Vikings Bring In Top Linebacker Prospect for Pre-Draft Visit

Cincinnati's Jake Golday boasts size, speed, and versatility that could make him an early-round target for Minnesota.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Vikings linebacker making a tackle, the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of purple, gold, and other vibrant colors.A cubist interpretation of a Minnesota Vikings linebacker making a powerful tackle, capturing the raw energy and physicality of the position.Minneapolis Today

The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday for a pre-draft visit this week, signaling strong interest in the 6'4", 240-pound prospect who was a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025. Golday is described as a 'big, explosive linebacker' with the size and athleticism to excel near the line of scrimmage, fend off blockers with powerful hands, and potentially contribute on special teams as well as in coverage.

Why it matters

The Vikings are in need of an upgrade at linebacker, with their current top trio of Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, and Ivan Pace showing promise but lacking a true difference-maker. Golday's combination of size, speed, and versatility could make him an ideal fit to bolster Minnesota's defense as they look to return to the playoffs.

The details

According to draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Golday 'attacks climbing blockers with heavy, aggressive hands' and 'shows the strength to stack, compress gaps and finish with authority.' While he may need some refinement in diagnosing plays and coverage, Zierlein believes Golday's traits and explosiveness could make him an 'early special teams standout with the potential to eventually start' at linebacker.

  • Golday will be visiting the Vikings later this week.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for next week.

The players

Jake Golday

A 6'4", 240-pound linebacker from the University of Cincinnati who was a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025.

Blake Cashman

A linebacker on the Minnesota Vikings' current roster.

Eric Wilson

A linebacker on the Minnesota Vikings' current roster.

Ivan Pace

A linebacker on the Minnesota Vikings' current roster.

Lance Zierlein

A draft analyst who provided an assessment of Jake Golday's strengths and weaknesses.

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What they’re saying

“Add Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday to the list of #Vikings draft visitors. Hear that he'll be in later this week. He was 1st team All-Big 12 in 2025.”

— Darren Wolfson, KTSP Reporter

“Golday is a big, explosive linebacker with a game best suited for work near the line of scrimmage. He attacks climbing blockers with heavy, aggressive hands. He also shows the strength to stack, compress gaps and finish with authority.”

— Lance Zierlein, Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Vikings will host Jake Golday for a pre-draft visit later this week as they evaluate their options at linebacker ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for next week.

The takeaway

The Vikings' interest in Jake Golday, a versatile and athletic linebacker from Cincinnati, signals their desire to add a high-impact player to their linebacker corps as they look to build a defense capable of returning the team to the playoffs.