Dane Brugler FINAL Mock Draft has Miami Selecting

NFL.com Draft Profile

Styles began his Ohio State career as a safety, but he settled in at linebacker in 2024. He’s improved in diagnosing play development. The former Buckeye diffuses block attempts with crisp hand strikes and leverages run fits with force/anchor strength. There are times when he slips back into a containment-based approach, but he has plenty of short-area quickness and pursuit speed to get where he needs to go. He can make an impact from multiple spots on the field and is a plus man-cover talent. Styles is an emerging player with the traits and versatility to garner longer looks by NFL evaluators. He could see his stock soar leading up to draft day.

Strengths

• Lines up the defensive front and makes adjustments if needed.
• Disciplined in sifting through pre- and post-snap eye candy.
• Pops and separates from climbing blockers with a crisp punch.
• Constricts run fits by using size, force and technique.
• Scrapes quickly to the action without losing leverage.
• Impressive talent for slipping through traffic and into tackles.
• Versatility/athleticism can be weaponized for coverage disguise.
• Gains depth and widens to the flats with above-average quickness.
• Impeccable tackle finisher.

Weaknesses

• Recognition of blocking schemes needs more work.
• Can afford to crank up the urgency at times.
• Slow to reaccelerate on stop/start movements in pursuit.
• Tight hips prevent fluid change of direction from downhill flow.
• Inconsistent shading zone drops to quarterback’s eyes.
• Average instincts and physicality as a blitzer.

Round 1, Pick #30: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

“Johnson shouldn’t fall this far, but the Dolphins wouldn’t be upset about it. Styles and Johnson would make for a great first-round haul as Hafley revamps the defense.”

NFL.com Draft Profile 

Overview

Scheme-versatile cornerback prospect with average size and the ability to play inside or outside. Johnson is consistent in mirroring the release from his pedal and rarely labors when transitioning with route breaks. While many college corners lean on lax officiating to grab and maul, Johnson stays disciplined. He trusts his footwork and technique to remain tight to the route. He attacks the catch point with run-through force and is a tenacious wrap-up tackler who can quickly end plays. Big receivers can steal some high-points, but not enough to cause concern. Johnson’s coverage versatility, toughness and athleticism should make him an early starter for a coverage-hungry team.

Strengths

• Coverage movement is controlled and confident.
• Mirrors and matches the release with consistency from his pedal.
• Rarely declares hips early to release or route fakes.
• Footwork is clean and natural in transitions and recovery.
• Tracks throws with the intention of making a play on the ball.
• Closes distance to suffocate work space on vertical routes.
• Trusts his feet and was rarely penalized in coverage.
• Attacks blockers with aggressive punches and is a wrap-up tackler.

Weaknesses

• Average recovery speed when he’s beaten.
• Phases on top side of the route and loses positioning late.
• Features small delay transitioning from the top of his drop.
• Had trouble battling big-bodied receivers on jump balls.
• Big running backs can drag him for extra yardage.