2026 Free Agency and Draft: ILB

JimmyinSD wrote:
Extremely rare,  but serious game changers when you find them.  A dominant DT completely alters everything for opposing OCs.  If they think there is potential for one of those guys when they pick,  or even in range for a slight trade up,  I say giddy up.

As far as OT,  I say we need to focus on Brandel kicking inside and assume the CD and O'Neil are going to miss games,  luxury for now,  but likely a necessity over 17 games,  especially if the playoffs are a goal.  And I dont see why they couldn't take some work inside as long as they arent ignoring the OT role.

Not likely they would kick inside with Jackson and Fries playing there. 

I agree on the NT who can rush the passer. They're rare but when you have one, like Dexter Lawrence, it gives you a huge advantage. But most NTs are not like Lawrence and come out of the game on 3rd down. I hear Jordan Davis is now playing on 3rd downs, but it took him 4 years to get there. Kinda hard to justify burning a precious 1st on such a gamble.

#DraftNotes: Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez is a former QB & S in HS and was a four sport athlete. Lettered in track and field, basketball, baseball and football. His PR in 8th grade for the 100-meter dash was 11.89 seconds. His PR for the long jump was 19' 10.5" in 10th grade.… pic.twitter.com/GBiv1KlgGo

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) February 17, 2026

DAAAYUM

Sonny Styles is 6’5, 245lbs and posted a 43.5” vertical jump

Just unreal pic.twitter.com/3GFa5bZusA

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 26, 2026

MaroonBells wrote:
DAAAYUM

Sonny Styles is 6’5, 245lbs and posted a 43.5” vertical jump

Just unreal pic.twitter.com/3GFa5bZusA

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 26, 2026

Prediction this am was Style was going to break the Combine...

MaroonBells wrote:
DAAAYUM

Sonny Styles is 6’5, 245lbs and posted a 43.5” vertical jump

Just unreal pic.twitter.com/3GFa5bZusA

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 26, 2026

They are comparing him to Calvin Johnson.  Not a bad guy to be compared to.

I don't care about the underwear olympics at all, unless it reveals something you missed on film or steers you towards film you didn't target before.

I'm still all in on Jacob Rodriguez at LB and hope he's there at our pick in the 2nd round or later.

IceRatz16 wrote:

I don't care about the underwear olympics at all, unless it reveals something you missed on film or steers you towards film you didn't target before.

I think that's exactly its value. But I wouldn't underestimate how important that is.

Jake Golday | LB | 6-4 239 LBS

Explosive(48th on freaks list, 9.84 RAS) w/ strong range, tackling, and block-shedding ability. Flashes in coverage & as a blitzer. Limited by inconsistent instincts, zone awareness, & slow reaction timing vs run and pass.

Shades of: Drew Sanders pic.twitter.com/KZtD8PAYyW

— Price Carter (@priceacarter) April 5, 2026

Zack Baun/Eric Wilson type role. Really like this guy.

Cincinnati LB Jake Golday will have a pre draft visit with the #Vikings later this week, per @DWolfsonKSTP. pic.twitter.com/JJ7yDdIf67

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) April 9, 2026

Apparently the Vikings like him too.

Late round ILB I've been watching a lot of lately

Jimmy Rolder (6’2 238) Michigan

+ Instinctive
+ 80.0 run defense grade in 2025
+ Reliable tackler with just a 4.6% missed tackle rate in 2025
+ 0 career penalties
+ 36” vertical jump
+ Special teams experience
+ Pursuit angles
+ Effective on the blitz
+ Diagnoses quickly… pic.twitter.com/FI861pjrzM

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 4, 2026

Jake Golday was playing WHERE? pic.twitter.com/iCs93RJBvA

— NFL Stock Exchange (@NFLSEshow) April 11, 2026

I’m thinking BFlo would really like this guy.

Typically off-ball backer is not considered an impact position in the NFL, but look back at the difference in how our defense performed when Cashman was hurt and/or before Eric Wilson replaced IPJ. With Cashman in the final year of his contract (and a bit injury prone), and Wilson turning 32 in September, I think this is a bigger need than many think.