Anthony Volpe is back, but probably not for long as José Caballero intends on keeping Yankees' shortstop spot
Anthony Volpe is back with the Yankees, but José Caballero is determined to keep the shortstop position.
The Vikings drafted Caleb Banks, a high-risk, high-reward prospect with injury concerns, and later selected linebacker Jake Golday to complement their strategy. Golday's role in the new defense is still uncertain but may involve a hybrid position.
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This yearâs Vikings draft class is headlined by boom-or-bust prospect Caleb Banks, who has all the size and athleticism in the world but lacks the college production and has significant injury concerns.
After his selection, the franchise adjusted its strategy and picked players who appeared safer. With the second-round pick, the club acquired Cincinnatiâs linebacker Jake Golday. An intriguing college player with experience on the edge and as an off-ball linebacker is just the athlete Brian Flores can unlock at the next level.
His role in the new defense remains a mystery. He might just sneak into the lineup as an off-ball linebacker, such as Blake Cashman, but some have likened him to pass-rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and could see him thrive in a hybrid role.
Oct 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg (1) is unable to hold on to a catch as he is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) and defensive back Tre Gola-Callard (6) in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Regardless, Golday, like all rookies, isnât a sure thing. The draft is a lottery and even prospects that are labeled âgenerationalâ can fail.
Caleb Banks is a rookie drafted by the Vikings known for his size and athleticism but has limited college production and injury concerns.
Jake Golday is a linebacker who may play as an off-ball linebacker or in a hybrid role, depending on how the Vikings utilize him in their new defense.
After selecting Caleb Banks, the Vikings focused on drafting safer players, including linebacker Jake Golday in the second round.
Brian Flores may unlock Golday's potential by using him in various roles, including as a pass-rusher or off-ball linebacker.
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Goldayâs former coach doesnât foresee him failing, however. Alec Lewis of The Athletic shared an anecdote:
Cort Braswell, the linebackers coach at Cincinnati, said one NFL linebackers coach asked him an interesting question during the draft evaluation process: âIf I come back here in five years, and Jake Golday didnât make it, why would that be?â
Braswell paused.
âThatâs a really good question. Nobody has asked that.â
After a few seconds of thought, he said, âIf he doesnât make it, itâs your fault.â
âWhat do you mean?â the coach responded.
Braswell said, âThereâs nothing you can put in front of him that he cannot accomplish.â
Some players land in unfortunate situations. That canât be said about Golday, though, who was hand-picked by a defensive mastermind for his attacking system. Versatile and smart players generally thrive in the NFL, but Flores can especially unlock their skill sets.
Oct 12, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Jacurri Brown (11) looks to pass in front of Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Golday, 22, was a zero-star recruit and headed to Central Arkansas, where he lined up on the edge for a couple of years before moving to linebacker. After his three years playing at a lower level, he transferred to Cincinnati, where he continued his linebacker journey.
In his two seasons in the Big 12, he registered 163 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. His athletic profile was one of the best in this yearâs draft class, helping him generate second-round interest from the Vikings.
Golday is expected to start out in the linebacker position early in his career.
At the rookie minicamp, head coach Kevin OâConnell said, âWeâve got some thoughts on how the ultimate picture may look, but you want to allow [Jake] â because heâs doing it physically from today on â you want to allow him to get comfortable in a spot before maybe you start throwing multiple things at him.â
The next item on his agenda is to get comfortable with the linebacker duties, while other responsibilities could follow later in his NFL journey. The first-year player is ready to put in the work required for that jump.
The rookie commented, âIâm going to spend as much time as I need in the playbook to make sure I know all the positions so that I can be put at any spot on the field [and] so I donât have to be taken off the field.â
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) reacts after an interception against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
At linebacker, the Vikings have starters Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson returning for another season, but injury struggles, age and contract duration could open the door for Golday to assume one of the linebacker spots sooner rather than later.
If he isnât needed in one specific position, he can still be a piece in Floresâ defensive puzzle as a rotational and situational linebacker and rusher. Flores experimented with Wilson on the edge a year ago, which would vacate a linebacker spot.
One thing is clear: The Vikings didnât draft him to sit on the bench for years to come; he will see playing time early in his career. Itâs just a matter of where.
Editorâs Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.