One prospect who may interest the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft is Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday. He is a 6-4, 239-pound linebacker who is viewed as one of the top linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, has Golday ranked as the fourth-best linebacker and the 42nd overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Golday played two seasons at Cincinnati and was a highly productive player for them. During his two seasons, he played in 24
games and totaled 163 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 5 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles. This past season, he totaled 105 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble. Due to his performance this past season, Golday was a First-Team All-Big 12 player for 2025 and a Semifinalist for the Butkus Award.
The Broncos re-signed veteran linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad this offseason, but still have questions at linebacker. Both linebackers will be 30+ years old this season and are not long-term options for the team. Adding a player like Golday would give them a player who can compete for playing time right away and add depth behind both veteran players.
Player Profile
Jake Golday | Linebacker | Cincinnati
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 239 pounds
- Arm Length: 31 7/8
- Hands: 9.5 inches
- 40-time: 4.62 seconds
- 10-Yard Split: 1.6 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 39 inches
- Broad Jump: 10-5
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 seconds
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.34 seconds
Film Room
Scouting Report
Strengths
- Has the size, speed, and athleticism you look for in a modern-day linebacker
- Explosive player with a motor that doesn’t quit
- Rangy linebacker who can cover sideline to sideline
- Strong at the point of attack vs. blockers and is able to shed them to get to the ball carrier
- Reliable wrap-up tackler who quickly brings down the ball carrier when he gets his mitts on them
- Was used effectively as a pressure player in college and has pass-rush upside
- Strong vs. the run
- A bit raw as a prospect, but has a high upside
Weakness
- While he flashes in coverage at times, he is more of a downhill linebacker right now
- He has only had one full season as a traditional linebacker
- Can be a little slow to read and react
- Raw player who is still learning the position and will need time to develop
What other analysts are saying about Cincinnati LB Jake Golday
The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, on Cincinnati LB Jake Golday
Golday was asked to operate in a ton of space in college (almost like a nickel defender), which helped showcase his gazelle-like speed to chase down the ball anywhere on the field. His mental processing took a clear jump in 2025, which was the hope in his second season as a full-time overhang linebacker.
NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein on Cincinnati LB Jake Golday
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. While his performance at the point of attack stands out, he can be a little late diagnosing play design and needs to work with a more preemptive downhill trigger at times. He’s more powerful than elusive as a blitzer and is average in coverage. Golday’s traits, explosiveness and field demeanor should make him an early special teams standout with the potential to eventually start at Sam or inside linebacker.
LB Jake Golday’s RAS
Does Cincinnati LB Jake Golday make sense for the Broncos in the 2nd round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
He fits the profile of the type of linebacker they seem to like.
The Broncos haven’t drafted a ton of linebackers during the Sean Payton and George Paton era, but based on the players they have added, they seem to like linebackers like Jake Golday. I know this comparison is not one many Broncos fans will want to hear, but he reminds me a lot of Drew Sanders when he was a draft prospect.
A big and athletic player transitioning from edge rusher to off-ball linebacker with loads of potential. It’s hard not to make the comparison, and if they liked Sanders, they will probably like Golday. Injuries have derailed Drew Sanders’ career a bit, but he had the potential to develop into a starter if he hadn’t missed so much time due to injuries.
There’s a lot to like about Golday. He is a big, rangy, athletic linebacker with good wrap-up skills and can rush the passer when needed. His coverage ability is average at best, but he will need to develop that area of his game and work on his read and reacting skills. Those all will come with snaps in practice and on the field during games. Another thing I like is his motor. Golday plays with his hair on fire and never quits on a play.
All the tools and potential are there; you just need to develop him. If drafted by the Broncos, he could learn behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, play special teams, and have time to develop. However, with the Broncos picking at 62nd overall, there’s a good chance that Golday is off the board well before they pick. If he is there, I could see the Broncos having interest in him.
