NFL Draft profile and projection for safety Lorenzo Styles Jr.

Story by

Yesh Ginsburg, Buckeyes Wire

Thu, Apr 23, 2026 ·

1 min read

While younger brother Sonny Styles is a lock to be a top pick in this year's NFL Draft, older brother Lorenzo Styles Jr. is going to be sweating things out through Saturday. The elder Styles, son of Lorenzo Styles Sr. (who played in the NFL after going to Ohio State), was an excellent safety for the Buckeyes. But it seems like the NFL scouts are not so enamored. Why, though?

Lorenzo Styles Jr., Safety

COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 4: Lorenzo Styles Jr. #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball in the third quarter of a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)

Draft Projection: Rounds 6-UDFA

Styles started his college football career as a wide receiver for Notre Dame, but he transferred to Ohio State and then switched to the defensive side of the ball. Styles was a solid safety for the Buckeyes, but apparently not outstanding enough to wow the NFL scouts. He was effective enough that he should find his way onto an NFL roster even if not drafted, but I think he has a good shot of being drafted, for two main reasons.

First of all, Styles showed his versatility as a returner for the Buckeyes this year, including a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown against UCLA . It gives NFL teams another potential way to use him.

More importantly, Styles wowed the scouts with a 4.27 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine . That's speed you just can't teach or coach. Speed like that is always useful, on any side of the ball. If he hears his name called on Saturday, that will almost certainly be the biggest reason why.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Lorenzo Styles Jr. NFL Draft profile and projection