Now that free agency has officially started, we can look ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft with renewed focus. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2026 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday.
Bio
Golday is one of those inspiring stories of grit and relentless pursuit of a dream.
He started his collegiate career as a zero star recruit by redshirting as a defensive end at Central Arkansas. He finally broke out in his sophomore season as a tackling machine, earning Second Team All-UAC by notching 84 tackles, seven TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. He transferred to Cincinnati and eventually became an absolute monster, filling up the stat sheet in 2025 with 105 tackles, six TFLs, and 3.5 sacks. While other linebackers get the headlines, Golday is a member of the top tier or two of backers in this draft.
Strengths/Weaknesses
Golday has the size (6’4”, 239 lbs) and athleticism (4.62 forty, 39” vertical, 10’5” broad jump, 7.02 three cone drill, 4.34 short shuttle) that the modern NFL craves. He is a consistent and technically sound tackler and block shedder. His background as a defensive end makes him a formidable blitzer, and his motor is constantly running. His speed and fluidity also allows Golday to get plenty of depth when dropping into coverage. That plus his sheer size can make throwing windows feel extremely small.
One area of concern that is also an area of projection is the fact that Golday only has one full season of being a collegiate off-ball linebacker. Some teams might view this as a chance he gets better, but he’s definitely still a work in progress. This really shows in zone coverage, as he gets moved off his landmarks a little too frequently. He is also a tick slow in processing the run and does not show a lot of strength at the point of attack.
Projection
Golday is an intriguing prospect that could blossom into a very good linebacker. He has all the physical tools and relentless motor that make a great middle of the defense player, but his lack of experience at the position makes him far from a sure thing. If he can improve the mental aspects of his game with more reps, he could become a defensive lynchpin. If he’s tapped out in terms of those mental aspects, though, he’ll find it hard to be a three down backer in the NFL.
The Panthers have addressed the linebacker position in free agency by signing Devin Lloyd, but Golday could be a good special teams player as he continues to learn the position from Lloyd. He could also push Trevin Wallace for the other starting ILB position. While Golday would not be the green dot linebacker, that might actually be beneficial for him as he can just get instructions from Lloyd and go play.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Jake Golday is available when the Panthers select in the 2026 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
