful of starts each this season,” wrote BR’s staff.
“Luckily, this year’s draft class is strong at the position.”
Styles posted 100 combined tackles, including 10.5 for loss during the 2024 season. The Buckeyes played 16 games and won the national championship.
In the title game, Styles registered six total tackles and one sack.
Styles was one of three linebackers Bleacher Report named as fits for the Seahawks. The BR staff also called Georgia’s CJ Allen and Alabama’s Deontae Lawson fits for Seattle.
Both Styles and Allen are top 32 players on Bleacher Report’s 2026 NFL draft big board. Lawson is ranked as the No. 43 overall player.
Seahawks Called Fit for Ohio State’s Sonny Styles
There’s a long way to go until the 2026 NFL Draft. A lot happens for teams after the season leading up to the draft let alone when there’s still more than half the games remaining.
Linebacker isn’t likely to be Seattle’s top priority. But if Macdonald wants to add another defensive piece in the first round, Styles is an intriguing option.
“Sonny Styles is an impressive athlete with the necessary skills to be an excellent coverage linebacker in the NFL and a top-tier backer in the 2026 NFL draft class,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder.
Through the first seven games this season, Styles posted 39 combined tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. He also had an interception with a forced fumble.
If Seattle added Styles to its linebacker corps, the Seahawks would have another long-term option alongside Ernest Jones.
The Seahawks acquired Jones from the Tennessee Titans last October. Seattle re-signed the linebacker to a three-year deal in March.
Seahawks Named Fit for National Champion LB