2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

Breaking down the strengths, weak points, usage, and projected role of Cincinnati LB Jake Golday. Plus: grades and schematic fit

Prospect: Jake Golday | Jersey #: 11 | Pro Pos.: LB |College Pos.: LB/Overhang

School: Cincinnati | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 240lbs | Speed: TBD | Explosive Index: TBD

Age: 22 (RS Sr.) | Final Grade: 6.75 (Solid Starter/Rotation)| Draft Projection: Second Round

STRONG POINTS:

· Golday is a tall, lanky linebacker. He is high cut with a huge wingspan — to be confirmed at the combine.

· He was chiefly placed into the overhang role at Cincinnati, placed in the corridor between the tackle and slot receiver. It’s unusual for a tall, linebacker-type to fit that role, even in Cincy’s setup. The volume of snaps where he is playing as a traditional “stacked” ‘backer is limited.

· More than that, Golday’s assignments were limited. He was routinely asked to spike the B-Gap from depth, outside the tackle, jutting from out-to-in, attacking from depth, and penetrating the backfield where possible. His role was to help eliminate base RPO concepts — inside-zone tagged with a slant or post. When placed at depth, he could arrive and fit the run. Cincinnati would gladly consider a few yards of minimal damage and would prefer to eliminate the threat of an explosive play on the pass element of the option. With his wingspan and frame, he could wall off against quick slants and post shots, and would be descending at an angle that would naturally blur the quarterback’s line of sight. It’s a particular role, and a peculiar one for someone of his body type and skill set. His evaluation is different from any other linebacker in this class.

· Because of his role and his annual placement on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list, Golday is often considered an athletic phenom. He has excellent lateral speed when given a runway, ramping up to top speed — and weaponizing that was built in by design in Cincinnati’s setup.