Jake Golday LB Highlight Video

488 snaps at the slot over the last two years. He’s the counter to LaPorta, Loveland, and Kraft. Heir apparent to Ginks. Keeps Ginks fresh too. Feldman freak. Lots to like.

Pre-Draft Analysis

Golday possesses size and length, and he was very productive with 104 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2025. He plays with good eye discipline and does a good job keeping blockers off his frame. Plus, he can disengage in the direction of least resistance to the ball carrier. As a former defensive end, he plays with an effective dip-and-rip move when rushing off the edge. He does a good job of squaring and wrapping up the ball carrier. Golday can slip past running backs in pass protection. In coverage, he gets to depth and gets his long arms up to cloud passing windows. -- Scouts Inc.

Post-Draft Analysis

Golday was a defensive end when he started his career at FCS Central Arkansas as a zero-star recruit. He worked his way into becoming an all-conference linebacker at the Power 4 level with fantastic run-and-chase speed and the instincts to rack up 105 tackles last season. The Vikings have a need in the middle of their defense, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores almost certainly signed off on this pick. Golday running alleys with Caleb Banks drawing double-teams is an ideal setup ... but I can't help but wonder why Minnesota is ignoring its critical need at safety. -- Matt Miller

Golday touts his versatility at linebacker

I asked Jake Golday how he thinks his game will transfer to the NFL. On paper, he appears to be more of a one-dimensional player — a 6-4½, 239-pound run stopper, essentially. He disagrees. 

"Most teams see me as an off-ball linebacker, but some teams see me as a more versatile role," Golday said. 

He started his college career as an edge rusher at Central Arkansas. He transferred to Cincinnati in 2023 and was switched to linebacker. Asked how he'll do in pass coverage in the NFL, he said: "I think what makes me special is my versatility. I've done a little bit of everything at the college level. Started off as a pass rusher. Then I moved to Mike linebacker. Then I moved to Sam linebacker, which is basically a nickel out there in coverage a lot of times. So there's definitely things I need to work on every single day, but I think this position I'm going to be put in is going to allow me to do that. I'm just super excited for the opportunity." 

With veteran Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. in contract years, and Eric Wilson being well north of 30, this pick had an eye on the future a bit. 

STRIB

"Might as well get a third Cincinnati linebacker in here," Golday said about getting to play with fellow former Bearcats linebackers Ivan Pace Jr. and Eric Wilson.

I was dubious....but it sounds like the guy can set an edge too

purplefaithful wrote:

I was dubious....but it sounds like the guy can set an edge too

He’s going to be such a versatile piece. I think he’s gonna be a star.

purplefaithful wrote:

Golday touts his versatility at linebacker
I asked Jake Golday how he thinks his game will transfer to the NFL. On paper, he appears to be more of a one-dimensional player — a 6-4½, 239-pound run stopper, essentially. He disagrees. 
"Most teams see me as an off-ball linebacker, but some teams see me as a more versatile role," Golday said. 
He started his college career as an edge rusher at Central Arkansas. He transferred to Cincinnati in 2023 and was switched to linebacker. Asked how he'll do in pass coverage in the NFL, he said: "I think what makes me special is my versatility. I've done a little bit of everything at the college level. Started off as a pass rusher. Then I moved to Mike linebacker. Then I moved to Sam linebacker, which is basically a nickel out there in coverage a lot of times. So there's definitely things I need to work on every single day, but I think this position I'm going to be put in is going to allow me to do that. I'm just super excited for the opportunity." 
With veteran Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. in contract years, and Eric Wilson being well north of 30, this pick had an eye on the future a bit. 

STRIB

Seems more like a Swiss knife like Gink.