Minnesota Vikings to host fascinating NFL Draft prospect who would provide Brian Flores’ defense with something they don’t have
The Minnesota Vikings have a bevy of needs on defense, including at linebacker. They would be wise to take one in a solid NFL Draft class for the position, and are now meeting with one in Jake Golday.
The NFL Draft is going to be really interesting for the Minnesota Vikings.
Across the media, the debate rages about who the VIkings should take with 18th overall. So far, the consensus is Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman, who has 117 selections across 386 mock drafts since January 1st. While safety is a position of need, it arguably shouldn’t be the top pick due to the sheer depth of the class.
One position group that isn’t as deep as others is linebacker. The Vikings only have Eric Wilson signed after the 2026 season, making it a bigger need than it may seem on the surface. They are doing their due diligence on the position, including hosting a player who could potentially sneak into the first round.
Minnesota Vikings to host Jake Golday on top 30 visit
SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson was the first to report that the Vikings would be hosting talented linebacker Jake Golday of the Cincinnati Bearcats on a top-30 visit.
After spending three years at Central Arkansas, Golday played for the Bearcats over the last two years. During his career, he mostly played as an overhang, lining up in the slot and playing overhang frequently. At 6-4 and 240 pounds, he was playing somewhat out of position, as he thrived against the run.
Golday is an impactful run defender in multiple facets. He is willing to take on blockers, using the pop in his hands to knock them off balance, and has the strength to halt their momentum. Golday is also very patient, doing a good job of not overcommitting to misdirection, play-action, or RPOs.
Where defensive coordinator Brian Flores will like Golday is as a blitzer. He is a great linear mover, thriving in attacking gaps with quickness and explosion. He does all of this while staying in control and not getting reckless in any way.
While there is a small chance that Golday makes it into the first round with his size and athletic profile, he is likely a day two player. The main reason is his flaws in coverage. He overdrops in zone coverage, which allows offenses to attack his area, and doesn’t have fluid hips to change direction quickly.
It’s a wise move for the Vikings to meet with Golday and get more information on him and other Bearcats, including nose tackle Dontay Corleone.
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