Sonny Styles vs. CJ Allen – There continues to be mixed opinions about who the better 2026 NFL Draft prospect is in the LB1 race
The LB1 for the 2026 NFL Draft class debate is heated, is it Georgia Bulldog CJ Allen or Ohio State Buckeye Sonny Styles?
The 2026 NFL Draft cycle is starting to pick up, meaning debates will develop for who the top prospects are in the class. One of the most intriguing debates brewing is whether Ohio State’s Sonny Styles or Georgia’s CJ Allen is the top inside linebacker prospect in the class.
To help settle this debate early, Ryan Roberts and I broke down who we believe is the answer to the question of who LB1 really is. For context, this discussion did not include Arvell Reese simply because he is such a rare prospect who plays so many different roles; he should be in his own category.
Let’s dig into it.
Ohio State Linebacker Sonny Styles
Styles is listed as a 6-4, 222lbs linebacker with rare athletic traits for a player of his size. In 2025, Styles has amassed 80 tackles through 12 games, including five tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks.
As a member of the 2022 recruiting class, Styles was the 27th overall prospect with a five-star rating. He’s appeared in 52 total games through his four-year career, with over 242 total tackles.
Georgia Linebacker CJ Allen
The 6’1″, 235lbs Georgia Bulldog has been the heartbeat of the Georgia defense since he began contributing as a freshman. This season, he totalled 85 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.
Allen was previously a four-star recruit in the 2022 class per 247Sports, ranking 78th overall. He’s appeared in 40 total games for the Bulldogs and has registered over 200 total tackles.
Who is the best inside linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Joe DeLeone: Sonny Styles
While Allen’s instincts are elite, it’s hard to ignore the physical tools Styles possesses. Allen is fantastic in a phone booth and unbelievable at avoiding blockers to shut down plays before they even start. He will be a high-level starting MIKE in the NFL, without a doubt, because of the feel he has for the game.
However, Styles has higher upside, making him the favorite in this debate. Previously, he was a bit raw in processing and reacting, but this year he took a massive leap in that regard. His length and explosiveness allow him to have a rare range for a linebacker.
His physical profile enables him to be used in multiple alignments, not just as an inside linebacker. He could become a do-it-all playmaker who rushes the passer, excels in coverage, and consistently makes plays against the run. Ultimately, it’s just not very often that a guy like this enters the NFL.
Ryan Roberts: Sonny Styles
The debate between CJ Allen and Sonny Styles is a fascinating one. Allen is a throwback MIKE with modern range, while Styles is a versatile defender who can move all over the place. That versatility is ultimately the separator for me when comparing the two. The more a player can do, the more valuable they are.
While I love Allen and would be interested in him inside of the first round, Styles brings the combination of ceiling and floor that can’t be ignored. Outside of needing to play with a more consistent pad level, there just isn’t a major hole in Styles. He’s long, athletic, doesn’t miss tackles, and has unreal range on the second level.
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