The Minnesota Vikings took versatile linebacker Jake Golday with their second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but there are questions to how he might be used on defense.
Last year for Cincinnati, the rangy linebacker lined up in the box 320 times, in the slot 251 times, and at edge 122 times according to Pro Football Focus. Some project him as an eventual Eric Wilson or Blake Cashman replacement, but how do the Vikings imagine utilizing the talented Golday?
Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported that the Vikings initially have Golday working with the off-ball linebackers, but plan to work him in at edge as well in the near future.
“The Golday allure isn’t confined to one area. He’s towering for an off-ball linebacker at 6 feet 4 inches, and his change-of-direction ability is undeniable. He is versatile. He can make plays. His former coaches rave about his smarts,” wrote Lewis.
“On Friday, the Vikings worked Golday with the off-ball linebackers. He participated in drills that required him to high-point passes, and he also lined up as a linebacker in seven-on-seven reps. This is the first phase of his introduction. Over the coming weeks and months, the more comfortable he gets with the off-ball duties, the Vikings will likely sprinkle in some pass rushing work.”
“Minnesota will want to maximize Golday’s skill set. Not overloading him from the outset is the primary challenge.”
How Will the Vikings Get the Most from Linebacker Jake Golday?
Golday is a dynamic, aggressive player that fits Brian Flores’ defense well. But while the size and talent is evident, it’s clear that the Vikings need a strong plan in order to get the most out of their second-round pick. Lewis pointed to an interesting conversation with Golday’s college coach about the importance of coaching and development with the versatile player.
“Cort Braswell, the linebackers coach at Cincinnati, said one NFL linebackers coach asked him an interesting question during the draft evaluation process: ‘If I come back here in five years, and Jake Golday didn’t make it, why would that be?’”
‘That’s a really good question. Nobody has asked that.’
After a few seconds of thought, he said, ‘If he doesn’t make it, it’s your fault.’
‘What do you mean?’ the coach responded.
Braswell said, ‘There’s nothing you can put in front of him that he cannot accomplish.’
While Golday figures to have a minimal role in year one, it’s obvious the Vikings have big plans for him for years to come, so long as they can find a way to use his unique skillset.
Kevin O’Connell Provides and Update on Caleb Banks
Meanwhile, coach Kevin O’Connell provided an injury update on their first-round pick Caleb Banks, who will sit out all of rookie minicamp.
“We’re happy with where he’s at, all things considered,” O’Connell told reporters. “It might, and I can keep you guys updated on that as we go, but you’re really already into a chilly month of May here. So, you’re already into a point where we want to have our eyes on that end-of-July date, so he can hopefully have a seamless transition into training camp and work backwards from there.”
The Vikings rookie minicamp will go through the weekend before OTA’s start later this month.
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