The New York Giants are pivoting their focus to the upcoming NFL draft after a successful free agency. They bolstered multiple positions, including signing tight end Isaiah Likely and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to their secondary, among many other moves. They’re seemingly not done, but most of their moves are poised to be smaller depth pieces.

For now, the team is considering its options with the number five pick in the NFL draft, opening the door to a potential generation-defining pick or trade. There had been some back-and-forth between whether the Giants go offense or defense, but there seems to be a growing consensus that Sonny Styles is the man New York gets.

The Hot Take: Sonny Styles Could Be The Next Harry Carson

One of the reasons the 1980s Giants were so successful was the emergence of the “Big Blue wrecking crew,” which was their dominant linebacker corps. Consisting of Lawrence Taylor, Gary Reasons, Carl Banks, Harry Carson, and others, they led the team to two Super Bowls and numerous playoff appearances. Granted, it was a much different kind of football, but Styles’ freak athleticism might have his ceiling pegged at that level.

All the aforementioned linebackers were between six-foot-two and six-foot-four, with Sonny Styles ranking at six-foot-five, and even slightly heavier at 244 pounds. That’s not even counting the fact that he ran a blazing 4.46 40-yard dash and has a nearly 12-foot broad jump, alongside a 44-inch vertical leap. The athletic abilities alone make Styles a serious choice at the number five spot.

What sets Styles and Carson apart is the former’s blitzing ability and coverage play. Styles recorded six sacks in his 2024 junior year as part of the CFP Championship-winning Ohio State Buckeyes, while Carson’s season-total high was four sacks in 1981. Styles also has a strong ability to be used in different coverage slots and run plays. While he is a little slow out of pursuit and there are questions about his urgency on the field, there’s potential here.

Fast speed and freakish athleticism with a broad size and reach built the 1980s Giants near-dynasty. If they want to return to a defensive glory, especially with Charlie Bullen manning the linebacker corps, Styles cannot afford to be lost.

What You Need To Know: Styles To New York Isn’t A Given

While it is tantalizing for the Giants to get someone like Styles in their secondary and 3-4 alignment, there are still two roadblocks that prevent it from becoming a reality.

First, the Tennessee Titans are in need of serious players for their ever-lasting rebuild, especially on defense. Their linebacker corps is depleted, consisting of Cedric Gray, Cody Barton, James Williams Sr., and Cam Riley, among others. They did get Cor’Dale Flott for their secondary, but they’re primarily looking at bolstering their linebacker depth. It might be wise for the Giants to trade up by using their two extra fourth-round picks.

Second, the Giants really like Notre Dame running back Jeremyiah Love. Even if Styles fell to number five, the front office has dropped hints that they want to pair Cam Skattebo with someone as he recovers from ankle surgery. It doesn’t help those who want Styles that Love visited the Giants' facility recently.

Before You Go: Six Weeks Can Make A Difference

The NFL Draft is set to take place in late April, and it’s currently mid-March. There is still a lot of time between now and then for things to happen. Reports can come out about character issues, injuries, concerns about play, and so on. There’s also the potential for picks to suddenly surge in their stock value, while others drop like Aaron Rodgers’ 2005 slide and Shedeur Sanders’ historical collapse into Day three.

We still don’t know everything the front offices might know heading into crunch time to finalize the wish list in the draft. There are also pressing needs at Wide Receiver and the cornerback position for the Giants. There is always time for a surprise, and there’s always time for second opinions. Just hope that it’s not another Eli Apple situation.