A zero-star recruit’s rise puts him on the Bills’ draft radar

There aren’t many players who reach the NFL after being zero-star recruits coming out of high school, but Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday is going to buck those odds in a couple weeks. Most likely on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, Golday is going to hear his name called and if he’s still sitting there when the Buffalo Bills go on the clock in the third round with the No. 91 pick, Brandon Beane might be the man on the other end of the phone.

During a college career that began at lower FCS-level Central Arkansas and finished at FBS-level Cincinnati, Golday did a little bit of everything as he played edge rusher, Sam linebacker and even some slot corner. That’s what will make him attractive to teams, his versatility and athleticism at a time when defenses seek out players who can be used in a variety of roles. “I think the evolution of spread offenses throughout high school and college football, it’s very similar to the NBA where it’s created a little bit more positionless types of (defensive) players,” Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said.

“There are unique skill sets all around the NFL where guys don’t quite fit in your traditional box of edge defender, defensive tackle, nickel, safety. “That’s where I’ve had the most success in my career as a coach was finding those guys that fit in a little bit different role. Their main value is the versatility that they bring, being a Swiss Army knife, high football IQ, communication skills.

” Several linebacker prospects in this draft fit that mold, and Golday is certainly an intriguing option, especially given his steady ascendency since high school. “Yeah, I was an underdog coming out of high school, didn't have many offers or opportunities,” Golday said at the combine, recalling that the only FBS program to show interest was Air Force. “Took the best offer I had going into Central Arkansas, made the most out of that opportunity.