The New Orleans Saints utilized their fifth-round draft pick this year to select Ohio State product Lorenzo Styles Jr., the first of two defensive backs in the black and gold’s 2026 class. Although taken later in the draft, Styles is expected to be an impact player for the Saints from the get-go due to his elite speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability.
Here are just a few facts to help you get to know one of the newest members of the New Orleans Saints:
Styles attended Pickerington Central High School, where he played prep football and enjoyed a successful career that included two Ohio state championships in 2017 and 2019. Lorenzo played in all three phases, seeing playing time on offense as a wide receiver, defense in the secondary, and special teams as a returner. He played well throughout his senior year and was nationally rated as a four-star recruit before committing to the University of Notre Dame.
Lorenzo began his collegiate career with the Fighting Irish, where he would drop the defensive positions and serve primarily as a wideout. In two years at Notre Dame, Styles caught 54 total passes for 684 yards and two touchdowns, one each in 2021 and 2022. After struggling to reach high production levels on offense, Styles transferred to Ohio State University, where he redshirted the 2023 season before transitioning to the defensive backfield in 2024 for the first time since high school.
The switch from offense to defense paid dividends for Lorenzo as he blossomed over his final two college seasons. Styles nearly doubled his tackle total from junior to senior year. He also defended two passes while returning one kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown this past season.
Lorenzo was actually the third member of his family to be drafted into the NFL. His father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., was a third-round selection in the 1995 draft, taken 77th overall by the Atlanta Falcons. Styles Sr. played his college football as a linebacker at… You guessed it… THE Ohio State. It’s not just football, it’s a bloodline. He would go on to win Super Bowl XXXIV as a member of the then St. Louis Rams in 2000. Styles’ brother, Sonny, went in the first round of this year’s draft to the Washington Commanders at seventh overall. Sonny and Lorenzo both played at Ohio State together before being selected in the same class just days apart.