Titans Projected to Select Ohio State Star Sonny Styles with Fourth Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The Tennessee Titans hold one of the most valuable picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and according to CBS Sports analyst Jordan Dajani, that selection could mark the arrival of a defensive cornerstone from Columbus.

Dajanis latest mock draft projects the Titans to take Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the fourth overall pick on April 23, pairing him with new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh in what would be a significant statement about Tennessee's direction.

Surprise. Its not Jeremiyah Love at number four for Tennessee, nor is it Rueben Bain Jr., Dajani noted. Robert Saleh takes an Ohio State standout in Sonny Styles to be his new Fred Warner. Off-ball linebacker is a need for the Titans. Cody Barton and Cedric Gray are capable players, but Saleh needs a rangy, athletic centerpiece for this revamped defensive front. Thats Styles.

Styles, just 21 years old, is coming off a decorated 2025 season with the Buckeyes that showcased his diverse skill set. He recorded a sack, 6.5 tackles for loss, an interception and a forced fumble across the campaign. His blend of speed, instincts and physicality has drawn comparisons to San Franciscos All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, himself a former third-round pick who developed into one of the leagues top defensive players.

The Titans need at off-ball linebacker is genuine. While Cody Barton and Cedric Gray have shown capability in limited roles, the position has lacked a true three-down difference-maker who can flow sideline to sideline and match up against athletic offensive weapons.

If Styles is available when Tennessee picks at four, it would represent a fortuitous alignment of talent and need. His ability to diagnose plays quickly, close on ball carriers and hold up in coverage gives him the profile of a future green-dot defender capable of calling plays in the middle of an NFL defense.

Saleh, who takes over a Titans defense that finished among the leagues bottom half in several key categories, would be getting a player many analysts believe can step onto an NFL field immediately and contribute at a high level. The former 49ers defensive coordinator has long prioritized rangy, athletic linebackers who can align in multiple positions, and Styles fits that prototype precisely.

With less than two weeks until draft day, the Titans appear positioned to add a foundational piece to their defensive rebuild if Styles remains on the board at number four.