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The Minnesota Vikings selected linebacker Jake Golday in the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on strengthening their defense.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 25: Jake Golday #11 of the Cincinnati Bearcats in action during the second quarter against the Baylor Bears at Nippert Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Minnesota Vikings have made another selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and with this pick, they have kept their attention on the defensive side of the football.
Date of Birth: 23 May 2002 (22 years old)
College: University of Cincinnati
Drafted: Round 2, #51 overall
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 240 pounds
Career Accomplishments: First-Team All-Big 12 (2025)
With the 51st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings have selected linebacker Jake Golday from the University of Cincinnati.
Golday started his college career at Central Arkansas, where he played his first three seasons before transferring to Cincinnati. He looks to be another versatile weapon for the Minnesota defense, as he’s an off-ball linebacker that can move all over the field. The Vikings do have a solid duo of off-ball linebackers at the moment in and , but both of them are getting up in age, and the Vikings need to develop some depth behind them at the position.
Jake Golday is a linebacker who played for the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Jake Golday was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings aimed to strengthen their defensive lineup with their draft selections.
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Golday is an impressive blitzer, having started his college career as a defensive end, and is a very sure tackler. He has some work to do as far as his coverage techniques are concerned, but while he’s learning from solid vets like Wilson and Cashman, he’ll be able to contribute on special teams straight away.
Following this pick, the Vikings are next slated to be back on the clock at #82 overall in the third round, barring any trades.
Welcome to Minnesota, Jake Golday!